Effects of surface conductivity on surface charging behavior of DC-GIL spacers

In this study, a simulation model is established to study the effect of surface conductivity on the accumulation of surface charge. The simulation shows that hetero-charges increase on areas away from the high voltage electrode and the electric field distribution along the surface becomes more uniform with increased surface conductivity. The dominant surface charging mechanism changes from conduction through the bulk of the insulation to surface conduction with increased surface conductivity. When the surface conductivity ranges from 1×10
^-15
to 5×10
^-14
S for a convex spacer surface, an optimal surface charge suppression and electric field homogeneity can be realized.