Insulation degradation project goals and achievements
The project aims to advance our scientific understanding of the impact of WBG devices on machine insulation systems and to make recommendations that will support the design and test of machines with an optimised power density and lifetime when used with a WBG converter.
We will achieve our project aims using the following methods and techniques.
Modelling tools
Developing tools to allow a designer to assess the level of voltage expected for each individual component of the insulation system (turn to turn, turn to coil, turn to machine wall, coil to coil) of an electrical machine or wound component.
PD and insulation breakdown
Evaluating the breakdown voltage and partial discharge inception voltage of insulation systems operating in the presence of WBG device driven high voltage gradients.
Lifetime assessment
Assessing the lifetime of insulation systems operating under high voltage gradients and high frequencies and as function of environmental conditions including temperature, temperature cycling and atmospheric pressure.
Online health monitoring
Developing non-invasive techniques, sensing and for online insulation health monitoring of machines' insulation and prognosis of the remaining useful life.
Design guidelines
Identifying design guidelines that support the development of increasingly power dense machines when these are operated with WBG switches.