Analysis of the influence of a conductive particle on the surface flashover characteristics of epoxy dielectric in atmospheric air.

The insulation design of high-voltage equipment is based on physical information about surface discharge mechanism. However, few studies have provided the information. This paper presents a peculiar-surface discharge characteristic in the presence of particle around an epoxy surface. Surface discharge experiments were conducted to measure partial discharge (V P) and surface flashover voltage (V F) with particle locations from the epoxy surface in atmospheric air. There was no the significant change in V P on the particle location. In contrast, V F revealed the distinctive-insulation characteristic that showed its peak. This characteristic was described from the space charge and the proposed surface discharge mechanism. • Discharge experiments were performed in the presence of a particle around an epoxy. • The flashover voltage showed a peak at a particular position of the particle. • The surface discharge mechanism was proposed to interpret the peak of flashover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]