This paper dealt with a defect identification algorithm which is based on single partial discharge (PD) pulse analysis in gas insulated structure. Four types of electrode systems such as a needle-plane, a plane-needle, a free particle and a crack inside spacer were fabricated to simulate defects in gas insulated switchgear (GIS). We measured single PD pulse by an oscilloscope with a sampling rate of 5 GS/s and a frequency bandwidth of 1 GHz. Data aquisition and signal processing were controlled by a LabVIEW program. Physical shapes of PD pulses were compared with kurtosis, skewness and time-based parameters as rising time, falling time and pulse-width. These parameters were analysed by an algorithm with a back propagation algorithm (BPA). By applying the algorithm, the identification rate was 97% for the needle-plane electrode, 96% for the plane-needle electrode, 91% for the free particle and 93% for the crack inside spacer. The results verified that the algorithm could identify the type of defects in GIS.
