Three-dimensional space charge distribution in water tree tip using the pulsed electroacoustic method

Space charge is an important factor in treeing, aging and electrical breakdown processes in solid insulating materials under high electric field, therefore, it has been one of the major concerns of the electrical industry. Pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) method is one of the most effective method of direct investigation of the formation and dynamics of space charge distribution under plane-plane and coaxial electrode configurations. This paper describes our research on further developing the PEA method to measure three-dimensional space charge distribution under fine probing electrode configurations. Using this system, space charge distribution in each individual water tree can be profiled.