Understanding surface partial discharges in HV coils and the role of semi-conductive protection

Abstract

An electrical insulating system in high voltage rotating machines is subjected to several stresses that cause changes of material properties during its lifetime. This phenomenon reduces progressively ability of the insulation to withstand the service stresses. Internal partial discharges can be located inside the high voltage insulation and usually they are dangerous for life-cycle duration. Surface discharges are generated at the solid/air interface in the gaps of machine stator slots or at the slot exits. Surface discharges can cause more intensive deterioration of the insulation, accelerate aging processes and definitively take aim toward premature failure of the machine. The application of conductive or semi-conductive protection layer provides certain protection for solid insulation from these discharges. Semi-conductive corona protection tapes are used on the coils at the slot exit region to electrical field control and prevent surface discharges. Laboratory measurements of the surface partial discharge quantities in specimens of high voltage coils with mica insulation were performed. The aim of the paper is to describe theoretically the development of surface discharges in rotating machines and to present surface partial discharge development in HV motors when semi-conductive layer protection is missing. The results can be found useful to understand better the surface discharge development and importance of high-quality semi-conductive protection technology.