In electrical engineering, partial discharge (PD) is a localised dielectric breakdown of a small portion of a solid or fluid electrical insulation system under high voltage stress, which does not bridge the space between two conductors. While a corona discharge is usually revealed by a relatively steady glow or brush discharge in air, partial discharges within solid insulation system are not visible.
PD can occur in a gaseous, liquid or solid insulating medium. It often starts within gas voids, such as voids in solid epoxy insulation or bubbles in transformer oil. Protracted partial discharge can erode solid insulation and eventually lead to breakdown of insulation.
Read more about Partial Discharge: Discharge Mechanism, Discharge Detection and Measuring Systems, Effects of Partial Discharge in Insulation Systems, Monitoring Partial Discharge Events in Transformers and Reactors, International Standards and Informative Guides
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