More than fifty years after the publication of the early work on conduction and dielectric breakdown of solids, we are still unable to describe quantitatively the electrical response of these materials. During this period of time, concepts derived from semiconductor physics have been transposed to the case of insulating solids, and among them, to polymers. Alternative descriptions have been proposed as well. In spite of this, there is still no agreement on how to describe charge transport and there is still some controversy as regards the applicability of semiconductors physics to the case of disordered insulating materials and in particular to polymers used in electrical engineering applications. The last twenty years have been marked by the publication of excellent review papers summarizing the physical concepts available to describe charge transport. Enormous steps forward have been achieved as regards computing facilities and our ability to spatially map the space charge, quantitatively, inside dielectric materials. We consider these two factors as fundamental in providing possibilities for developing sound models of charge transport, by using the basis of fundamental knowledge that has been accumulated in the previous years, and by coupling up-to-date techniques in experiments and in simulation. In this paper, which is not a review of either the published work on modeling or of new concepts in dielectric physics, we emphasize recent progress in the field of atomistic and macroscopic modeling and we discuss challenges based on such approaches that, we think, constitute a direction for future research.

Charge transport modeling in insulating polymers: from molecular to macroscopic scale

Charge Transport Modeling in Insulating Polymers : From Molecular to Macroscopic Scale

It has been observed that voltage waveforms generated by power electronic converters may affect significantly the reliability of electric motor insulation. Since partial discharges are considered to be the main cause of the reliability loss, new enamel insulations for magnet wires are being developed in order to withstand better stress amplification. The electrical characterization of these insulating materials is often carried out through aging tests which may provide estimation of life under different stress levels and conditions. However, deeper investigation of aging phenomena due to supply voltage waveforms is needed, especially regarding the relation between aging factors and stress conditions. This paper deals with this topic, showing experimental evidences of relation between partial discharge quantities (e.g., inception voltage, repetition frequency, amplitude) and electrical properties, associated with charge accumulation, which can be directly evaluated through space charge measurements. Characterization of insulating materials and comparison of materials candidate for application in power electronic waveform environment can be carried out resorting to the methodology proposed here. This approach can provide, therefore, a useful feedback to wire manufacturers regarding, e.g., the choice of additive nature and enamel components for magnet wires in power-electronic controlled motors.

Relation between space charge accumulation and partial discharge activity in enameled wires under PWM-like voltage waveforms

Considering the title of this paper, one might think that everything has been said, shown, proven and discussed already on ageing and failure of electrical insulating materials, based on at least half century of research work and field feedbacks. However, perhaps there is still room to collect ideas and speculate on apparently proven or brand new concepts, such as the interrelation between ageing mechanisms and physically measurable quantities such as space charge, partial discharges and conduction current. The latter is, indeed, the scope of this paper, which is taken from the Whitehead Memorial Lecture given at the 2010 IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena (CEIDP). On one hand we will revisit the concepts of space charge accumulation in insulating (polymeric) materials, considering also the latest achievements which deal with ultra-fast charge pulses (solitons), on the other hand we will discuss how space charge can contribute to ageing rate under dc, ac or impulsive voltage, directly through electric field alteration, or indirectly modifying a fundamental ageing factor such as partial discharges.The goal is, at the very end, to show how much such basic investigations can have a fundamental impact on insulation design and electrical apparatus long-term performance/ reliability.

Bringing an insulation to failure: the role of space charge

Nanostructured materials are attracting increased interest and applications. Exciting perspectives may be offered by electrical insulation. Polymeric nanofilled materials may find new and/or upgraded applications in the electrical and electronic industry, replacing conventional insulation to provide improved performances in electrical apparatus, as regards, e.g., reliability, environmental compatibility and power rating. This paper shows that electrical properties of nanocomposite insulating materials for DC applications, specifically space charge, conductivity and breakdown voltage, can improve significantly with respect to the basis, unfilled materials. Reference is made to two polymeric materials, i.e. poly(ethylene-covinylacetate) (EVA) and polypropylene (PP), that are widely used as electrical insulation, e.g. for cables and capacitors. The nanofiller consists of an organophilic layered silicate, specifically an extra-pure synthetic fluorohectorite modified by means of interlayer exchange of sodium cations for protonated octadecylamine NH/sub 3//sup +/ (ODA), in a weight concentration of maximum 6%. In both materials the space charge accumulation rate as a function of applied electric field is significantly reduced, while the electrical conductivity is raised. The breakdown voltage can increase for the nanofilled materials.

Modification of electrical properties and performance of EVA and PP insulation through nanostructure by organophilic silicates

Much progress had been made during the last two decades in acoustic and optical methods for measuring charge distributions in dielectrics. A review on this topic is given, which mainly covers the past research activities associated with that at our laboratory. For acoustic methods, we will discuss andoompare the pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) and pressure wave propagation (pwP) methods and present some of the results that enabled us to gain physical insights into the charge dynamics within solid plate samples and coaxial cables. For optical methods, we will discuss the Pockels effect technique that is used for the dynamic measurement of surface charge distributions, and the Kerr effect technique that is developed for measuring electric field distributions within liquid dielectrics.

Acoustic and optical methods for measuring electric charge distributions in dielectrics

Much progress had been made during the last two decades of acoustic and optical methods for measuring charge distributions in dielectrics. A review on this topic is given, which covers mainly the past research activities associated with that at our laboratory. For acoustic methods, we will discuss and compare the PEA and PWP methods and present some of the results that enabled us to gain some physical insights into the charge dynamics within solid plate samples and coaxial cables. For optical methods, we will discuss the Pockels effect technique that is used for the dynamic measurement of surface charge distributions, and the Kerr effect technique that is developed for measuring electric field distributions within liquid dielectrics.

Tatsuo Takada

Papers

Acoustic and optical methods for measuring electric charge distributions in dielectrics

Acoustic and optical methods for measuring electric charge distributions in dielectrics