Magnetic field modulated dynamics of partial discharges in defects of high voltage insulating materials

This paper presents original measurement methodology and detection approach to determine the influence of the magnetic field on the partial discharge (PD) dynamics. The application areas refer to insulation systems of both grid and industrial network devices and emerging segments such as high-speed rail, electric vehicles or more electric aircrafts. Conventionally PD measurements are executed only in electric field, however the interaction of magnetic and electric fields influences the dynamics of PDs. The measurement technique allowed to detect quantitatively the effect of magnetic fields on PDs in two representative arrangements: in gaseous void in dielectric material and in corona point-plane setup. Measurements in both configurations have revealed amplification of PDs intensity. The quantitative comparison of PDs evolution in the magnetic field is a novel aspect shown in this paper. Combination of phase resolved images and time-sequence intensity diagrams obtained at magnetic field switching allowed to visualize and determine quantitatively this impact. This effect is attributed to the extension of the charged particle trajectory and the amplification of the electron energy due to acceleration. Thus, the investigated impact of a magnetic field can be perceived as an additional element that influences the PD dynamics.