Numerical simulation of the barrier effect on the electric field distribution in point-plane air gaps using COMSOL multiphysics

Abstract

This research work presents the distribution of the electric field in point-barrier-plane air gaps taking into account the presence of a space charge under electric stress. A new approach of numerical simulation has been applied to study the barrier effect on the electric field distribution using COMSOL Multiphysics®. The introduction of an insulating barrier leads to a reduction of the electric field in the point-plane gap. The reduction is remarkable when the barrier is placed close to the point. The simulation was performed with the COMSOL Multiphysics® simulation software based on finite element method. This method is used to obtain a general solution of the governing equations of the coupled space charge and electric field problem. This model has been developed for a point-barrier-plane system with a distance between electrodes equal to 1m. The parameters, which influence the field, are numerous. We have taken in this work the voltage, the position and the permittivity of the dielectric, the curvature radius of the point and the nature of the barrier. We finish our work by representing the electric field lines and the distribution of the electric field and potential. The obtained results are in good agreement.