On-Line Partial Discharges Sensing Method in Aeronautics for AC and PWM Voltages: Optimizations and Limitations

Cella, Benjamin; Engler, A.; Maglie, R. De

doi:10.1109/eic.2018.8481071

Cited by 7 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…They are roughly classified as internal discharges, external discharges and corona discharges. Although short duration PDs are usually harmless, when they persist over time, they tend to generate important insulation damage in polymeric materials because PDs can produce a partially conductive path or track on the insulation outer surface, thus favoring the flow of an electric current and ultimately arc tracking activity or even complete electrical breakdown [ 23 ]. Arc tracking occurring in organic (polymeric) insulation systems, damages the polymer material, which shifts from insulating to conductor because of the tremendous thermal shocks due to the electron bombardment generated by the electrical discharge [ 24 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Corona Discharge Characteristics under Variable Frequency and Pressure Environments

Bas-Calopa

Riba

Moreno-Eguilaz

2021

Sensors

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More electric aircrafts (MEAs) are paving the path to all electric aircrafts (AEAs), which make a much more intensive use of electrical power than conventional aircrafts. Due to the strict weight requirements, both MEA and AEA systems require to increase the distribution voltage in order to limit the required electrical current. Under this paradigm new issues arise, in part due to the voltage rise and in part because of the harsh environments found in aircrafts systems, especially those related to low pressure and high-electric frequency operation. Increased voltage levels, high-operating frequencies, low-pressure environments and reduced distances between wires pose insulation systems at risk, so partial discharges (PDs) and electrical breakdown are more likely to occur. This paper performs an experimental analysis of the effect of low-pressure environments and high-operating frequencies on the visual corona voltage, since corona discharges occurrence is directly related to arc tracking and insulation degradation in wiring systems. To this end, a rod-to-plane electrode configuration is tested in the 20–100 kPa and 50–1000 Hz ranges, these ranges cover most aircraft applications, so that the corona extinction voltage is experimentally determined by using a low-cost high-resolution CMOS imaging sensor which is sensitive to the visible and near ultraviolet (UV) spectra. The imaging sensor locates the discharge points and the intensity of the discharge, offering simplicity and low-cost measurements with high sensitivity. Moreover, to assess the performance of such sensor, the discharges are also acquired by analyzing the leakage current using an inexpensive resistor and a fast oscilloscope. The experimental data presented in this paper can be useful in designing insulation systems for MEA and AEA applications.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Corona Discharge Characteristics under Variable Frequency and Pressure Environments

Bas-Calopa

Riba

Moreno-Eguilaz

2021

Sensors

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“…These chemical changes could create a conductive carbon path, allowing an electric current to flow with a consequent increase in temperature. These changes tend to cause premature insulation degradation, facilitating the formation of an arc and even complete insulation failure [ 53 ]. The mechanism for creating the arc via dry band formation is explained later.…”

Section: The Arc Tracking Phenomenonmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tracking Resistance in Polymeric Insulation Materials for High-Voltage Electrical Mobility Applications Evaluated by Existing Test Methods: Identified Research Needs

Riba,

Moreno-Eguilaz,

Bogarra

2023

Polymers

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With the increasing electrification of the transportation and mobility sectors, polymer insulation materials are inevitably exposed to harsher environments, including exposure to contamination, wide temperature ranges, operation at higher voltages and switching frequencies, and low-pressure environments. This paper reviews the tests to characterize the polymeric materials used in insulation systems for electric mobility applications, focusing on resistance to tracking. This paper also reports on the limitations of existing standard test methods and identifies the challenges and research needs to meet the increasing demands of the electric mobility industry. To this end, an evaluation of the scientific and technological state of the art is carried out through the analysis of theses, research articles, technical reports, manufacturers’ datasheets, international standards, and white papers.

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“…The chemical changes eventually create a conductive track in the polymeric insulation, which favors the flow of an electric current, thus raising the temperature in the track and causing further damage in the insulation. This sustained situation weakens the insulation and promotes arcing activity [13], which appears in the insulation between wires due to the formation of a carbonized track. Further discharges spread existing tracking paths, generating the arc tracking phenomenon [7], thus extending the damage and eventually causing a fire hazard [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using CMOS Image Sensors to Determine the Intensity of Electrical Discharges for Aircraft Applications

Riba

Bas-Calopa

Qolla³

et al. 2022

Applied Sciences

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The development of more electric aircrafts (MEA) and all electric aircrafts (AEA) inevitably implies an increase in electric power and a consequent increase in distribution voltage levels. Increased operating voltages coupled with low pressure in some areas of the aircraft greatly increase the chances of premature insulation failure. Insulation failure manifests itself as surface discharges, arc tracking, arcing, and disruptive or breakdown discharges, in order of increasing severity. Unfortunately, on-board electrical protections cannot detect discharges at an early stage, so other strategies must be explored. In their early stage, insulation faults manifest as surface and corona discharges. They generate optical radiation, mainly in the near-ultraviolet (UV) and visible spectral regions. This paper focuses on a method to detect the discharges, locate the discharge sites, and determine their intensity to facilitate predictive maintenance tasks. It is shown that by using small size and low-cost image sensors, it is possible to detect, locate, and quantify the intensity of the discharges. This paper also proposes and evaluates the behavior of a discharge severity indicator, which is based on determining the intensity of digital images of the discharges, so it can be useful to apply predictive maintenance tasks. The behavior and accuracy of this indicator has been tested in the laboratory using a low-pressure chamber operating in the pressure range of 10–100 kPa, which is characteristic of aircraft applications, analyzing a needle-plane air gap geometry and using an image sensor. The proposed method can be extended to other applications where electrical discharges are an issue.

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On-Line Partial Discharges Sensing Method in Aeronautics for AC and PWM Voltages: Optimizations and Limitations

Cited by 7 publications

References 4 publications

Corona Discharge Characteristics under Variable Frequency and Pressure Environments

Corona Discharge Characteristics under Variable Frequency and Pressure Environments

Tracking Resistance in Polymeric Insulation Materials for High-Voltage Electrical Mobility Applications Evaluated by Existing Test Methods: Identified Research Needs

Using CMOS Image Sensors to Determine the Intensity of Electrical Discharges for Aircraft Applications

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