Effect of space charge on the propagation path of air gap discharge

The existence of space charge may be addressed as one of the reasons that could cause shielding failure of transmission lines. In order to study the effect of space charge on discharge propagation path, a new experimental system, including mainly DC high voltage generator, impulse voltage generator as well as rod-plane electrode, has been set up. The space charge was generated around the rod by means of pre-applying DC high voltage, and the air gap discharge experiments were conducted with and without pre-applying DC high voltage, respectively. Meanwhile, high speed cameras worked simultaneously from the front and lateral side to record the discharge propagation path so as to obtain the curvature. After statistical analysis, it is shown that the curvature increases in the middle and lower portions of the propagation path when the effect of space charge is taken into account.