Breakdown voltage of dry air compared to humid air, how much of difference?

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SUMMARY

The breakdown voltage of dry air is established at 30 kV per 2.54 cm. Humid air significantly reduces this breakdown voltage due to the increased number of ions that facilitate current flow. A Marx generator can produce a maximum voltage of 55 kV, which corresponds to a sparking distance equivalent to 100 kV in dry air. The presence of humidity enhances conductivity, thereby lowering the breakdown voltage threshold.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical breakdown phenomena
  • Familiarity with the operation of Marx generators
  • Knowledge of ionization processes in gases
  • Basic principles of voltage and distance relationships in electrical fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of humidity on electrical conductivity in gases
  • Explore the design and operation of Marx generators
  • Study the principles of electrical breakdown in different atmospheric conditions
  • Investigate the ionization energy of various gases under varying humidity levels
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Electrical engineers, physicists, and researchers interested in high-voltage applications and the effects of humidity on electrical properties of air.

Agnostic
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How much will the humidity affect the breakdown voltage of air at STP.
 
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Agnostic said:
How much will the humidity affect the breakdown voltage of air at STP.
What makes you think it has any effect at all?

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
What makes you think it has any effect at all?

AM


Common sense?

Humid air will have a much greater number of ions that can more easily facilitate a current through it.

Also, the breakdown voltage of dry air is 30kV/2.54cm.

I have a marx generator that has a maximum voltage of 55kV sparking over a distance corresponding to 100kV in dry air .
 
Agnostic said:
Common sense?

Humid air will have a much greater number of ions that can more easily facilitate a current through it.

Also, the breakdown voltage of dry air is 30kV/2.54cm.

I have a marx generator that has a maximum voltage of 55kV sparking over a distance corresponding to 100kV in dry air .
Starting here you might find some useful commentary on the subject

http://www.pupman.com/listarchives/2003/November/msg00428.html
 

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