A wideband electromagnetic sensor/nearfield antenna

Abstract

Partial discharge (PD) is a localized phenomenon that occurs within or on the surface of electrical equipment, often leading to the degradation of insulation materials and potentially causing serious electrical failures if left undetected. This dissertation focuses on the design and optimization of a very high frequency (VHF) antenna sensor for the detection of PD in high-voltage electrical equipment. The proposed antenna is based on a Vivaldi structure, selected after a comprehensive evaluation of different sensor types. By integrating ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, the antenna's performance was optimized to achieve effective detection in the 1-3 GHz frequency range. Furthermore, a spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) structure was applied to enhance the sensor's anti-interference capabilities, allowing for improved noise suppression and signal reception. Simulation results demonstrated that the developed antenna achieved a 6 dB gain and demonstrated directional detection capabilities, with significant improvement in return loss performance across the 3-4.5 GHz band. The study also explored the influence of a small slot structure on antenna performance, verifying its impact through surface current distribution analysis. This research offers a novel approach to PD detection in complex electromagnetic environments, providing a practical solution for insulation monitoring and fault diagnosis in power systems.