Abstract
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is broadly employed as an insulating material for high voltage applications. Surface discharge-induced thermal depolymerization and carbon tracking adversely affect its performance. This work reports the electrical field modeling, carbon tracking lifetime, infrared thermal distribution, and leakage current development on EPDM-based insulation with the addition of nano-BN (boron nitride) contents. Melt mixing and compression molding techniques were used for the fabrication of nanocomposites. An electrical tracking resistance test was carried out as per IEC-60587. Simulation results show that contamination significantly distorted the electrical field distribution and induced dry band arcing. Experimental results indicate that electric field stress was noticed significantly higher at the intersection of insulation and edges of the area of contamination. Moreover, the field substantially intensified with the increasing voltage levels. Experimental results show improved carbonized tracking lifetime with the addition of nano-BN contents. Furthermore, surface temperature was reduced in the critical contamination flow path. The third harmonic component in the leakage current declined with the increase of the nano-BN contents. It is concluded that addition of nano-BN imparts a better tracking failure time, and this is attributed to better thermal conductivity and thermal stability, as well as an improved shielding effect to electrical discharges on the surface of nanocomposite insulators.
Highlights
Polymeric insulators are emerging as a mature technology and outstanding insulating solution for power equipment that is engaged in outdoor electricity networks
The results indicate that carbon tracking failure was substantially halted halted by by the the Boron nitride (BN)
The results indicate that the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) filled with nano-BN could have restricted the third harmonic component in the leakage current, as compared to the unfilled wt
Summary
Polymeric insulators are emerging as a mature technology and outstanding insulating solution for power equipment that is engaged in outdoor electricity networks. An outstanding flashover characteristic is a key attribute for their preference over conventional non-polymeric technology [1,2]. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is a popular choice after silicone rubber for outdoor insulators because it provides a better flexible design and pollution performance. EPDM insulation-based cables are used in nuclear radiation environments due to their superior resistance to gamma irradiation [3]. Polymeric materials have been found to render much better performance in highly polluted and contaminated sites. Electrical discharge-induced carbonized conductive tracking is yet to be completely resolved due to the thermal aspects of the materials that are used in these scenarios
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