Electrical Double Layer's Development Analysis: Application to Flow Electrification in Power Transformers

A charge zone known as the electrical double layer exists at a solid-liquid interface. The liquid flow induces a phenomenon called flow electrification: it generates a streaming current (caused by charge convection) and a rise in the solid's potential (if it is insulated from the ground). These potentials may reach values high enough to produce electrical discharges and cause accidents. Although this phenomenon was identified a long time ago, its physical description remains unknown (i.e., production and displacement of charges, equilibrium, etc.). We have modeled flow electrification phenomena occurring when transformer oil flows through a rectangular pressboard duct. The results of a parametric study made with this model are presented in this paper. The duct's geometry and the materials were selected to compare some of the numerical results to experimental ones. The facility used to obtain these experimental results was developed some years ago as a part of the research program of Electricite de France and the University of Poitiers. Another facility will be designed in the near future with the aim of reproducing surface electrical discharges. The results of this parametric study will be useful for its design.