Numerical Analysis of Space Charge Behavior and Transient Electric Field under Polarity Reversal of HVDC Extruded Cable

Abstract

The superimposed transient electric field generated by polarity reversal causes severe stress to the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable insulation. Especially for polymeric insulation materials, space charge accumulation is prominent, which strengthens local electric field intensity. In order to avoid the risk of dielectric breakdown resulting from an intensified electric field caused by space charge behavior, several numerical analyses have been conducted using the Bipolar Charge Transport (BCT) model. However, these studies have only considered a unidirectional electric field assuming only steady state operating conditions, and there are few works that have analyzed space charge behavior during transient states, especially for the polarity reversal period. In order to analyze the charge behavior under polarity reversal, it is necessary to establish the boundary condition considering the direction and intensity of the field. Therefore, in this paper, we proposed a modified model connecting the steady state to the polarity reversal state, and the transient electric field was investigated depending on the electric potential zero duration. Since space charge behavior is influenced by temperature, different load currents were considered. From the simulation results, it was observed that the capacitive field was dominant on the electric field distribution during the polarity reversal. In addition, the long electric potential zero duration and high load currents could contribute to form a homo-charge at the conductor within the time of polarity reversal, resulting in a noticeable decrease in the maximum electric field intensity.