In this paper, a lumped RC circuit model, which is based on the Transmission Line Modeling (TLM) method, is used to describe the space charge production and displacement mechanisms in three different solid dielectric materials (LDPE, PTFE and FR4). Each dielectric material is considered as a transmission line with the capacitive and resistance elements. The obtained circuit equations are solved along with the continuity equations for the various charged species in the bulk of solid dielectric material. The electric potential and field, density of different charged species and their recombination rates, resistive and capacitive properties of the solid dielectric material are calculated. In addition, the effects of the variations in the applied voltage, dielectric permittivity and temperature on these physical parameters are examined. Besides, compared with LDPE and PTFE, the net charge density increment rate in FR4 is much higher. Moreover, the influences of temperature on the net charge density in LDPE are not significant. Furthermore, at the higher applied voltages, the current density is increased. Interestingly, the effects of temperature variations on the recombination rates, net charge and current density in LDPE are much lower. Hence, the suitability of LDPE as solid dielectric material is proved.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to numerically examine the heat transfer and transport of space charges in the solid insulating materials [low density polyethylene (LDPE), flame retardant type 4 (FR4), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)] using the transmission line modeling (TLM) method. Besides, a comprehensive study is performed on the mutual influences of heat transfer and space charges transport within the solid dielectric bulk. Design/methodology/approach The obtained governing equations including continuity and circuit equations are coupled with heat transfer equations, and they are solved via fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. Findings The electric potential and field, current density and temperature distribution are calculated. It is shown that compared with FR4 and PTFE, the temperature increment rate in LDPE is much lower. Moreover, the heat transfer in the solid insulating materials bulk increases the homo-charges density and temperature in the vicinity of electrodes. Hence, the reduction in electric field is reflected in the potential deformations in the proximity of electrodes. Furthermore, where the electric field is maximized, the temperature is minimized. Research limitations/implications This study is restricted to two-dimensional problems. Originality/value Interestingly, because of the lower temperature in LDPE, the current density and their increment rates in LDPE are much lower than that in FR4 and PTFE dielectric materials.