A comprehensive circuit model for partial discharge activities in cable insulation due to electrical treeing

A new comprehensive circuit model is proposed for electrical trees in cable insulation to be used in partial discharge (PD) analyses. Simple relations are presented for each of circuit components. The effect of tree’s constructional parameters (such as length, growth angle and type), cable and insulation dimension (such as conductor radius and insulation thickness), needle dimension, temperature and insulation aging are considered in the proposed model. The patterns (pulse sequences, φ–q–n and φ–n) extracted from the proposed model are in a good agreement with the published experimental patterns under different conditions. Moreover, the model is fully compatible with the software packages, such as EMTP, that can simulate pulse propagation along cable networks.

► A comprehensive circuit model is proposed for electrical trees in cable insulations. ► The model parameters are completely defined based on analytical relations. ► The effects of various constructional and environmental conditions are considered. ► The results are in a good agreement with the published experimental patterns. ► The model is fully compatible with the software packages that can simulate PD propagation.