Modelling of partial discharge behaviour in a spherical cavity within a solid dielectric material as a function of temperature

Partial discharge (PD) is an electrical discharge within a dielectric which does not bridge the electrodes. PD measurement has been widely used for assessing performance of insulation systems. Modelling of PD activity gives an insight of this activity and can provide important information for insulation diagnosis. In this paper, a finite element analysis (FEA) method has been used to build a model of PD activity within a spherical cavity in a dielectric material. The model has been used to study critical parameters and physical mechanisms affecting PD activity as a function of temperature. Critical parameters from the model have been identified through comparison between simulation and measurement results.