Physical models for field based partial discharge measurements

Current models of partial discharge (PD) behaviour are focused on the reproduction of deterministic, experimental data. This data is traditionally taken under strictly controlled conditions and thus exhibits minimal noise. This contrasts field PD measurements which exhibit high levels of stochasticity and extreme sensitivity to on-site conditions. In this paper partial discharge measurements are simulated from three-phase cable experiments, which aim to imitate conditions found in the field. The results show good agreement between experimental and simulated data, in terms of both phase resolved plots and non-linear invariants. The numerous additions and improvements required to describe PD behaviour in field equipment are discussed, and will form the basis for future work.