This paper presents the results of analysis of a solid dielectric’s influence on the phenomena associated with the signals emitted by surface partial discharges. Three types of electrode systems were tested, in which solid dielectrics made of pressboard, Teflon, and glass were used. The emission of such signals as radio waves in the Ultra high frequency (UHF) range and optical radiation was analyzed. The measurements were carried out in the insulation systems most commonly used in electrical power equipment, i.e., mineral oil and air. UHF and optical spectrophotometry methods were used to register the emitted signals. The obtained results indicate that the type of material from which the dielectric solid is made may have a potential impact on some ranges of emitted electromagnetic waves during the surface electrical discharges. The research topic undertaken is important in issues associated with high-voltage insulation systems and in particular with surface discharges, which are often the cause of their damage.

The article presents the results of multi-variant studies of high-energy ionizing radiation emitted by electrical discharges occurring in oil insulating systems. The studies were conducted under laboratory conditions using a specially designed and built testing station. The ionizing radiation was registered using a measuring device of original construction. Electrical discharges were simulated in a point-point modeling system, which was immersed in insulating oil. Example results of the analysis and their interpretation are presented in the paper. Finally, a possible explanation of the considered phenomenon is given.

The stidy presents research results considering measurement and detection of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) generated by partial discharges (PDs) in the air and during breakdown. The key objective of the works was to develop a methodology of detection of ionising radiation generated by electrical discharges. This includes design of experimental setup for simulation of discharges under laboratory conditions and selection of appropriate measuring devices. For measurements of visible light and UV radiation, a HR‐4000 spectrophotometer was chosen. The high energy ionising radiation was detected by means of a scintillation counter by own production. The experimental studies involved registration of EMR emitted by both PD and electrical breakdowns of the measuring system for various point–point electrodes arrangements. Then, characteristic spectra were defined in bands from visible light, through UV to the X‐ray radiation frequencies. The use of high‐energy radiation detection for determining basic forms of discharges and the potential possibility of the detailed specification of their power balance are curtail achievements of the presented article. The other contributions lie in the simultaneously application of two independent discharge detection methods.

The subject matter of the study applies to determining the possibilities and indicating the scope of application of the analysis of optical spectra emitted by basic forms of electrical discharge in insulation oil, recorded with the use of the optical spectrophotometry method. The main objective of the experimental works was to select a group of descriptors typical of optical signals generated in systems modelling electrical discharge on the basis of which it would be possible to recognise their forms. The study presents the results of measurements and analyses conducted under laboratory conditions for three systems modelling electrical discharge in mineral oil under various technical conditions. The results presented in the study are the initial stage of research aimed at determining the suitability of descriptors describing optical radiation emitted by electrical discharge for identifying the type of defect of insulation systems in high‐voltage power devices.