Innovating for safety: the journey of partial discharge measurement tools at Hydro-Quebec

Hydro-Quebec, a leading Canadian utility, has pioneered the development of partial discharge (PD) measurement tools to enhance the safety and reliability of its extensive underground medium voltage (MV) distribution network. Over the past thirty years, Hydro-Quebec has introduced multiple generations of PD detection devices. This article details the evolution of these innovations, emphasizing the challenges, technological advancements. We examine how these tools have adapted to meet the rigorous demands of field conditions and their role in identifying and preventing potential network failures. The article follows the progression of these tools from initial exploratory stages to the deployment of advanced, user-friendly devices for non-expert workers, highlighting the technical innovations, field applications, and their significant contribution to improving network reliability and worker safety.