Abstract
This research investigates the impact of high velocity air flow on Partial Discharge (PD) patterns generated in strongly inhomogeneous fields. In the laboratory, a needle plane electrode configuration was exposed to a high electrical DC-field and a laminar air flow up to 22 m/s. The needle was connected to a variable DC potential of up to 100 kV over a grounded plate in order to trigger different corona modes. The impact of the air flow on the space charges created in the vicinity of the electrode is evaluated by means of PD measurements in time domain. The results indicate that the wind increases the frequency and magnitude of partial discharges in the vicinity of the electrode due to an increased rate of space charge removal around the tip of the needle and in the gap. The positive polarity shows higher dependency on air flow compared to the negative polarity. It is shown that positive breakdown streamer corona can be extinguished if wind speeds of more than 14.3 m/s are applied to the electrode.
Highlights
The frequency of upward lightning attachment to tall structures and wind turbines is biased by the height of the structure, topography of the surrounding environment, meteorological conditions and nearby lightning activity [1]
The results indicate that the wind increases the frequency and magnitude of partial discharges in the vicinity of the electrode due to an increased rate of space charge removal around the tip of the needle and in the gap
Recent publications indicate that the impact of air flow may have a distinct impact on the distribution of space charges around the Lightning Protection System (LPS) of a structure which in turn may impact the frequency of the formation of upward lightning leaders [2]
Summary
The frequency of upward lightning attachment to tall structures and wind turbines is biased by the height of the structure, topography of the surrounding environment, meteorological conditions and nearby lightning activity [1]. Recent publications indicate that the impact of air flow may have a distinct impact on the distribution of space charges around the Lightning Protection System (LPS) of a structure which in turn may impact the frequency of the formation of upward lightning leaders [2]. Stationary objects, such as Franklin rods installed on towers, exposed to negative charged thunderclouds create positive charged space charges, which slowly propagate towards the cloud and hereby reduce the electric field around the extremities of the buildings. The measurements were performed in the laboratory of the Technical University of Denmark
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