MS Pico System: Advanced Solution for Partial Discharge Monitoring 

As the world of electrical systems continues to evolve, the importance of maintaining electrical asset health has never been more critical. In particular, understanding the condition of high-voltage insulation is paramount for ensuring the reliability and longevity of power grids, transformers, and other electrical infrastructure.

This is where partial discharge (PD) monitoring plays a key role in predictive maintenance. To aid in the enhancement of PD monitoring, Dutco presents the revolutionary MS Pico Monitoring System, which will be showcased at the Middle East Energy (MEE) 2025 exhibition.

The MS Pico system, designed for partial discharge monitoring with GPS synchronization, brings advanced technology to electrical asset condition monitoring. This article will delve into the features, applications, and benefits of the MS Pico System, a portable, powerful tool for high-voltage insulation testing and DGA partial discharge monitoring.

Before diving into the specifics of the MS Pico system, it's essential to understand why partial discharge monitoring is crucial for electrical assets. Partial discharges (PD) are small electrical discharges that occur when there is a defect or weakness in the insulation of electrical equipment.

Over time, these discharges can lead to the breakdown of insulation, resulting in equipment failure and unplanned outages. Partial discharge measurement serves as a diagnostic tool for detecting such issues early, providing critical information about the health of the insulation.

In power transformers, switchgear, cables, and other high-voltage equipment, continuous monitoring of PD can prevent major failures and ensure the system’s reliability.

Traditional methods of PD monitoring often require large, stationary equipment, which can be impractical for routine testing or on-site diagnostics.

The MS Pico Monitoring System addresses this challenge by offering a compact, portable solution that enhances the accuracy and convenience of partial discharge monitoring.

At the heart of MS Pico, developed by Ampacimon, lies an advanced partial discharge monitoring system that ensures real-time, accurate data collection. Let's take a closer look at the system’s key features and what sets it apart from other PD monitoring solutions:

1. Compact and Portable Design

Unlike traditional, bulky PD monitoring systems, the MS Pico system is designed to be highly portable. Weighing just a few kilograms, it is ideal for on-the-go diagnostics, whether in the field or at a substation. This compact design makes it easy for engineers to carry it from one site to another, significantly reducing downtime when conducting tests and measurements on equipment.

2. High-Voltage Insulation Testing

One of the standout features of the MS Pico system is its ability to conduct high-voltage insulation testing. The system can monitor PD in transformers, switchgear, and cables operating at high voltages, providing vital insights into the insulation’s condition. This allows for proactive maintenance and reduces the risk of costly equipment failure due to insulation breakdowns.

3. GPS Synchronization

The MS Pico system is equipped with GPS synchronization, enabling accurate timestamping and location tracking of partial discharge events. This is particularly important in complex networks with multiple assets spread across large areas. The GPS synchronization feature helps engineers pinpoint the exact location of partial discharges, enabling faster and more precise diagnostics.

4. Real-Time Data Collection and Analysis

MS Pico not only detects partial discharges but also provides real-time data collection and analysis. The system continuously monitors the health of electrical assets and offers detailed insights into partial discharge activity.

This data can be viewed on a laptop or smartphone via a user-friendly interface, allowing for immediate decision-making and better management of electrical assets.

5. High Sensitivity and Accuracy

One of the critical advantages of the MS Pico system is its high sensitivity to partial discharge activity. The system is capable of detecting even the smallest partial discharges, ensuring that no potential problem goes unnoticed. Accurate measurements are essential for assessing the condition of electrical equipment and predicting its lifespan.

6. Integration with Other Monitoring Systems

The MS Pico system is designed to be compatible with other monitoring systems and asset management tools. This allows for seamless integration into an existing monitoring infrastructure, providing a comprehensive view of the health of electrical assets across the network.

7. Long Battery Life and Durability

Given its portable nature, the MS Pico is designed for prolonged use without frequent recharging. With a long-lasting battery and rugged construction, the system is well-suited for use in harsh environments, ensuring reliability even in remote locations.

The versatility of the MS Pico monitoring system allows it to be applied across a wide range of industries and sectors that rely on high-voltage equipment. Some of the most common applications include:

1. Power Generation and Distribution

In power plants and substations, the MS Pico system is used to monitor the condition of critical electrical assets such as transformers, switchgear, and cables. Detecting partial discharges early allows plant operators to schedule maintenance before any major faults occur, minimizing downtime and preventing expensive repairs.

2. Electrical Asset Condition Monitoring

The system is ideal for electrical asset condition monitoring, ensuring that equipment such as transformers and switchgear remains in optimal working condition. By monitoring PD over time, engineers can track the progression of insulation degradation and plan for timely interventions.

3. Preventive Maintenance in High-Voltage Networks

The MS Pico system plays a crucial role in preventive maintenance in high-voltage networks. By detecting PD activity early, operators can take necessary actions to address insulation issues before they escalate into more significant faults. This proactive approach helps avoid unexpected failures and ensures a stable power supply.

4. Testing and Commissioning of Electrical Equipment

During the testing and commissioning phase of electrical installations, the MS Pico system can be used to conduct high-voltage insulation testing and PD measurements. This ensures that new equipment is free from defects and ready for operation in the power grid.

The introduction of the MS Pico system into the world of partial discharge monitoring offers numerous benefits, especially when compared to traditional PD monitoring methods. These include:

1. Early Detection of Issues

One of the most significant advantages of using the MS Pico system is its ability to detect insulation degradation and partial discharges early. Early detection enables operators to take corrective actions before any significant failures occur, reducing unplanned downtime and repair costs.

2. Improved Asset Management

With continuous PD monitoring, operators can gain a clear understanding of the health of their electrical assets. This data can be used to optimize maintenance schedules and extend the lifespan of critical equipment.

3. Reduced Risk of Failure

By continuously monitoring the health of insulation and electrical systems, the MS Pico system significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic equipment failure. This leads to increased system reliability and decreased downtime for utilities and businesses.

4. Enhanced Operational Efficiency

The portable, easy-to-use nature of the MS Pico system improves operational efficiency. Engineers can quickly move between multiple sites, conduct thorough testing, and immediately analyze results. This increases the speed and accuracy of diagnostics, leading to faster decision-making.

5. Cost-Effective

Investing in the MS Pico system can lead to long-term savings by avoiding costly repairs, unexpected outages, and equipment replacements. The system’s proactive approach to DGA partial discharge monitoring and high-voltage insulation testing ensures that assets are well-maintained, reducing the need for emergency interventions.

General Specifications:

1. • Model: MS Pico

   • Type: Portable Partial Discharge Monitoring System

   • Applications: High-voltage insulation testing, electrical asset condition monitoring, partial discharge measurement

   • Power Supply: Rechargeable battery with long-lasting performance for field operations

   • Dimensions: Compact, lightweight design for easy handling and portability

   • Weight: Approximately 3-5 kg (depending on configuration)

   • Connectivity: Wireless data transfer (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)

Measurement Specifications:

2. • Partial Discharge Detection:

     • Frequency Range: 50 Hz to 1 MHz

     • Sensitivity: Capable of detecting small partial discharge events down to 1 pC (picoCoulomb)

   • Data Sampling Rate: 10 MHz (or higher, depending on the system configuration)

   • Input Voltage Range: Suitable for testing up to 400 kV (depending on the insulation level and configuration)

   • Detection Mode: Continuous real-time PD detection

   • Noise Filtering: Advanced noise filtering to differentiate between PD events and external interference

GPS Synchronization:

3. • GPS Accuracy: High accuracy (within a few meters) for precise time and location stamping of PD events

   • Synchronization: GPS synchronization for large-scale PD monitoring networks to timestamp and geographically locate discharge events

Data Storage and Analysis:

4. • Memory Capacity: Internal memory with sufficient storage for weeks of continuous data collection

   • Data Export: Capable of exporting data in standard formats (CSV, Excel, PDF) for easy analysis and reporting

   • Real-Time Monitoring: Provides real-time PD data visualization, trends, and alerts

Environmental Specifications:

5. • Operating Temperature: -10°C to +50°C (14°F to 122°F)

   • Humidity Range: 5% to 95% (non-condensing)

   • Protection Rating: IP54 (dust and water-resistant)

User Interface:

6. • Display: Color touch screen for intuitive navigation and data presentation

   • Software: Compatible with PC and mobile applications for remote monitoring and analysis

   • Alerts: Real-time audible and visual alerts for detected PD events

   • Interface Language: Multi-language support

Communication

7. • Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB for data transfer

   • Remote Monitoring: Integration with remote monitoring platforms for centralized data access and analysis

   • Integration: Can integrate with other monitoring systems for comprehensive asset management

Battery and Charging:

8. • Battery Life: Up to 12 hours of continuous monitoring on a single charge

   • Charging: Rechargeable via USB or dedicated charging station.

Compliance and Standards:

9. • Safety Standards: Compliant with international safety standards for high-voltage testing equipment (e.g., IEC, IEEE)

   • EMC Compliance: Meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements to operate in industrial environments without interference

Optional Accessories:

• External Sensors: Compatible with a variety of external sensors for customized measurement setups

• Carrying Case: Protective case for portability and safe storage during transportation.

The MS Pico Monitoring System by Ampacimon, showcased by Dutco at MEE 2025, offers an innovative solution to the challenges of partial discharge measurement ,partial discharge testing and high-voltage insulation testing.

With its portable design, GPS synchronization, and advanced features, it empowers engineers to detect issues early, optimize maintenance schedules, and enhance the overall reliability of electrical infrastructure.

For utilities, businesses, and engineers focused on electrical asset condition monitoring, the MS Pico system represents the future of PD monitoring with GPS synchronization, providing real-time insights that drive proactive maintenance and long-term asset health.