Search Results (60)

Power transformer insulation systems, composed of liquid and solid insulators, are continuously exposed to thermal and electrical stresses that degrade their performance over time and may lead to premature failure. Since these stresses are unavoidable during operation, selecting effective insulating materials is critical for long-term reliability. In this study, Kraft insulation paper was used as the solid insulator and impregnated with three different liquids: mineral oil and two natural esters (NE1204 and NE1215), to evaluate their stability under simultaneous thermal and electrical stress. The degradation behavior of the oil-impregnated papers was assessed using frequency-domain dielectric spectroscopy (FDS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), enabling early fault detection. Comparative analyses were conducted to evaluate the withstand capability of each liquid type during operation. Results revealed strong correlations between FTIR indicators (e.g., oxidation and hydroxyl group loss) and dielectric parameters (permittivity and loss factor), confirming the effectiveness of this combined diagnostic approach. Post-aging breakdown analysis showed that natural esters, particularly NE1215, offered superior preservation of insulation integrity compared to mineral oil. Differences between the two esters also highlight the role of chemical composition in insulation performance. This study reinforces the potential of natural esters as viable, eco-friendly alternatives in thermally and electrically stressed applications. Full article

The structural and electrical properties of double perovskite compounds SrLaFe_1−xMn_xTiO_6−δ (x = 0, 0.33, 0.67, and 1.0) were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dielectric impedance measurements. The reparation of perovskite compounds was successfully achieved through the precursor solid-state reaction in air at 1250 °C. The purity phase and crystal structures of perovskite compounds were determined by means of the standard Rietveld refinement method using the FullProf suite. The best fitting results showed that SrLaFeTiO_6−δ was orthorhombic with space group Pnma, and both SrLaFe_0.67Mn_0.33TiO_6−δ and SrLaFe_0.33Mn_0.67TiO_6−δ were cubic structures with space group Fm3m, while SrLaMnTiO_6−δ was tetragonal with a I/4m space group. The charge density maps obtained for these structures indicated that the compounds show an ionic and mixed ionic–electronic conduction. The dielectric impedance measurements were carried out in the range of 20 Hz to 1 MHz, and the analysis showed that there is more than one relaxation mechanism of Debye type. Doping with Mn was found to reduce the dielectric impedance of the samples, and the major contribution to the dielectric impedance was established to change from a capacitive for SrLaFeTiO_6−δ to a resistive for SrLaMnTiO_6−δ. The fall in values of electrical resistance may be related to the possible occurrence of the double exchange (DEX) mechanism among the Mn ions, provided there is oxygen deficiency in the samples. DC-resistivity measurements revealed that SrLaFeTiO_6−δ was an insulator while SrLaMnTiO_6−δ was showing a semiconductor–metallic transition at ~250 K, which is in support of the DEX interaction. The dielectric impedance of SrLaFe_0.67Mn_0.33TiO_6−δ was found to be similar to that of (La,Sr)(Co,Fe)O_3-δ, the mixed ionic–electronic conductor (MIEC) model. The occurrence of a mixed ionic–electronic state in these compounds may qualify them to be used in free lead solar cells and energy storage technology. Full article

This article continues the authors’ research on NOMEX^® 910 cellulose–aramid insulation saturated with modern electrical insulating liquids, which is increasingly used in the construction of high-power transformers The increase in technical requirements and environmental awareness influences, nowadays, shows that, during the overhaul and modernization of power transformers, petroleum-based mineral oils are increasingly being replaced by biodegradable synthetic esters (oil retrofilling). As a result of this process, the solid insulation of the windings are saturated with an oil–ester liquid mixture with a percentage composition that is difficult to predict. The purpose of the research described in this paper was to test the effect of the degree of mixing of synthetic ester with mineral oil on the diagnostic measurements of NOMEX^® 910 cellulose–aramid insulation realized via the polarization PDC method. Thus, the research conducted included determining the influence of such factors as the degree of mixing of synthetic ester with mineral oil and the measurement temperature on the value of the recorded time courses of the polarization and depolarization current. The final stage of the research involved analyzing the extent to which the aforementioned factors affect parameters characterizing polarization processes in the dielectric, i.e., the dominant dielectric relaxation time constants τ₁ and τ₂, and the activation energy E_A. The test and analysis results described in the paper will allow better interpretation of the results of diagnostic tests of transformers with solid insulation built on NOMEX^® 910 paper, in which mineral oil was replaced with synthetic ester as a result of the upgrade. Full article

Solid-State Transformers (SSTs) enable significant improvements in size and functionality compared to conventional power transformers. However, one of the key challenges in Solid-State Transformer design is achieving reliable insulation between the high-voltage and low-voltage sections. This proposal presents the design and optimization of a high-insulation Medium-Frequency Transformer (MFT) for 66 kV grids operating at 50 kHz and delivering up to 75 kW for SST applications using Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) technology. A fixed 50 mm gap between the primary and secondary windings is filled with dielectric oil to enhance insulation. The proposed IPT system employs a double-D coil design developed through iterative 2D and 3D finite element method simulations to optimize the magnetic circuit, thereby significantly reducing stray flux and losses. Notably, the double-D configuration reduces enclosure losses from 269.6 W, observed in a rectangular coil design, to 4.38 W, resulting in an overall system loss reduction of 42.4% while maintaining the electrical parameters required for zero-voltage switching operation. These advancements address the critical limitations in conventional Medium-Frequency Transformers by providing enhanced insulation and improved thermal management. The proposed IPT-based design offers a low-loss solution with easy thermal management for solid-state transformer applications in high-voltage grids. Full article

Insulating materials can be classified into solid, liquid, and gaseous forms. Solid insulation materials are divided into different types such as organic, inorganic, and polymer types. In electrical circuits, solid insulation materials are generally used as components that provide insulation and mechanical support. In recent years, as a result of developing technologies, the production of participation insulation materials with 3D printing technology has become widespread. Three-dimensional printing technology enables the rapid creation of objects by combining materials based on digital model data. It is important to evaluate the materials produced with 3D printing in terms of insulation coordination. Studies have shown that the electrical breakdown strength of solid dielectrics varies depending on factors such as sample type, thickness, the magnitude of applied voltage, and the temperature of the physical environment. According to IEC-60243 standards, there are various methods to measure the breakdown strength of solid insulators applied to different voltage types. In this study, the behavior of PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG, and PC/ABS materials produced with 3D printing and having the potential to be used as insulation materials when exposed to high voltage within the scope of insulation coordination was investigated. The breakdown strengths of solid insulation materials produced with 3D printing were measured in the high-voltage laboratory within the scope of IEC-60243. Breakdown strength was statistically evaluated with the Weibull distribution. Damage analysis of the breakdowns in the test specimens was examined in detail with ImageJ software. With the comparative analysis, the behaviors of PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG, and PC/ABS solid insulation materials were revealed and their superiority over each other was determined. Full article

The use of solid waste such as ceramic sludge, ceramic rollers, and magnesite was studied to obtain cheap refractory ceramics at temperatures of 1300 °C based on XRF, XRD SEM, EDX, bending strength, and dielectric properties. The prepared samples were examined. The results showed that the significant crystalline phases formed were mullite, spinel, and corundum. They also showed that mullite hindered the formation of cordierite and enhanced spinel formation. With increased cordierite content, the microstructure varied from fine grained to coarse grained. Bending strength increased with increasing mullite content and bulk density, ranging from 10.80 to 13.50 MPa. Bulk density increased with the increase in mullite content and sintering temperature and ranged from 1.99 to 1.94 g/cm³, while the percentage of porosity and water absorption decreased and ranged from 29.40 to 38.83, respectively. To examine the effect of the produced phases on the dielectric characteristics, the permittivity (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″), and AC conductivity (σ_ac) were measured in the frequency range of 10⁻¹ Hz to 10⁶ Hz. As the concentration of cordierite increased, there was a noticeable drop in ε′ from 35.6 to 8.2 and σ_ac from 10⁻⁸ s/cm to around 10⁻¹¹ s/cm and high values of resistivity from 10⁸ cm/s to about 10¹⁰ cm/s, suggesting that this material might be an excellent insulator. Full article

The electrical percolation of alternating current through two-phase polyethylene/graphite composite electrodes with different contents of graphite microparticles immersed in aqueous KCl solutions has been studied. Above the graphite content of the first percolation threshold, the electrochemical impedance response of this electrode is associated with an equivalent circuit of resistance $R_u$ in series with a constant phase element (CPE). An insulator material + conducting filler model is proposed in which the electroactive surface is considered as the intersection of the percolation cluster through the solid and the cluster associated with the interfacial region. CPE is analyzed assuming a distribution of microcapacitors of the graphite particles in contact with the dielectric solution and inside the dielectric polymeric phase. Full article

In most industrialized countries, power transformers built several decades ago are approaching the end of their operational lifespan. The ongoing energy transition, focused on developing 100% renewable energy sources and accelerating global transportation electrification, further exacerbates these assets. Combined with rising electricity demand, there is an increasing risk of critical transformers’ degradation acceleration. In this context, understanding the aging mechanisms of the insulation system inside these essential assets, which form the core of every energy network, becomes paramount for today’s managers and engineers responsible for their operations. The acids generated through oil oxidation can be classified into two categories: low molecular weight acids (LMAs), which are inherently more hydrophilic and consequently have a greater impact on the degradation rate of solid insulation through hydrolysis, and high molecular weight acids (HMAs), which do not significantly contribute to the degradation of paper insulation. This study specifically addresses the impact of acids generated through oil oxidation—focusing on LMAs. New oil samples were infused with different ratios of LMAs before impregnation. The impregnated paper samples underwent thermal aging at 115 °C. Different physicochemical and dielectric properties were investigated. The investigations revealed that oils blended with formic acid exhibited more adverse effects on the insulation system compared to other LMAs. This information is essential for industry professionals seeking to mitigate the risks associated with transformer degradation and extend the lifespan of these critical assets during the energy transition. Full article

When using transformer insulation oil as a liquid dielectric, the oil is easily polluted by the solid particles generated in the operation of the transformer, and these metallic impurity particles have a significant impact on the insulation performance inside the power transformer. The force of the metal particles suspended in the flow insulation oil is multidimensional, which will lead to a change in the movement characteristics of the metal particles. Based on this, this study explored the motion rules of suspended metallic impurity particles in mobile insulating oil in different electric field environments and the influencing factors. A multiphysical field model of the solid–liquid two-phase flow of single-particle metallic impurity particles in mobile insulating oil was constructed using the dynamic analysis method, and the particles’ motion characteristics in the oil in different electric field environments were simulated. The motion characteristics of metallic impurity particles under conditions of different particle sizes, oil flow velocities, and insulation oil qualities and influencing factors were analyzed to provide theoretical support for the detection of impurity particles in transformer insulation oil and enable accurate estimations of the location of equipment faults. Our results show that there are obvious differences in the trajectory of metallic impurity particles under different electric field distributions. The particles will move towards the region of high field intensity under an electric field, and the metallic impurity particles will not collide with the electrode under an AC field. When the electric field intensity and particle size increase, the trajectory of the metallic impurity particles between electrodes becomes denser, and the number of collisions between particles and electrodes and the motion speed both increase. Under the condition of a higher oil flow velocity, the number of collisions between metal particles and electrodes is reduced, which reduces the possibility of particle agglomeration. When the temperature of the insulation oil changes and the quality deteriorates, its dynamic viscosity changes. With a decrease in the dynamic viscosity of the insulation oil, the movement of the metallic impurity particles between the electrodes becomes denser, the collision times between the particles and electrodes increase, and the maximum motion speed of the particles increases. Full article

In general, a high voltage (HV) substation can be made up of multiple insulation subsystems: an air insulation subsystem (AIS), gas insulation subsystem (GIS), liquid insulation subsystem (power transformers), and solid insulation subsystem (power cables), all of them with their grounding structures interconnected and linked to the substation earth. Partial discharge (PD) pulses, which are generated in a HV apparatus belonging to a subsystem, travel through the grounding structures of the others. PD analyzers using high-frequency current transformer (HFCT) sensors, which are installed at the connections between the grounding structures, are sensitive to these traveling pulses. In a substation made up of an AIS, several non-critical PD sources can be detected, such as possible corona, air surface, or floating discharges. To perform the correct diagnosis, non-critical PD sources must be separated from critical PD sources related to insulation defects, such as a cavity in a solid dielectric material, mobile particles in SF6, or surface discharges in oil. Powerful diagnostic tools using PD clustering and phase-resolved PD (PRPD) pattern recognition have been developed to check the insulation condition of HV substations. However, a common issue is how to determine the subsystem in which a critical PD source is located when there are several PD sources, and a critical one is near the boundary between two HV subsystems, e.g., a cavity defect located between a cable end and a GIS. The traveling direction of the detected PD is valuable information to determine the subsystem in which the insulation defect is located. However, incorrect diagnostics are usually due to the constraints of PD measuring systems and inadequate PD diagnostic procedures. This paper presents a diagnostic procedure using an appropriate PD analyzer with multiple HFCT sensors to carry out efficient insulation condition diagnoses. This PD procedure has been developed on the basis of laboratory tests, transient signal modeling, and validation tests. The validation tests were carried out in a special test bench developed for the characterization of PD analyzers. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedure, a real case is also presented, where satisfactory results are shown. Full article

Silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) materials are widely used in the electronics, optoelectronics, and semiconductor industries, with Si₃N₄ thin films exhibiting high densities, high dielectric constants, good insulation performance, and good thermal and chemical stability. However, direct deposition of Si₃N₄ thin films on glass can result in considerable tensile stress and cracking. In this study, magnetron sputtering was used to deposit a Si₃N₄ thin film on glass, and a silicon dioxide (SiO₂) thin film was introduced to reduce the Si₃N₄ binding force and stress. The effect of the SiO₂ layer thickness on the SiO₂/Si₃N₄ multilayered thin film was explored. The results indicated that the introduction of the SiO₂ layer could improve the weak adhesion characteristics of Si₃N₄ thin films. Moreover, sputtering the SiO₂ layer to 150 nm resulted in the highest hardness and transmittance of the SiO₂/Si₃N₄ multilayered thin films. The findings of this study lay a solid foundation for the application of Si₃N₄ thin films on glass. Full article

The lifespan of an electrical transformer, primarily determined by the condition of its solid insulation, is well known under various operating conditions when mineral oil is the coolant in these machines. However, there is a trend toward replacing this oil with biodegradable fluids, especially esters; therefore, an understanding of the ageing of solid insulation with these fluids is essential. Currently available data do not allow for the selection of the best ester among those available on the market, as each study applies different conditions, making it impossible to compare results. Thus, this paper analyses the degradation of Kraft and Thermally Upgraded Kraft papers with the following five most promising commercial esters: sunflower, rapeseed, soybean, palm, and synthetic. The materials underwent accelerated thermal ageing at 130, 150, and 170 °C, and the integrity of the papers was evaluated through their polymerisation degree and the obtaining of the degradation kinetic models. The wide range of materials studied in this work, which were subjected to the same treatments, allows for a comparison of the esters, revealing significant differences in the impact of the alternative fluids. Sunflower, rapeseed, and soybean esters provided the best paper protection, i.e., the degree of polymerisation of Kraft paper in the tests at 150 °C decreased by 71% with these fluids, compared to the 83% reduction with mineral oil, 79% reduction with palm ester, and 75% reduction with synthetic ester. Furthermore, different kinetic models were obtained to predict the degradation; it was concluded that the Emsley model provides the best fit. Additionally, it was found that the behaviour of a dielectric fluid with one type of paper cannot be extrapolated, which is only noticeable in broad-scope studies. Full article

This paper presents the results of the study of the direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) electrical properties of an electrical pressboard–bio-insulating oil–water composite in a wide range of water content and temperatures used in electric power transformers. These parameters allow the level of insulation reliability to be determined after many years of operation of power transformers. To analyse the experimental results, a model of the DC and AC conductivities of nanocomposites based on the quantum-mechanical phenomenon of electron tunnelling was used. It was found that in a low-frequency region, the conductivities of AC and DC and their activation energy are equal. The relaxation times of AC conductivity and permittivity are also equal. It was found that the dependence of the DC conductivity on the distance between water molecules is an exponential function. On the basis of the model of conductivity by electron tunnelling between potential wells, the average number of water molecules in a nanodroplet, located in a composite of electrical pressboard–bio-insulating oil–moisture was determined to be (126 ± 20). It was found that the measured dependencies of DC and AC conductivity, permeability and dielectric relaxation times are consistent with the results of computer simulations performed on the basis of the model. This study showed that the composite of pressboard impregnated with bio-oil spontaneously transforms through water absorption into a pressboard–bio-oil–water nanocomposite. These will serve as the basis for the application of actual conductivity and dielectric relaxation mechanisms to improve the accuracy of moisture estimation in the solid component of power transformer insulation carried out on the basis of measurements of DC and AC properties. This will improve the operational safety of the transformers, minimise the occurrence of transformer failure and the associated environmental pollution. Full article

Switched Reluctance Motors (SRMs), Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs), and induction motors may experience failures due to insulation-related breakdowns. The SRM rotor is of a non-salient nature and made of solid steel material. There are no windings on the rotor. However, the stator is composed of windings that are intricately insulated from each other using materials such as enamel wire, polymer films, mica tapes, epoxy resin, varnishes, or insulating tapes. The dielectric strength of the insulation may fail over time due to several environmental factors and processes. Dielectric breakdown of the winding insulation can be caused by rapid switching of the winding current, the presence of contaminants, and thermal aging. For reliable and efficient operation of the SRMs and other electrical machines, it is necessary to take into account the physics of the winding insulation and perform appropriate diagnostics and estimations that can monitor the integrity of the insulation. This article presents the estimation problem using a Genetic Algorithm (GA)-optimized Random Forest Regressor. Empirical properties and measurable quantities in the historical data are utilized to derive temperature and leakage current estimation. The developed model is then combined with a moving average function to increase the accuracy of prediction of the stator winding temperature and leakage current. The performance of the model is compared with that of the Feedforward Neural Network and Long Short-Term Memory over the same winding temperature and leakage current historical data. The performance metrics are based on computation of the Mean Square Error and Mean Absolute Error. Full article

Improvement techniques aimed at enhancing the dielectric strength and minimizing the dielectric loss of insulation materials have piqued the interest of many researchers. It is worth noting that the electrical breakdown traits of insulation material are determined by their electrochemical and mechanical performance. Possible good mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties of new materials are considered during the generation process. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is often used as a high-voltage insulator due to its favorable mechanical properties, high insulation resistance, lightweight qualities, recovery, large actuation strain, and cost-effectiveness. The elastomer structure of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) enables its application in a broad range of high-voltage (HV) insulation systems. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using TPU on transformer windings as a solid insulator instead of pressboards. The investigation conducted through experiments sheds light on the potential of TPU in expanding the range of insulating materials for HV transformers. Transformers play a crucial role in HV systems, hence the selection of suitable materials like cellulose and polyurethane is of utmost importance. This study involved the preparation of an experimental setup in the laboratory. Breakdown tests were conducted by generating a non-uniform electric field using a needle–plane electrode configuration in a test chamber filled with mineral oil. Various voltages ranging from 14.4 kV to 25.2 kV were applied to induce electric field stress with a step rise of 3.6 kV. The partial discharges and peak numbers were measured based on the predetermined threshold values. The study investigated and compared the behaviors of two solid insulating materials under differing non-electric field stress conditions. Harmonic component analysis was utilized to observe the differences between the two materials. Notably, at 21.6 kV and 25.2 kV, polyurethane demonstrated superior performance compared to pressboard with regards to the threshold value of leakage current. Full article