Investigating the Influence of Trichel Pulses and Neutral excited Species Formation on Discharge Development: By PD Quantum Optics Analysis and Plasma Simulation

Partial discharge is a critical concern in high-voltage systems, with the potential to degrade or even cause catastrophic failures in equipment. Prior research has predominantly emphasized the mechanisms of gas ionization and electron mobility, frequently neglecting the influence of the formation process of neutral excited species on the discharge dynamics. This study investigates the plasma chemistry reactions associated with partial discharge phenomena, with a focus on the migration of free electrons and the energy transfer mechanisms that affect the transition from discharge to breakdown. Conducting discharge experiments and analyzing the quantum optics mechanisms from emission spectroscopy data, confirmed that a substantial formation of N₂ neutral excited-state molecules occurs during the corona discharge phase in air. By integrating experimental observations with existing literature, the study updates the collision cross-section data for air within a non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) plasma simulation model. Simulations suggest that Trichel pulses can initiate electron avalanches, potentially leading to gap breakdown, the collision-induced generation of excited N₂ neutral states depletes electron energy, effectively diminishing the potential for breakdown. The research suggests potential strategies to enhance the reliability of high-voltage electrical equipment by promoting the formation of neutral excited species, according to the drawn conclusions.