zPulse characteristics and pattern analysis of corona discharges with different pressboard insulation barriers

Corona discharge is one of the significant problem associated with power transformer and can occur due to sharp points or free conductive particles. The existence of sharp points at joints or terminals or conducting parts is very difficult to avoid completely during the manufacturing process of the transformer. The free conductive particles can arise from manufacturing process or can be developed during service period of the transformer. These free conductive particles can adhere to paper or pressboard insulation barrier or freely move in the bulk oil. In transformers highly non uniform fields are often present due to sharp points and free conducting particles, so detecting their effect on the transformer is very critical for the life of transformer. In the present investigation, to generate a high voltage corona in air or oil, a test chamber of dimension 50cm x 50cm x 50cm made from Perspex material and fitted with removable needle plane electrode arrangement has been used. The discharge measurements are carried out using Partial Discharge (PD) measurement technique according to IEC 60270. The results obtained are presented and discussed. Discharge pulse characteristics such as magnitude, rise time and decay time of different needle plane barrier configurations are analyzed. This paper also discussing pattern analysis and dominant frequency of discharges due to different needle plane barrier configurations.