Comparison of PD and Breakdown Characteristics Induced by Metal Particles and Bubbles in Flowing Transformer Oil

Metal particles and bubbles are two typical impurities in transformer oil that can cause partial discharge (PD) and even electric breakdown. The PD characteristics are closely related to the motions of these impurities in flowing transformer oil. In this paper, the motions of impurities were obtained by a camera and a simulation model at first. Then, we employed three methods, namely, antennas, a non-inductive resistor, and the method recommended by IEC 60270, to measure the PD signals simultaneously. The breakdown experiments of transformer oil containing the metal particles and bubbles were also performed. In terms of these, single PD waveforms, statistical characteristics, and breakdown voltage were obtained. The results showed that the metal particles could excite ultrahigh frequency (300 MHz-3 GHz) PD signals, whereas bubbles only excited signals in the very high-frequency band (30-300 MHz). Moreover, the PDs induced by the metal particles had a higher repetition rate and a smaller amplitude than the PDs induced by bubbles. In addition, the metal particles easily caused PD, whereas bubbles easily led to the breakdown. Possible reasons for different discharge characteristics between the two impurities were discussed on the basis of the motions of impurities and the distortions of electric field.