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Polyphase Insulation and Discharge in High-Voltage Technology

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A special issue of Electronics (ISSN 2079-9292). This special issue belongs to the section "Power Electronics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2026) | Viewed by 8923

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Wendong Li

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Interests: solid insulation with high reliability; aging process of insulation material

Dr. Junbo Deng

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Interests: gas/solid insulation and interfacial discharge; transients in complex power system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Daning Zhang

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Interests: solid/liquid insulation; diagnosis of high voltage equipment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

High-voltage devices, such as power system transformers, gas-insulated switching devices, power cable systems, and high-voltage power electronic components, play a pivotal role in the realms of electric and electronic engineering. The dire requirement for mechanical support and for isolation among distinct gas or liquid chambers necessitate the adoption of polyphase insulation structures within these devices. These structures encompass gas–solid, liquid–solid, or solid–solid interfaces with diverse materials or phases. Moreover, advantages such as compact geometry and better cooling also encourage researchers and engineers to design and incorporate polyphase insulation structures into their novel prototypes. However, there are several issues in the R&D of polyphase insulation structures: (1) Polyphase insulation structures are susceptible to dielectric mismatches at their interfaces, which can initiate partial discharges within the insulation system, thereby compromising breakdown voltage and the remaining operational lifespan. (2) The electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties within polyphase insulation structures exhibit significant disparities to the homogeneous ones, posing intricate challenges in the design, monitoring, and diagnostic processes. (3) An emerging topic in polyphase discharge is the utilization of interfacial-generated plasma, which require investigations on fundamental characteristics and potential applications.

Given this context, this Special Issue of the journal Electronics, ‘Polyphase Insulation and Discharge in High-Voltage Technology,’ aims to act as a catalyst in fostering a comprehensive understanding of the aforementioned issues. We cordially invite submissions of peer-reviewed, high-quality research papers pertaining to polyphase insulation structures and associated discharge phenomena, which offer invaluable insights into the design, fabrication, utilization, and evaluation of polyphase insulation structures with heightened reliability and enhanced functionality.

We welcome submissions of original research articles and reviews in areas including (but not limited to) the following:

Novel design methods of polyphase insulation structures;
Electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of polyphase dielectrics;
Fundamental characteristics of polyphase discharge and resultant plasma;
Innovative diagnosis methods of polyphase insulation structures;
Simulation and experimental approaches for polyphase insulation;
Utilization of advanced polyphase insulation in high voltage technology.

Dr. Wendong Li
Dr. Junbo Deng
Dr. Daning Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Electronics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

electrical insulation
polyphase structure
material properties
discharge phenomenon
monitoring and diagnosis
high voltage technology

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 7130 KB

Open AccessArticle

Computational and Experimental Analysis on the Insulation Strength and Temperature Rise of 35 kV Electric-Slip Ring Prototype Used in Offshore Single-Point Mooring System

by Haiyan Wu, Wendong Li, Nenghui Wang, Fangzhou Lu, Yunyi Zhu, Gaopeng Shuai, Chuanfeng Wang and Jiayu Ye

Electronics 2026, 15(7), 1352; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15071352 - 24 Mar 2026

Viewed by 151

Abstract

With the shift of oil and gas exploitation to deep seas, the 35 kV high-voltage electric slip ring in Single-Point Mooring (SPM) systems faces critical challenges of insulation failure and thermal failure, threatening operational safety. This study aims to investigate its insulation strength and temperature rise characteristics. A three-dimensional electric field model and a magnetic–thermal coupling model considering the skin effect were established using the finite element method (FEM). Simulations were conducted under four high-voltage configurations and various high-current operating conditions, followed by AC breakdown tests and high-current temperature rise experiments for validation. The results show that the maximum electric field (up to 19.53 kV/mm) concentrates at the inlet polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bushing, which is the insulation weak point. The maximum temperature rise at the center ring can be predicted by a power-law model. Moreover, simulation results agree well with experimental data, confirming the reliability of the computational studies. This work provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the optimal design and safe operation of high-voltage slip rings in offshore SPM systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphase Insulation and Discharge in High-Voltage Technology)

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16 pages, 4439 KB

Open AccessArticle

FDTD Simulation on Signal Propagation and Induced Voltage of UHF Self-Sensing Shielding Ring for Partial Discharge Detection in GIS

by Ruipeng Li, Siqing Wang, Wei Zhang, Huiwu Liu, Longxing Li, Shurong Yuan, Dong Wang and Guanjun Zhang

Electronics 2025, 14(23), 4757; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14234757 - 3 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 510

Abstract

Partial discharge (PD) is not only the primary manifestation of insulation deterioration in gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) but also a critical indicator of the equipment’s insulation condition. PD in GIS typically occurs at media interfaces such as the surface of the basin insulator and is characterized by high randomness and low amplitude. Conventional built-in ultra-high frequency sensors exhibit limitations in early warning and detection performance. This study proposes and demonstrates a self-sensing shielding ring embedded within the basin insulator, functioning as a novel UHF sensor. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) is a numerical method used to solve problems involving electromagnetic fields. Based on actual GIS structural parameters, a FDTD simulation platform is constructed and a built-in sensor is used as a control to evaluate the receiving performance of the self-sensing shielding ring for PD signals. Time-domain array simulations are conducted to investigate the influence of radial, angular and axial positions on the observed performance. The results show that the proposed shielding ring exhibits broadband and low-reflection characteristics, achieving an average S₁₁ of −6.347 dB, which is significantly lower than those of the built-in sensors (−1.270 dB and −1.274 dB). The results demonstrate that the self-sensing shielding ring enables high sensitivity and the wideband detection of partial discharge, providing a new design approach and technical foundation for online early-warning systems in GIS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphase Insulation and Discharge in High-Voltage Technology)

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18 pages, 7434 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Decay-like Fracture Failure in Core Rods of On-Site Composite Interphase Spacers of 500 kV Overhead Power Transmission Lines

by Chao Gao, Xinyi Yan, Wei Yang, Lee Li, Shiyin Zeng and Guanjun Zhang

Electronics 2025, 14(23), 4750; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14234750 - 2 Dec 2025

Viewed by 468

Abstract

Composite interphase spacers are essential components in ultra-high-voltage (UHV) transmission lines to suppress conductor galloping. This study investigates the first reported case of a core-rod fracture in a 500 kV composite spacer and elucidates its degradation mechanism through multi-scale characterization, electrical testing combined and electric field and mechanical simulation. Macroscopic inspection and industrial computed tomography (CT) show that degradation initiated at the unsheltered high-voltage sheath–core interface and propagated axially, accompanied by continuous interfacial cracks and void networks whose volume ratio gradually decreased along the spacer. Material characterizations indicate moisture-driven glass-fiber hydrolysis, epoxy oxidation, and progressive interfacial debonding. Leakage current test further indicates humidity-sensitive conductive paths in the degraded region, confirming the presence of moisture-activated interfacial channels. Electric-field simulations under two shed configurations demonstrated that local field intensification was concentrated within 20–30 cm of the HV terminal, where the sheath and core surface fields increased by approximately 9.3% and 5.5%. Mechanical modeling demonstrates a pronounced bending-induced stress concentration at the same end region. The combined effects of moisture ingress, electrical stress, mechanical loading, and chemical degradation lead to the decay-like fracture. Improving sheath hydrophobicity, enhancing interfacial bonding, and optimizing end-fitting geometry are recommended to mitigate such failures and ensure the long-term reliability of UHV composite interphase spacers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphase Insulation and Discharge in High-Voltage Technology)

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15 pages, 4742 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Intelligent Suppression Method for Interference Pulses in Partial Discharge Detection of Transformers Based on Waveform Feature Recognition

by Shaoyu Chen, Ziyue Xu, Zekai Lai, Zhulu Wang, Hongli Wang, Xinjian Wu, Ran Yao, Weidong Xie and Haibao Mu

Electronics 2025, 14(22), 4380; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14224380 - 10 Nov 2025

Viewed by 606

Abstract

High-frequency current detection of partial discharge (PD) at transformers on-site faces complex noise interference, which severely impacts the accuracy of PD detection. To address this issue, an intelligent interference suppression algorithm for PD signals based on adaptive waveform feature recognition is proposed. First, a 10 MHz high-pass filter is applied to eliminate the influence of periodic narrowband interference on the zero-crossing count of the time-series. Non-pulse noise is removed based on the instantaneous zero-crossing density of the signal. Next, the start and end times of each pulse are determined, and the corresponding waveform segments are extracted from the original signal to form a pulse array. Subsequently, waveform features of the pulses are extracted, and discrimination thresholds for the feature parameters are calculated based on univariate analysis. Finally, each pulse is adaptively identified based on its waveform features, and PD signals are screened out. The proposed algorithm was tested using PD signals superimposed with on-site noise as well as field-measured signals. The results demonstrate that the algorithm can intelligently identify PD signals and significantly reduce PD signal attenuation, exhibiting excellent suppression effects on complex noise interference in on-site PD detection at transformers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphase Insulation and Discharge in High-Voltage Technology)

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15 pages, 11023 KB

Open AccessArticle

Aging Analysis of HTV Silicone Rubber Under Coupled Corona Discharge, Humidity and Cyclic Thermal Conditions

by Ming Lu, Shiyin Zeng, Chao Gao, Yuelin Liu, Xinyi Yan, Zehui Liu and Guanjun Zhang

Electronics 2025, 14(20), 4071; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14204071 - 16 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1184

Abstract

High-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (HTV-SR), widely used in composite insulators, experiences performance degradation when subjected to combined stresses such as corona discharge, humidity and temperature fluctuations. This degradation poses significant risks to the reliability of power grid operation. To investigate the aging behavior and mechanisms of HTV-SR under the combined influences of corona, moisture and thermal cycling, a series of multi-factor accelerated aging tests are conducted. Comprehensive characterizations of surface morphology, structural, mechanical and electrical properties are performed before and after aging. The results reveal that corona discharge induces molecular chain scission and promotes oxidative crosslinking, leading to surface degradation. Increased humidity accelerates water diffusion and hydrolysis, enhancing crosslink density but reducing material flexibility, thereby further deteriorating structural integrity and electrical performance. Compared with constant temperature aging, thermal cycling introduces repetitive thermal stress, which significantly aggravates filler migration and leads to more severe mechanical and dielectric degradation. These findings elucidate the multi-scale degradation mechanisms of HTV-SR under the coupling effects of corona discharge, humidity and temperature cycling, providing theoretical support for the design of corona- and humidity-resistant silicone rubber for composite insulator applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphase Insulation and Discharge in High-Voltage Technology)

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14 pages, 4985 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Suppression Method for Periodic Pulsation Interference in Partial Discharge of Converter Transformers Based on Periodic Consistency Scoring and Waveform Characteristics

by Haofan Lin, Zekai Lai, Xianjun Shao, Tong Bai, Xiaochang Hua, Chenhui Zhou and Haibao Mu

Electronics 2025, 14(9), 1730; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14091730 - 24 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 812

Abstract

The online monitoring of partial discharge (PD) in converter transformers faces significant noise interference. Among these, the periodic pulsating interference caused by the switching process of thyristors is particularly challenging to directly identify from waveforms or frequency spectra, which affects the accuracy of PD monitoring. To address this, a time-domain multi-feature joint recognition algorithm based on periodic consistency scoring and waveform characteristics is proposed. Firstly, the timestamps of each pulse in the signal sequence are extracted based on the cumulative energy function. Secondly, the periodic consistency score and time–frequency feature parameters of each pulse are extracted separately, and an optimal recognition vector is constructed based on univariate screening and redundancy feature checking. Finally, dimensionality reduction is performed using principal component analysis, and the PD signals are separated from periodic pulse interference through fuzzy C-means clustering. The proposed algorithm is applied to denoise PD signals superimposed with on-site noise interference and field-measured signals. The results demonstrate that the algorithm effectively suppresses periodic pulsation interference while significantly reducing the attenuation of PD signals during the denoising process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphase Insulation and Discharge in High-Voltage Technology)

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13 pages, 8324 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cable Insulation Defect Prediction Based on Harmonic Anomaly Feature Analysis

by Yuli Wang, Haisong Xu, Anzhe Wang, Kaiwen Huang, Ge Wang, Xu Lu and Daning Zhang

Electronics 2024, 13(19), 3807; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13193807 - 26 Sep 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2108

Abstract

With the increasing demand for power supply reliability, online monitoring techniques for cable health condition assessments are gaining more attention. Most prevailing techniques lack the sensitivity needed to detect minor insulation defects. A new monitoring technique based on the harmonic anomaly feature analysis of the shield-to-ground current is introduced in this paper. The sensor installation and data acquisition are convenient and intrinsically safe, which makes it a preferred online monitoring technique. This study focuses on the single-core 10 kV distribution cable type. The research work includes the theoretical analysis of the cable defect’s impact on the current harmonic features, which are then demonstrated by simulation and lab experiments. It has been found that cable insulation defects cause magnetic field distortion, which introduces various harmonic current components, principally, the third-, fifth-, and seventh-order harmonic. The harmonic anomaly features are load current-, defect type-, and aging time-dependent. The K-means algorithm was selected as the data analysis algorithm and was used to achieve insulation defect prediction. The research outcome establishes a solid basis for the field application of the shield-to-ground harmonic current monitoring technique. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphase Insulation and Discharge in High-Voltage Technology)

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17 pages, 3019 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Surface Charge Accumulation on Spacers and Its Influencing Factors

by Yundong Lai, Hui Jiang, Yufei Han and Jinyu Tang

Electronics 2024, 13(7), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13071294 - 30 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1798

Abstract

Charge accumulation usually happens on the surface of spacers under DC operation, which is susceptible to inducing surface flashover. In order to explore the surface charge accumulation mechanisms and the influences of dielectric conductivity, gas ion mobility, and temperature field on the surface charges, a time-varying charge density model at the gas–solid interface of spacers was established. The results of the simulation show that the discontinuity of the current density between the spacer bulk side and the gas ion flow is the fundamental reason for the charge accumulation on the spacer surface. Additionally, the value of current density fluxes at the interface continues to decrease with the change of the electric field, and the progress of charge transfer gradually stabilizes. Moreover, the dielectric conductivity directly affects the charge accumulation process, and there is a critical conductivity in which the effect of charge conduction in dielectrics counteracts that of gas-phase charge deposition, theoretically. When the conductivity is higher than the critical conductivity, the solid-side charge conduction is the main source of the surface charge accumulation, while the gas-phase charge deposition on the gas side plays a dominant role when the conductivity is lower than the critical conductivity. The charge accumulation is not significantly affected by gas ion mobility when the temperature is evenly distributed. However, under the temperature field with gradient distribution, the current density fluxes at the interface change, causing the polarity reverse of the accumulated charge. In the high-temperature region, the volume current density surges simultaneously with the conductivity, leading to a higher density of surface charge accumulation. Lastly, the design of spacers needs to keep the current densities on both sides of the interface as similar as possible in order to avoid excessive charge gathering in localized areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphase Insulation and Discharge in High-Voltage Technology)

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