Design of Hilbert Fractal Antenna for Partial Discharge Detection in Cable Joints

Effective detection of partial discharge faults is of vital importance for ensuring efficient power transmission. Currently, there are various partial discharge signal detection methods, such as the differential method and high-frequency current detection method. However, these methods suffer from low detection accuracy and narrow signal bandwidth. In this paper, the Hilbert fractal antenna is chosen as the research subject. The Hilbert antenna is an ultra-wideband, small-sized antenna that offers high detection accuracy and a broad detection bandwidth. As the location of the feed point affects the impedance matching and antenna parameters, optimizing the feed point position can significantly impact antenna performance. Through simulation and optimization using HFSS software, the feed point of the fourth-order Hilbert fractal antenna is selected and optimized. Additionally, the lengths of three different conductors, substrate thickness, and conductor width are also optimized. The optimization results demonstrate that within the frequency range of 0.3 GHz to 3 GHz, there are four resonant points. The overall bandwidth reaches 400 MHz within the range of 0.3 GHz to 1 GHz, and the antenna exhibits good overall directivity. The antenna exhibits suitable dimensions and excellent performance, making it suitable for capturing ultra-high-frequency signals of partial discharges in cables.