Short Air Gaps Research Articles

Ultra-high temporal resolution images of a homogeneous electric field short air gap negative streamer at overvoltage and atmospheric pressure

Air gap discharge is one of the most basic scientific problems in the field of high-voltage engineering. The homogeneous electric field 1.5 mm air gap negative streamer at overvoltage and atmospheric pressure is observed by a high-speed 4-channel framing camera. The ultra-high temporal resolution images of a single negative stream are captured (the exposure time is 5 ns, and the inter-frame delay is no more than 0.1 ns). It is observed that the negative streamer formed in the middle of the air gap and grew bidirectionally towards both electrodes. At the same time, the electrical measurement is also carried out.

Research on DC arc fault detection in PV systems based on adjacent multi-segment spectral similarity and adaptive threshold model

This paper proposes a practical adaptive detection method of series DC arc that could be more adaptable to PV systems’ intricate and complex environment than conventional detecting methods. Firstly, The discharge in a short air gap with unsymmetrical dielectric-covered electrodes will bring additional noise interferences to the current of the circuit where the arc is located and give rise to the alternation of the spectrum of the noise current. By analyzing the current noise spectrum before and after the occurrence of a DC arc fault, it was found that the adjacent multi-segment spectral similarity (AMSSS) characteristic could identify the event of the mark. Secondly, an algorithm architecture using principal component analysis(PCA) of AMSSS and integrated φ-statistic was used to determine an adaptive threshold model. Finally, to validate the fidelity and resilience of the pattern, a photovoltaic plant platform containing 20 PV modules and one three-phase inverter was constructed to acquire relevant data. Then, validation of the adaptive thresholding model was implemented by including several sets of tests generated under different conditions, such as normal, shading, inverter start-up, crosstalk, and arcing conditions. According to the comparative tests, We tentatively conclude that the adaptive model has a relatively strong arc detection capability and high environmental adaptability and could be applied to natural PV systems.

Numerical Calculation of Direct Current Breakdown Voltage for Complex Short Air Gaps under Varying Altitudes

With the increasing construction of ultra-high voltage direct current transmission in high-altitude environments, it becomes crucial to explore the impact of altitude on the short-gap discharge characteristics. To this end, this study proposes a finite element simulation and calculation method for the direct current (DC) breakdown voltage of actual complex short-gap structure under varying altitudes based on the Townsend criterion and the streamer criterion. The method is verified by combining the discharge experiments in Beijing, Qinghai, and Tibet. The results demonstrate that this method can effectively calculate the DC breakdown voltage of gaps between damping capacitors with a relative error range of -3.64% to 0.2%. The research results provide new insights for insulation evaluation of short-gap structures under varying altitudes.

Calculation and Analysis of Unbalanced Magnetic Pull of Rotor under Motor Air Gap Eccentricity Fault

Due to various factors such as manufacturing, assembly and operation, the motor air gap will be uneven in the circumferential direction, resulting in the air gap eccentricity having a longer air gap on one side and a shorter air gap on the other side, which affects the normal operation and service life of the motor. This paper analyzed and compared the applicability of linear and nonlinear calculation methods of unbalanced magnetic pull. Based on the method of finite element analysis, the unbalanced magnetic pull of motor rotor under static eccentricity, dynamic eccentricity and compound eccentricity faults were calculated, and the influence of eccentricity on unbalanced magnetic pull was compared, respectively. The results showed that when the motor has static eccentricity, the main components of unbalanced magnetic pull on the rotor are zero frequency and twice the electrical frequency. When the motor has dynamic eccentricity, the unbalanced magnetic tension component of the rotor is mainly frequency conversion. When the motor has two faults at the same time, the unbalanced magnetic pull has zero frequency, rotating frequency and double electric frequency components at the same time. With the increase in the relative eccentricity, the frequency components of the unbalanced magnetic pull under the three faults increase. An air gap eccentricity fault widely exists in motor equipment. When the unbalanced magnetic pull increases to a certain extent, the rotor will be pulled towards the stator, causing the occurrence of rub-impact phenomenon, and seriously threatening the safe operation of the system. In this paper, the numerical analysis method and finite meta-computing method were used for the first time to analyze and compare the unbalanced magnetic pull on the rotor of permanent magnet synchronous motor under three kinds of air gap eccentricity faults. The results showed that the characteristic frequency amplitude of the unbalanced magnetic pull calculated by the two methods is relatively close. Therefore, it is of great significance to carry out calculation and analysis of the unbalanced magnetic pull force under the air gap eccentric fault of the motor.

Effects of rod radius and voltage on streamer discharge in a short air gap

Streamer discharge is the inaugural stage of gas discharge, and the average electron energy directly determines the electron collision reaction rate, which is a key parameter for studying streamer discharge. Therefore, taking into account the average electron energy, this work establishes a fluid chemical reaction model to simulate and study the course of evolution of a streamer discharge in a 5 mm rod–plate gap, considering 12 particles and 27 chemical reactions. It introduces the electron energy drift diffusion equation into the control equation, and analyzes the temporal and spatial changes of average electron energy, electric field intensity and electron density with change in rod radius and voltage. The effects of voltage and rod radius on the course of streamer discharge can be reflected more comprehensively by combining the average electron energies. Three different values of 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm are set for the rod radius, and three different values of 5 kV, 6 kV and 7 kV are set for the voltage. The influence of an excitation reaction on the streamer discharge is studied. The findings indicate that, as voltage raises, the streamer head’s electron density, electric field and average electron energy all rise, and the streamer develops more quickly. When the rod radius increases, the electron density, electric field and average electron energy of the streamer head all decrease, and the streamer’s evolution slows down. When an excitation reaction is added to the model, the average electron energy, the magnitude of the electric field and the density of electrons decrease, and the evolution of the streamer slows down. An increase in average electron energy will lead to an increase in electric field strength and electron density, and the development of the streamer will be faster.

Stator current identification in generator among single and composite faults composed by static air‐gap eccentricity and rotor inter‐turn short circuit

In this study, a fault diagnosis model based on magnetic density is proposed to analyse the current characteristics of synchronous generator rotor inter-turn short circuit and air gap eccentric single fault and composite fault. The model considers the influence of rotor inter-turn short circuit and air gap eccentricity on air gap magnetic density. According to two main factors, the short circuit turns and eccentric distance, are used to reflect the short circuit and eccentricity of the generator. The detailed parameter input model of the generator can easily and quickly predict the development trend of these current parameters based on the air gap magnetic density. And the phase current is selected as the current parameter. The validity of the proposed model is verified by two-dimensional finite element analysis and experimental research.

Effect of Environmental Parameters on Streamer Discharge in Short Air Gap between Rod and Plate

Environmental meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc.) have an important impact on short gap streamer discharge. Based on the streamer theory and particle continuity equation of gas discharge, a short gap streamer discharge simulation model is established, and the influence of environmental parameters on the dynamic development process of streamer discharge is simulated and analyzed. The short gap air gap discharge characteristics were tested in a self-made gas discharge chamber. The results show that at low humidity (relative humidity <80%), with the increase of humidity, the electron density of the streamer channel increases, the field strength of the streamer head increases, the streamer development speed speeds up, and the gap breakdown voltage decrease; At higher humidity (relative humidity >80%), with the increase of humidity, the electron density of the streamer channel decreases, the field strength of the streamer head decreases, the development speed of the streamer slows down, and the gap breakdown voltage increase. With a decrease of gas pressure, the electron density of the streamer channel decreases, the field strength of the streamer head decreases, the development speed of the streamer increases, and the gap breakdown voltage decreases; The temperature change has little effect on the streamer development process.

Compound Fault Diagnosis of Stator Interturn Short Circuit and Air Gap Eccentricity Based on Random Forest and XGBoost

Taking the traction motor of CRH2 high-speed train as the research object, this paper proposes a diagnosis method based on random forest and XGBoost for the compound fault resulting from stator interturn short circuit and air gap eccentricity. First, the U-phase and V-phase currents are used as fault diagnosis signal and then the Savitzky–Golay filtering method is used for the noise deduction from the signal. Second, the wavelet packet decomposition is used to extract the composite fault features and then the high-dimensional features are optimized by the principal component analysis (PCA) method. Finally, the random forest and XGBoost are combined to detect composite faults. Using the experimental data of CRH2 semiphysical simulation platform, the diagnosis of different fault modes is completed, and the high diagnosis accuracy is achieved, which verifies the validity of this method.

An Enhanced Method of Contactless Charging of Railway Signaling Torch Light

Wireless charging, also known as contactless charging (for shorter range), is a method of supplying energy to electrical devices by sending electricity via an air gap. Wireless charging methods have advanced recently, and commercial solutions have been developed, providing a potential option to overcome the energy bottleneck of typically portable battery-powered gadgets. Due to its simplicity and improved user experience, this technology is attracting a wide range of applications, from low-power gadgets to high-power electric cars. However, including wireless charging into the systems raises a number of difficult challenges in terms of implementation, scheduling, and power management. One such application is to convert the existing system of traditional battery powered railway signaling torchlight into a rechargeable type contactless charging system. This provides a better way of increasing the life time of the product and has better compactness. A rechargeable Li-ion battery must be installed in lieu of the old non-rechargeable battery. To achieve satisfactory efficiency, the magnetic resonance coupling technology of contactless charging can be utilized. Through a shorter air gap, electrical power is transmitted from the charging module (main coil) to the Torchlight (secondary coil). Overall, the present system's cost, size are reduced and lifetime is increased.

Study on the effect of air gap on physico-chemical and performance of PVDF hollow fibre membrane

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was chosen in this study as the main material in fabricating membrane due to its excellent chemical resistance and good thermal stability. Combination of triethyl phosphate (TEP) with DMAc produce better structure of membrane which safer and provide high mechanical strength for membrane. Surface modified PVDF hollow fibre membrane (HFM) was prepared using dry-wet spinning technique by varying air gap namely 10 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm. The morphology was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), contact angle, tensile test and performing water flux testing. From the characterization data, PVDF HFM with 3 wt.% PEG 400, HFM 3-10 and HFM 3-20 referred as microfiltration membrane with pore size range 0.1-0.8 µm. While, HFM 3-30 act as ultrafiltration membrane with pore size ranging 0.01-0.1 µm. Experimental results revealed that by increasing the air gap from 10 cm to 30 cm, the porosity and finger-like length decreased due to the higher elongational stress that shift the pores from broad to narrow. Thus, PVDF HFM at 10 cm air gap, HFM 3-10 achieve the highest water flux due to the higher porosity, longer finger-like length and hydrophilicity achieved. The modified HFM at shorter air gap was found to be a promising membrane structure for excellence water performance and eco-friendly to environment.

Torque Characteristics Analysis of Slotted-Type Eddy-Current Couplings Using a New Magnetic Equivalent Circuit Model

In this article, a new magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) model was presented to predict torque characteristics and reaction flux in slotted-type eddy-current couplings (SECs). The magnetomotive force and reaction field caused by eddy current in the conductor were innovatively introduced into the model; particularly, the modulations of the magnetic field and eddy current by iron teeth in conductor disk were taken into account by dividing magnetic flux paths in air gap into several branches. The expressions of magnetic flux and torque were obtained by combining Kirchhoff’s law and Ampere’s loop law. The torque was calculated using the method proposed and was compared with those obtained by the 3-D finite element method (FEM) and experiment, respectively. The results indicated that the method proposed is accurate and effective under conditions of low slip speeds and short air gap lengths.

Relaxation characteristics of ion jet formed across the short air gap in the cone–sphere electrode under positive polarity DC voltage

The research into the development of discharge under positive polarity voltage across the short air gap is of great significance to improve insulation of electrical equipment. By establishing a photoelectric joint detection system, this study observed phenomena in short air gaps before, and the period of breakdown. By utilising a photomultiplier tube and a Rogowski coil, the optical and current signals were obtained. Moreover, through z-type Schlieren system and high-speed digital camera, relaxation images of ion jet formed across cone–sphere electrodes were obtained. Through comparison and analysis, the discharge of short air gap was divided into three stages: initial corona, strong corona and streamer breakdown. On the basis of this, the relationship between optical and current signals was compared by assessing characteristics of the ion jet in each stage. Also, the relaxation characteristics of an ion jet were analysed. The results showed that ion jets appeared in the initial corona stage, while relaxation channel of the ion jet was formed and the channel fluctuated in the strong corona stage. In the streamer breakdown stage, the process of expansion, constant fluctuation and breakdown appeared; the amplitudes of corona current signals and optical signals in these three stages constantly increased.

Influence of blade rotation on the lightning stroke characteristic of a wind turbine

AbstractThe blades of a wind turbine rotate during normal operation. To investigate the influence of blade rotation on the lightning‐attracting ability of a wind turbine, a discharge test platform is designed for scaled wind turbines. The 50% impulse voltages and flash probabilities of the scaled wind turbines with gap distances of 1 to 8 m in the static and rotary conditions are determined by using the discharge test and selective discharge test. The discharge test for a single wind turbine with a gap of 1 to 2 m indicates that the breakdown voltages of the gap between the scaled turbine and electrodes increases with an increase in the blade rotation speed. However, the discharge test with a gap distance of 4 to 8 m indicates that the breakdown voltage of the fan decreases with an increase in the blade rotation speed. The test results of the scaled dual wind turbines experiment have the same rules. To explain this phenomenon, the influence of wind speed on the space‐charge distribution and electrical field intensity of corona discharge is simulated in the background of a target thundercloud. The rotation of the fan reduces the space‐charge density near the area of the blade tip, which leads to an increase in the field strength near the blade tip of the wind turbine and a decrease in the field strength away from the blade tip. This influence varies in short and long air gap, resulting in opposite relationships between discharge voltage and distance from the tip of the turbine. The results can provide a reference for the lightning protection of wind turbines.

Performance and Characteristics of a Small-Current DC Arc in a Short Air Gap

DC arc evolution is a complicated and rapid time-dependent process. To better demonstrate the mechanism of the dc arc without external interference factors, a test circuit was built for the entire process of arc generation, maintenance, and extinction. Two different adjustment models were adopted. The macroscopic performance and characteristics of the arc were analyzed. The discharging and extinguishing conditions were measured and compared to the results of a burning candle located under a rod-rod air gap. This paper shows that the dc arc's color changes from blue to purple and then yellow, finally forming a flame as the current increases. The macroscopic performance can be divided into eight periods in the first adjustment model, while only three periods are included in the second model. The arc discharging condition only depends on the applied high voltage, but the extinguishing condition may depend on either the limiting current or the drop-down voltage. Dynamic volt-ampere characteristics appear only if adjusted by the first model. The arc-root voltage is constant to 0.32 kV. The degradation of the ground electrode is far worse than that of the high-voltage electrode. This paper can be regarded as the first-step research for further studies on large-current dc arcs in arcing horns used in dc transmission grounding lines.

Influencing Factors of Flow Field of Ionic Wind Induced by Corona Discharge in a Multi-Needle-to-Net Electrode Structure Under Direct-Current Voltage

The morphologies and velocity of ionic wind induced by direct-current (DC) corona discharge were experimentally measured. DC voltage was applied to short air gaps of high-voltage electrode-needle electrode and grounding electrode-net electrode to generate coronas, so as to allow the generation of ionic wind induced by corona discharge. The purpose of the study is to optimise the multi-needle-to-net electrode structure to improve the velocity of the ionic wind and keep it in a relatively stable state. For this purpose, the influences of various parameters on the velocity of the ionic wind were explored. The research results showed that the side length of meshes and the distribution mode of needles significantly affected the velocity of the ionic wind. The maximum velocity of the ionic wind, when the side length of meshes was 0.85 mm was 3 and 1.28 times those when the side lengths of the meshes were 2 and 0.425 mm, respectively. This indicated that there was an optimal side length that can maximise the velocity of the ionic wind. Increasing the number of needles and optimising the distribution mode of needles can effectively improve the velocity, that is, the improvement of the number and distribution uniformity of needles was conducive to increase the velocity of the ionic wind. Increasing the voltage amplitude can increase the velocity of the ionic wind, however, it was possible that noise was significant and in this case, the corresponding voltage cannot be considered as the working voltage of the ionic wind generator.

Alternating Current Discharge Characteristics and Simulation Analysis of Rod-Plane Short Air Gaps under Salt Fog Conditions

In this paper, smog meteorological conditions in the natural environment is simulated by the salt fog method. The study of the alternating current (AC) discharge characteristics of rod-plane short air gaps in salt fog environments has important guiding significance for how to strengthen the external insulation strength of ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission lines and electrical equipment in smog environments. The rod-plane short air gap is selected as the model to simulate the extremely uneven electric field. The AC discharge test is carried out in the salt fog environment with different conductivity, and the finite element method (FEM) is used to simulate the distribution of electric field in air gap under salt fog environment conditions. The results show that under clean fog conditions the AC discharge voltage in the air gap increased by 15.1% to 35.5% compared to that under dry conditions. With the increased conductivity of salt fog, the AC discharge voltage in air gap decreased by 4.1% to 9.2% compared to that under clean fog conditions, and the reduction is within 10%. The distortion of the electric field and the adsorption of free electrons in the gap by droplets lead to the decrease of the electric field intensity in the air gap. With the increase of the conductivity, the electric field intensity in the air gap increases slightly. Meanwhile, the influence of salt fog and its conductivity on the AC discharge voltage of rod-plane short air gap is examined, becoming saturated with the increase of the gap distance and the conductivity of salt fog.

Breakdown mechanisms of rod-plane air gaps with a dielectric barrier subject to lightning impulse stress

The complexity of gas-insulated substations makes it difficult to predict withstand voltages. Modeling interaction between dielectric surfaces and electrical discharges is a key challenge. In this study, 60 mm rod-plane air gaps with a dielectric barrier 20 mm below the rod are stressed with lightning impulses of both polarities. The discharge mechanisms are investigated with a high-speed camera, a photomultiplier tube and a current measurement system. The discharge development and current-velocity relationship is leader-like. With positive polarity applied, a leader propagates from the upper parts of the rod to ground. Negative impulses are characterized by positive leader development from the ground plane to the rod. For both polarities, the discharge starts with streamers propagating from the rod to the barrier. Positive streamers typically reach the opposite electrode without causing breakdown directly. The findings imply that empirical breakdown prediction models for short air gaps should involve conditions for positive leader initiation and development. The results also show that dielectric barriers increase the breakdown voltage by impeding leader development. The barriers increase the shortest discharge path and shift the point of leader inception further up on the rod.

Effect of earth discontinued to the electrical field distribution in rod-plane air gaps under lightning impulse

This paper, will present some results of investigations carried out on electric field distribution on the surface of a discontinuous plane of short rod-plane air gap arrangement. For this purpose, we have used different results obtained by an experimental model and a numerical method for computation used the finite elements methods (FEM). The effect of interface on the field stress has also been studied, As a result, the interface locally reinforces the electric field, and then the electric field increases at the interface may lead to a discharge between the high voltage rode and the interface. In the vicinity of the interface, we have observed a kind of discontinuity in the evolution of the electric field intensity. This latter becomes greater than the value obtained in the case of gaps with homogeneous plane earth. The electric field distribution, obtained by means of the computational procedure, is in good agreement with the experimental results.

Discharge Characteristics of Short Air Gap and Insulation Surface Under Flame Conditions

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the discharge characteristics of short air gap and insulation surface under flame conditions. The influence of ac electric field on flame and the mechanism leading to the reduction of breakdown voltage under flame conditions are analyzed. Results show that under the ac electric field, the flame is deflected to the high voltage electrode, and compared with normal conditions (without flame), the breakdown voltage of the short air gap and the insulation surface is decreased by 74.4% and 70%, respectively. Besides, arc levitation appears at high probability under the flame conditions. Furthermore, the decrease of the breakdown voltage of short air gap and the flashover voltage of insulation surface under the flame conditions are mainly due to the increase of the air conductivity and the decrease of the air density. For the insulating dielectric, the change of the flashover path is also one of the main reasons for the decrease of the flashover voltage.

Creeping discharges features propagating in air at atmospheric pressure on various materials under positive lightning impulse voltage – part 2: modelling and computation of discharges’ parameters

In this paper, the propagation mechanism of creeping discharges up to flashover for short air gaps is examined and described on various materials based on laboratory de-noised data (namely current, voltage and captured images). The main parameters considered for investigating the development of creeping discharges and their characteristics deal with the measurement, modelling and calculation of (i) their final/stopping length and morphology, (ii) their propagation velocity and (iii) the electric field distribution including the maximal magnitude ( E max ) and the geometric coefficient ( β ) estimation. The obtained results evidenced that both length and velocity of discharges are emphasised for polyamide-based materials (namely PA6/50 and PA66/50) whereas their ignition remains inhibited for filled cycloaliphatic epoxy resin (FCEP) and ethylene propylene diene monomere (EPDM) surfaces. As the electric field is concerned, both analytical and numerical models are developed and their results are compared and discussed. It has been shown that the presence of a polymer acts as a barrier when being incorporated between an electrodes gap whose dielectric strength depends strongly on the used material. Moreover, the FCEP barrier, in comparison to other materials, exhibits a marked dielectric reinforcement and an enhanced stability of the system making it suitable to provide a better protection to high-voltage equipment against discharges effects.