Influence of the degree of parallel partial discharges on the degradation of the insulation material

In order to assess the aging state of complex insulation systems it is necessary to understand the intricate aging processes occuring in the insulation. Test objects out of epoxy resin with different degrees of parallel discharges are produced in order to determine the relation between the degree of parallel discharges and the degradation of insulation material. The damaging effect of the PD is proved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and roughness measurements. A model based on simulation of the relevant gas discharge processes is used to interpret the results