TAIYUAN, China – What started as a routine product training session turned into a real‑world fault detection mission – and helped a heavy‑industry substation in northern China avoid a potential insulation failure.
During an on‑site technical visit to a coal mining infrastructure site in Taiyuan, a field engineer from Wuhan Moen Intelligent Electric Co., Ltd. was demonstrating the MOEORW‑WPD526S Multifunctional Infrared Acoustic PD Detector. While training local staff on a live switchgear panel, the device clearly indicated a moderate partial discharge (PD) signal – leading the team to locate and repair the fault before it could cause an unplanned outage.
"The customer saw the real value – not just a product demo, but a working tool that can find hidden problems before they cause trouble," said the attending engineer. "They left the training confident in using the WPD526S for daily substation patrols."
Pinpointing the Discharge with Acoustics and AI
The MOEORW-WPD526S is a compact, battery‑operated handheld detector that integrates a 64‑channel high‑sensitivity digital microphone array with a high‑definition camera. Using beamforming technology, it captures acoustic data, generates real‑time sound image cloud maps, and overlays them on live video – enabling precise localization of partial discharge and gas leakage.
https://www.hvhipotsystem.com/partial-discharge-test-equipment/ultrasonic-partial-discharge-tester/handheld-ultrasonic-pd-detector.html
During the training, the engineer first demonstrated the device's built‑in ultrasonic (AE) and transient earth voltage (TEV) sensors for switchgear inspection. Local technicians learned how to measure background and cabinet values, and interpret PRPD/PRPS phase‑resolved patterns, time‑domain waveforms, and historical trend graphs.
On the third day, while testing an operational panel, the WPD526S flagged a clear discharge signal. Using the acoustic localization function, the engineer traced the source to a specific terminal. The on‑site team immediately arranged for inspection and repair – preventing what could have escalated into a severe insulation failure or costly outage.
One Tool, Multiple Applications
The WPD526S is designed for switchgear, GIS, transformers, cables, and overhead lines. Thanks to its external sensor ports, it can be paired with optional probes including:
- Contact‑ultrasonic (for transformers)
- UHF (for GIS)
- High‑frequency current transformer (HFCT, for cables)
- Parabolic collector (for overhead lines / insulators)
- An optional infrared thermal imager (384×288 resolution, –20 °C to +400 °C) can be added for simultaneous hotspot detection.
By the end of the visit, the customer's personnel were able to operate the WPD526S independently, generate inspection reports via USB or Bluetooth export, and identify potential discharge sources using its multi‑spectrum analysis tools.
About Wuhan Moen Intelligent Electric Co., Ltd.
Headquartered in Wuhan, China, Moen specializes in R&D and manufacturing of high‑voltage test equipment, partial discharge detectors, insulation resistance testers, and transformer diagnostic instruments. The company provides tailored technical support and training for customers worldwide.
