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

Abstract

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.

Investigation of electric field enhancement and effects of discharge severity in an insulated power cable with multiple gaseous cavities

“…For many years, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulated power cables have been utilized in high-and medium-voltage (MV) applications (Sharshir, et al, 2022). XLPE has outstanding dielectric, thermal, and mechanical qualities, allowing it to endure forces other than the primary electrical stress (Afia, et al, 2021;Pandey and Singh, 2021).…”

“…They operate as areas of increased field activity, which leads to partial discharge (PD) activities, causing electrical ageing and ultimately failure (Rodríguez-Serna, et al, 2020;Pan, et al, 2019). Research involving PD activity in power cables has been thoroughly investigated for diagnostic purposes (Refaat, et al, 2018;Zhang, et al, 2021). Specifically, (Zhang, et al, 2021) reviewed the PD mechanism and models utilized in the power cable PD study.…”

“…Furthermore, the modelling of a discharging cavity's field distribution is extensively established in the literature (Joseph, et al, 2019;Rodríguez-Serna and Albarracín-Sánchez, 2019;Ragusa, et al, 2020;Morsalin, et al, 2020;Morsalin and Phung, 2020;Musa, et al, 2021) One technique to contribute to the understanding of the PD phenomenon is to determine the electric field distribution throughout the cable insulation in the presence of multiple cavity defects. A physical model of the cable with the occurring cavities within the insulation must be generated in this respect, to analyse the field strength for PD prognosis before total failure.…”