Comparison between three-capacitance, analytical-based and finite element analysis partial discharge models in condition monitoring

An important and essential diagnostic tool for insulation systems in condition monitoring is partial discharge (PD) measurement. Through PD measurement, the results may be used for insulation condition assessment. However, the modelling of PD is important because it is helpful in attaining a better understanding of PD phenomenon. The physical mechanisms and critical parameters influencing PD events under various conditions of defects and stresses can be identified. The relationship between the insulation design parameters, test conditions and defect characteristics with PD activities can also be developed. There have been many researches that reported on simulation of PD events in a void in insulation material. PD models can be categorized in three models, they are the induced charge concept model, three-capacitance model and the finite element method models. Each model has its own strengths and limitations in certain aspects. Therefore, in this paper, comparative studies and simulations for various PD models that have been developed to date are reported and discussed. The disadvantages and advantages of every model are presented in details. The results from the simulation using those models were compared with the measurement data to observe their performance in terms of physical parameters values. From comparative studies between each model, the most suitable PD model can be chosen to simulate PD events depending on the requirement selected by the users