3D Model of partial discharge in defects with different sizes and positions in power cable for distribution and transmission networks

The knowledge of partial discharge (PD) phenomena inside electrical insulation of power cables is an important issue for assessing the insulation condition and its degradation state, obtaining information about the likelihood of failure. PDs cause signals to propagate along the cable, as noise phenomena, and contribute to the insulation degradation, culminating in a disruptive fault with the interruption of power supply. Therefore, PDs are considered the best ‘early warning’ indicators of insulation degradation and their modelling, with the development of on-line PDs location methods, are important topics to increase the networks’ electricity security. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) model of PD events using the CST STUDIO® Dassault software is proposed. PDs inside air inclusions in epoxy-resin are analysed with different shapes, positions and sizes of the defect. The electric-field distribution is evaluated with the conduction current inside the void and the apparent charges induced on the electrode. The effectiveness of the model is validated by comparing the simulation results with other published experimental results. Finally, a description of a 3D–1D hybrid model useful to describe the propagation of PD signals in power networks is given.