Pulse height analysis of partial discharges in air

The pulse height distribution (PHD) functions of partial discharges (PDs) generated by AC voltage in air are investigated. The electrode systems used allow the investigation of single-source PDs and/or multiple-source discharges. Because voltage and the electrode configuration alter the PHD functions of even a single PD source, the overall effect of voltage an multiple-source discharges is rather complicated. The results indicate that the PHD functions of the multiple-source discharges are the superposition of the distribution functions of the discharges and the component sources acting alone. Knowledge of the PHD functions of the typical PD sources together with some kind of deconvolution technique could help in interpreting the results of PD measurements performed on more complex, real insulation systems and, perhaps, identify the main sources of PD in those systems