Modelling of partial discharge spectra measured with variable applied frequency

Variable Frequency Phase Resolved Partial Discharge Analysis (VF-PRPDA) is a newly developed method for partial discharge measurements. In this method the frequency of the applied voltage is variable and not fixed at the power frequency as in the standard PRPDA implementation. In this paper, simulations illuminate the frequency dependence of PD of a discharging cavity embedded in an otherwise homogeneous insulation. It is shown how the frequency dependence is influenced by the conductivity of the bulk insulation, the surface conductivity of the cavity walls and the statistical time lag. The results of simulations are compared with result of measurements on an asphalt-mica insulated machine stator bar.