How to Choose a Partial Discharge Sensor for Substations in Vietnam and Thailand
Vietnam and Thailand are expanding and upgrading their transmission and distribution networks at scale, and with that expansion comes a decision many engineers face for the first time: which partial discharge sensor should we standardize on? The right choice depends on your switchgear type, voltage level, operating environment and whether you need online data. Here is a practical selection framework.
Step 1: Match the Sensor to the Switchgear
| Switchgear Type | Recommended Sensor | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Air-insulated MV panels | TEV sensor / handheld TEV+AE | Surface discharge and tracking detection on panel surfaces |
| GIS (66–500 kV) | UHF sensor | Penetrates sealed SF6 compartments; detects internal defects |
| HV cable circuits | HFCT clamp | Non-invasive coupling on cable earths |
| Transformer bushings | HFCT + AE | Detection plus source location |
Step 2: Decide Online vs Portable
Portable instruments are ideal for commissioning, periodic screening and troubleshooting across many sites. Permanent sensors make sense where failure consequences are severe and where data continuity enables trend-based maintenance. Many utilities in Vietnam and Thailand standardize on portable first, then add permanent sensors on critical bays.
Step 3: Check the Operating Environment
- Humidity: coastal sites in Vietnam and tropical Thailand need sensors with IP-protected, corrosion-resistant enclosures.
- Temperature: verify the sensor’s operating range against outdoor cabinet conditions.
- Retrofit constraints: for existing GIS, choose UHF sensors sized for standard inspection ports; for new build, specify built-in sensors at design stage.
Step 4: Verify Integration and Support
- Does the sensor output integrate with your existing SCADA or a dedicated platform?
- Does the supplier support local engineers with training and remote diagnostics?
- Are spare sensors and accessories available with reasonable lead time?
HUWOR’s partial discharge sensor range covers TEV, UHF, HFCT and combined 3-in-1 / 4-in-1 options, including the 3-in-1 partial discharge sensor that combines TEV, HFCT and AE in one package for comprehensive MV panel coverage.
Start with a Pilot, Then Standardize
The fastest path in Vietnam and Thailand is a pilot: screen 2–3 representative substations with portable instruments, install permanent sensors on one critical bay, and review three months of data before standardizing. This produces evidence your procurement team can act on. For help structuring the pilot and configuring sensors for local conditions, contact our export team or visit the Southeast Asia solutions page.