Simulation of a transformer winding for partial discharge propagation studies

A simulation model of a continuous disc type 6.6 kV transformer winding was used to study the propagation behaviour of partial discharge (PD) pulses. The model based on multi-conductor transmission line theory uses a single turn as a circuit element with the capacitance, inductance, and losses calculated as distributed parameters. Transfer functions that describe how the location of the PD source affects the current signals measured at the terminals of the winding were calculated. The paper shows how the position of the zeros in the frequency response of the measured current signals can be used to locate the source of the discharge. Sensitivity studies on the parameters of the model were used to investigate the effect of inaccuracies in the model on the position of the zeros and hence the location of the discharge.