Estimation of particle initiated PD inception voltage around spacer in GIS

The presence of conducting particles is a well-recognized threat to Gas-Insulated System (GIS) equipments. This study computes the electric field strength in simulated GIS model in the presence of conducting particle adhering to the spacer surface. The simulation results will be helpful to address the difficulties in acquiring accurate measurement and analysis of electric field non-uniformity in GIS due to the presence of conducting particles. The degree of electric field non-uniformity was identified by evaluating the electric field on large number of points within the area between the two electrodes. The information gathered from the simulation was used in estimating partial discharge inception voltage (PDIV) for the parallel-plane electrode configuration. The estimated PDIV values were confirmed by the experimental investigation using the IEC 60270 method.