Analysis of shock wave propagation characteristics of pulse discharge in transformer oil

Internal short-circuit faults in transformers pose significant combustion and explosion risks, threatening power system security. Understanding the shock wave characteristics generated by pulsed arc discharge in transformer oil is crucial for improving transformer damage resistance. This study conducts pulsed arc discharge experiments in transformer oil, utilizing a high-voltage discharge observation and measurement platform. By adjusting the electrode gap and employing high-speed cameras and pressure sensors, the formation and propagation of oil-immersed shock waves were recorded. Experimental results show that near-field pressure attenuation coefficients, derived from image-based shock wave data fitting, range from 0.8 to 1.05. In contrast, those obtained from physical parameter measurements in the far field range from 0.8 to 1.25. Both near-field and far-field attenuation coefficients increase with electrode discharge gaps.