Study on the partial discharge characteristics in different solid and gaseous dielectric by simulation

The study of partial discharge (PD) characteristics in different solid and gaseous dielectric is helpful not only to find the rule of PD in different materials, but also to advance the insulating quality of dielectric materials. The numerical simulation of PD is easy to change the parameters of simulation model, and it is an effective approach to studying PD. In our research, the physical model of PD in single void was modified and some key parameters in it were calculated approximately, including the discharge inception voltage, the discharge extinction voltage, and the capacitances of the samples and voids. Using this modified model, the PD characteristics in three solid materials (epoxide resin, polystyrene and polyethylene) were simulated, as well as that in three gaseous dielectrics (air, N2, and SF6) enclosed in the void. At last, the discharge rule in these materials was obtained. The simulation results help us to understand the PD mechanics profoundly, and then research some new type insulating materials.