Impact of barriers on dielectric strength and electric field distribution in point-plane air gap configurations

This study presents a numerical investigation into the dielectric strength of point-plane air gaps, specifically focusing on the influence of dielectric barriers on the potential and electric field distributions under alternating current (AC) voltage. By utilizing two-dimensional (2D) electrostatic simulations through the finite element method (FEM), both configurations—with and without dielectric barriers—are analyzed to assess their impact on vertically arranged point-plane gaps. The study demonstrates that the inclusion of a dielectric barrier plays a crucial role in redistributing the electric field, leading to a more uniform distribution and reducing localized peaks. This results in enhanced dielectric strength, allowing the system to withstand higher voltages without breakdown. The findings are significant for the design and optimization of high-voltage insulators, as incorporating dielectric barriers can improve overall insulation performance and reliability. By improving the electric field distribution, these barriers contribute to reducing the risk of insulation failure, thereby increasing the efficiency and longevity of high-voltage components, making them more reliable for applications in power transmission systems.