Detection and Propagation Characteristics of Partial Discharge Optical Signal Based on Fluorescent Fiber Sensor

Partial discharge (PD) faults frequently occur in the high-voltage power supply systems of spacecraft. This prevalent quality defect in the insulation system of high-voltage power equipment significantly impacts the stable and safe operation of the equipment. Therefore, the detection of space PD is of great significance for the timely and accurate identification of discharge faults and ensuring spacecraft safety. In this article, PD is the research object, and using the unique technical advantages of optical fiber sensing, a cerium-doped yttrium aluminate (YAP:Ce) fluorescent optical fiber sensor is designed. Based on the space discharge ground simulation experimental platform, the sensor enables accurate detection of space PD pulse signals and exhibits a rapid response to such signals. In order to study the propagation characteristics of the discharge optical signal, this article establishes a simulation model of the space discharge ground simulation experimental platform. The study investigates the propagation characteristics of the discharge optical signal, analyzes the distribution of the optical signal inside the discharge chamber during space discharge, explores the exponential attenuation relationship of the discharge optical signal with the change of propagation distance, and validates the simulation results through ground experiments. The deviation of the experimental results from the simulation results is less than 10%. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent identification and localization of space discharge faults.