Simulation of Polymeric Insulators Ageing Induced by the Impact Energy of Electrons During Partial Discharge Activity

The economic and reliable sizing of High-Voltage (HV) insulation systems requires the evaluation of the expected life when they are under normal stresses. However, when solid dielectric polymers are used, organic materials in general, Partial Discharges (PDs) activity in cavities inside the dielectric bulk accelerates the ageing process due to chemical and physical degradation mechanisms. On the other hand, prognosis tools based on external PD measurements are required in order to take decisions about the maintenance actions. In this work, a study on the degradation rate driven by the impact energy of electrons during PDs, a method based on simulations and a proposed degradation function are presented. Comparisons of calculated life obtained from measurements show good agreement. Additionally, a diagnostic quantity based on the induced PD current is proposed.