A Wideband Spiral UHF Coupler with Tuning Nodules for Partial Discharge Detection

This paper reports on the development and testing of a wideband spiral-shaped coupler for Partial Discharge (PD) detection in the UHF spectrum. The coupler design, which is based on the log-periodic spiral slot antenna, has been optimized using finite element simulation. The following parameters have been optimized: feed location, arm termination shape, width of arm root and termination. The unique feature of the coupler is the inclusion of tuning nodules on the spiral arms, which widen its bandwidth without the need for additional components. Tests in an anechoic chamber have shown close agreement with the simulation results. The coupler exhibits a wide bandwidth (S11 < - 9.55 dB) between 0.5 – 2.6 GHz and a peak gain of 4.8 dBi (at 1.35 GHz), while using an infinite balun coaxial feed which allows for an input impedance of 50 Ω. PD testing in the laboratory has shown that the phase resolved PD patterns acquired with the coupler are very similar to those captured with conventional PD sensors. An application of the coupler as an internal sensor in a gas-insulated busduct is detailed and a bandwidth comparison with other UHD PD sensors is provided.