The increasing number of power electronic devices in electrical grids may lead to harmonic distorted voltages, which are considered to be possible causes of component failures. In this study, the dielectric losses of epoxy polymer and functionally filled silicone rubber (f-SiR) samples are investigated under harmonic distorted voltages in terms of their dielectric losses and the consequent heat source density within the material. The results suggest that the epoxy polymer samples behave linearly to the electric field strength and therefore allow good predictability of the dielectric losses. The investigated f-SiR samples exhibit a nonlinear behaviour when an electric field threshold is exceeded. The subsequent direct loss measurements under harmonic distorted voltage reveal a sharp rise of the dielectric loss with increasing electrical field strength. This leads to a higher risk of excessive heat in the material when harmonics are present. In conclusion, the investigation highlights the difficulties of estimating dielectric losses in nonlinear dielectric materials when distorted voltages are present.
Increased dynamic operation of long rotating high-voltage machines as well as elevated operating temperatures lead to intensified thermomechanical stress in the insulation system of global vacuum-pressureimpregnated machines. Meanwhile, the requirements regarding reliability of the machine and the electric insulation system remain high. Consequences of thermomechanical stress include delaminations and abrasion. To satisfy the high standards of longevity, reliable diagnosis of thermomechanical ageing is essential to allow manufacturers to develop and improve countermeasures. This work identifies diagnostic tools, which investigate the effects of thermomechanical ageing on model replicates of machine insulation systems. The longitudinal thermal expansion of the conductor during dynamic operation is replicated by applying mechanical force to the conductor of specimens, thus inducing mechanical stress in the insulation system. Recurring measurements of partial discharges, dielectric losses and capacitance are evaluated regarding their sensitivity in detecting resulting ageing phenomena. The study reveals that partial discharge measurements detect preliminary damages before insulation rupture caused by mechanicalstress occurs. Knowledge of these capabilites enables future-oriented development of insulation systems for dynamically-operated long rotating machines.
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