Partial discharge phenomena simulation using general-purpose analysis programs

A new macromodel for general-purpose analysis programs is proposed. This model is suitable for simulation of partial discharges in solid inhomogeneous dielectrics with a large number of voids. It incorporates the classic equivalent parameters of the void, and as a part of a complex electrical scheme, acts automatically when the voltage across it reaches the local inception u/sub i/ and extinction u/sub e/ voltages. An important feature of the model is that the so called "memory effect" is taken into account. The model is created using the Design Center instruments for behavioral modeling and mixed-mode simulation. Examples are presented to illustrate how the proposed model is used for investigation of partial discharges.