Variations in Streamer Characteristics in Insulating Fluids Depending on Electrode Structure

The phenomenon of streamer discharge within power equipment using dielectric fluids causes severe damage. When high voltage is applied, electrical stress is exerted on the fluid, causing the molecules within the fluid to ionize into positive ions and electrons. To fully grasp this phenomenon, it is necessary to investigate the pre-breakdown behavior of the dielectric liquid and the mechanism of streamer formation. Accordingly, in this paper, the formation of a positive streamer inside the fluid was implemented through 2D-axisymmetric simulation. Furthermore, the unique characteristics of streamer propagation were macroscopically identified through changes in electrode shape. The simulation results indicate that a smaller radius of curvature of the electrode increases the likelihood of causing an electrical accident due to the promotion of streamer propagation.