Integrating physics-based twins to enhance partial discharge evaluation

Partial Discharge evaluation is a central task for condition monitoring of medium voltage switchgears. For comprehensive monitoring of switchgears and surrounding assets, it can contribute to accurately assessing the overall health condition of the system. The concept presented here focuses on the importance of Partial Discharge (PD) analysis as an early indicator of dielectric issues, which can lead to fatal degradation of solid dielectrics. The approach to address this challenge includes a dielectric analysis of Air Insulated Substation (AIS) design using Finite Element Method (FEM). Additionally, a PD simulation model is developed by combining FEM results, thermal effects, and a surface degradation model.