PD Monitoring │Part 2: The Tech Behind Continuous Defect Tracking #127

In Part 2 of our mini-series on Partial Discharge (PD) monitoring, OMICRON experts Daniel Gebhardt and Hendrik Schleifer discuss the technical execution and operational benefits of continuous online PD monitoring. While Part 1 focused on "why" PD monitoring benefits asset managers, Part 2 explores "how" these systems automatically track insulation issues 24/7 in electrical power assets.

Daniel and Hendrik explain how modern PD monitoring systems use PRPD and 3PARD technology to filter out external noise and focus on PD signals to identify insulation defects. They detail how data integrates directly into existing SCADA networks via IEC 61850 or Modbus TCP and how PD monitoring systems ensure a gap-free online history of developing defects and alert operators about rapid changes.

Finally, they highlight how continuous defect tracking delivers the trend analysis needed to optimize asset planning, ease workloads, and empower confident maintenance decisions without requiring diagnostic expertise–ultimately ensuring greater peace of mind.

Be sure to listen to Part 1 to get the complete picture of continuous online PD monitoring.

"Spot checks are helpful, but if you want to build a comprehensive asset health view, you need continuous data to track developments over time. This provides a gap-free history over a long period. Even if defects are present, as long as they don’t worsen, it gives you a clear understanding of what is acceptable and what requires action."

Hendrik Schleifer

PD Monitoring Software Developer & Product Owner, OMICRON

"A PD monitoring system that alerts you the moment something changes enables more reliable planning. Even if you maintain scheduled annual maintenance, you gain flexibility in how you plan and execute it. You also get peace of mind knowing the system will reliably alert you to sudden changes, allowing you to focus on other tasks that need your attention."

Daniel Gebhardt

PD Monitoring System Product Manager, OMICRON