The importance of statistical characteristics of partial discharge data

A digital partial discharge (PD) measuring concept which is designed to acquire not only conventional PD charge magnitudes but also statistical characteristics of PD signals which contain most significant information on insulation defects is described. The latter fact is explained by a physical discharge model for discharges within voids in a dielectric. The potential of combining the new measurement concept with a physical interpretation is demonstrated by measurements on artificial defects in laboratory experiments as well as on real HV insulation systems