La conception et la validation d’un nouveau moteur électrique nécessitent d’examiner les comportements dans le temps des différents matériaux d’isolation électrique face aux multiples contraintes qu’ils subissent. Les caractérisations au cours des vieillissements thermiques, hygrothermiques, thermomécaniques et électriques, ont porté sur les matériaux seuls , avec un focus particulier sur les résines d’imprégnation : une à base de polyesterimide et une à base d’époxy chargé, mais également sur les systèmes d’isolation électrique complets. Les autres matériaux sont l’émail des fils de cuivre, constitué de polyesterimide et de polyamide-imide, et deux papiers d’isolation tri-couches à base de Nomex® et de Kapton® pour l’un, et de Nomex® et de PET pour l’autre. Des caractérisations physico-chimiques (suivi de masse, spectroscopies IR et diélectrique, microscopie optique) et mécanique (flexion 3 points) ont permis de mettre en évidence des mécanismes de dégradations des matériaux lors des vieillissements thermiques et hygrothermiques tels que la perte d’adhérence de l’émail ou bien la délamination de la résine époxy. La caractérisation électrique des motorettes par des mesures de décharges partielles, a permis une évaluation des impacts des différents vieillissements et également de les corréler avec certains comportements des matériaux. L’influence de la forme d’onde sur la TADP a été étudiée. Il n’apparait aucune différence significative dans nos conditions entre des mesures sous signaux sinusoïdaux et sous signaux carrés. Les simulations de champs électriques sur les motorettes sont en accord avec les tensions d’apparition de décharges partielles (TADP) mesurées et avec l’influence de la température sur ces TADP. / Design and validation of a new electric motor require an examination of the behavior of the electrical insulating materials under different stresses. Characterizations were performed during aging, thermal, hydrothermal, thermomechanical and electrical, both on the materials, with a special focus on the impregnating resins: a polyesterimide and a filled epoxy, and on models of the electrical system. Other materials have also been characterized such as the enamel covering the copper, with a formulation based on polyesterimide and polyamide-imide, and two 3-layer insulating papers based on Nomex® and Kapton® for the first and on Nomex® and PET for the second. Physicochemical analyses (mass loss, IR and dielectric spectroscopies, optical microscopy) and mechanical characterizations (3-points bending) allowed the identification of the degradation mechanisms during thermal and hydrothermal aging. The effects of the applied stresses on the motorettes were evidenced by measurements of partial discharges. Correlations with the observed behaviors of the materials were underlined, such as the loss of enamel adhesion or the delamination of the epoxy resin. The influence of the waveform on the PDIV has also been studied and it revealed no significant difference between sinus wave and square wave. Simulations of electric fields on the motorettes are in agreement with the measurements of partial discharge inception voltages (PDIV) and with the influence of temperature on these PDIV.

Submitted by Cristhiane Guerra (cristhiane.guerra@gmail.com) on 2017-01-26T15:29:49Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2174658 bytes, checksum: 32615157c634ff96ea0d5edeb9dc6b9b (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-26T15:29:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2174658 bytes, checksum: 32615157c634ff96ea0d5edeb9dc6b9b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-25 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / One way to diagnose the level of electrical insulation degradation is to identify the occurrence of partial discharges (PD). Early detection of defects in insulation enables the programming of electric power equipment maintenance activities. Thus, the electrical system can operate more reliably and with fewer interruptions. In addition to detection, the information provided by pulses of partial discharges allow the location of its source. In this work, the main objective is to develop a hybrid technique of location, based on the time-of-arrival and the energies of PD signals. The performance of the hybrid technique was compared with three other location radiometric techniques. For this purpose, the methods used to estimate time-of-arrival of PD pulses and localization techniques are explained in details. In order to make simulations of this work was to develop a model of ray tracing, which is able to simulate the propagation of the pulse wave environments defined by maps. These results were obtained from four simulation scenarios: free space with noise, room with obstacles and without noise, high-voltage substation without noise and high-voltage substation with noise. The performance of the hybrid technique was inferior to that of the location techniques that depend only on the time-of-arrival, the accuracy is not as affected by multipath. However, the estimate provided by the hybrid technique proves useful as an initial condition for non linear time-of-arrival non linear technique. / Uma forma de diagnosticar o nível de degradação de isolamentos elétricos consiste em identificar a ocorrência de descargas parciais (DP). A detecção precoce de defeitos em isolamentos viabiliza a programação de atividades de manutenção de equipamentos elétricos de potência. Dessa forma, o sistema elétrico pode operar de forma mais confiável e com um número menor de interrupções. Além da detecção, as informações fornecidas pelos pulsos de descargas parciais permitem a localização da sua fonte. Neste trabalho, o principal objetivo é desenvolver uma técnica híbrida de localização, baseada nos instantes de chegada e nas energias dos sinais de DP. O desempenho da técnica híbrida foi comparado com o de outras três técnicas radiométricas de localização. Para este propósito, os métodos usados para estimar os instantes de chegada dos pulsos de DP e as técnicas de localização estão explicados em detalhes. A fim de realizar as simulações deste trabalho, foi desenvolvido um modelo de traçado de raios, que é capaz de simular a propagação dos pulsos de ondas em ambientes definidos por mapas. Os resultados deste trabalho foram obtidos a partir de quatro cenários de simulação: espaço livre com ruído, sala com obstáculos e sem ruído, subestação de alta tensão sem ruído e subestação de alta tensão com ruído. O desempenho da técnica híbrida foi inferior ao desempenho das técnicas de localização que dependem apenas dos instantes de chegada, cuja precisão não é tão afetada pelo multipercurso. No entanto, a estimativa fornecida pela técnica híbrida se mostrou útil como condição inicial para o sistema linear de uma das técnicas e localização pelos instantes de chegada.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-01-13T11:11:37Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Dissertação - Hudson de Paula Romualdo - 2014.pdf: 9811768 bytes, checksum: 55fffa80c94a94773bc7fe8059f4bbc2 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-01-13T11:11:53Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Dissertação - Hudson de Paula Romualdo - 2014.pdf: 9811768 bytes, checksum: 55fffa80c94a94773bc7fe8059f4bbc2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-01-13T11:11:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Dissertação - Hudson de Paula Romualdo - 2014.pdf: 9811768 bytes, checksum: 55fffa80c94a94773bc7fe8059f4bbc2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-27 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás - FAPEG / The presence of partial discharges in power transformer represents a relevant indicator of incipient failure. Partial Discharges are lightning quick and incomplete, intermittent, that in power transformers can be detected by means of some methods, among them, the test of acoustic emission. Currently, the algorithms used by equipment that processes the information from testing of acoustic emission are owners, and thus not available for the scientific community. Still, it is usually not performed the separation of noise detected from partial discharge of the other noises in the results, and little information about the dynamics of the occurrence of noise is presented. In this work, are presented three methods, identification, measurement and three-dimensional location, that foster the development of a computational solution for the diagnosis of power transformers using data derived from testing of acoustic emission with focus on the occurrence of partial discharges, phenomenon harmful to the appropriate functioning of the equipment. After a substantiation based on literature review of the issues dealt with in the course of the study, are described methods for identification of noises coming only from partial discharges, among the total noise (of all kinds), and measurement of these noises and their attributes (already done in a separate manner). Then, reference-if the method for three-dimensional location and, finally, expose-if the results of the application of the methods developed in the form of a case study showing the benefits of the application of the methods described here. Thus Demonstrating the importance of their results in supporting the decision-making process and, consequently, in maintaining the operational condition of power transformers. / A presença de descargas parciais no transformador de potência representa um relevante indicador de falha incipiente. Descargas parciais são descargas elétricas incompletas, rápidas e intermitentes, que em transformadores de potência podem ser detectadas através de alguns métodos, dentre eles, o ensaio de emissão acústica. Atualmente, os algoritmos utilizados pelos equipamentos que processam as informações provenientes de ensaios de emissão acústica são proprietários, não sendo assim, disponibilizados para a comunidade científica. Ainda, normalmente, não é realizada a separação do ruído detectado proveniente de descarga parcial dos demais ruídos nos resultados, e pouca informação sobre a dinâmica da ocorrência dos ruídos é apresentada. Neste trabalho, são apresentados três métodos, identificação, mensuração e localização tridimensional, que fomentam a elaboração de uma solução computacional para o diagnóstico de transformadores utilizando-se dados provenientes dos ensaios de emissão acústica com foco na ocorrência de descargas parciais, fenômeno nocivo ao adequado funcionamento do equipamento. Após uma fundamentação com base na análise bibliográfica dos assuntos abordados ao longo do trabalho, são descritos métodos para identificação dos ruídos provenientes somente de descargas, dentre o ruído total (de toda natureza), e mensuração desses ruídos e seus atributos (já realizado de forma separada). Em seguida, referencia-se o método para a localização tridimensional e, finalmente, expõem-se os resultados da aplicação dos métodos desenvolvidos na forma de um estudo de caso evidenciando os benefícios da aplicação dos métodos aqui descritos. Demonstrando assim a importância de seus resultados no suporte à tomada de decisão e, consequentemente, na manutenção da condição operacional de transformadores de potência.

Le présent travail porte sur une étude comparative des caractéristiques optiques et électriques des décharges glissantes se propageant aux interfaces solide/gaz sur des isolateurs de verre, de Bakélite et de résine époxy en présence des gaz N2, CO2 et SF6 et des mélanges SF6/N2 et SF6/CO2, sous tension continue et alternative (50 Hz), en géométrie pointe - plan. L’objectif est de mieux comprendre les mécanismes impliqués dans l’initiation des décharges partielles et leur évolution et développement en décharges surfaciques (glissantes) lesquelles peuvent conduire au contournement des composants et systèmes haute tension. Les résultats obtenus montrent que la morphologie et la longueur finale (d’arrêt ou d’extension maximale) des décharges surfaciques dépendent de la forme et de l’amplitude de la tension, de l’épaisseur et de la nature du solide isolant, du type du gaz/mélange et de sa pression. Il est montré que la longueur finale des décharges Lf augmente quasi-linéairement avec la tension. Lf diminue lorsque la pression du gaz et/ou l’épaisseur du solide augmentent. Cette longueur est plus courte dans le SF6 que dans le CO2 ou le N2 ; et elle diminue significativement lorsque le taux du SF6 dans le mélange de gaz augmente. Par ailleurs, pour une tension donnée, Lf augmente avec la constante diélectrique de l’isolant solide. La longueur finale des décharges est nettement plus élevée sous tension alternative que sous tension continue. La morphologie des décharges glissantes générées sous tension continue et alternative est généralement non radiale; leur orientation est fortement influencée par la présence des charges d’espace présentes ou déposées sur la surface de l’isolateur. Une analyse fractale des décharges glissantes obtenues expérimentalement sous tension continue est également réalisée et une corrélation entre la dimension fractale, la pression du gaz, la constante diélectrique et l’épaisseur du matériau solide est mise en évidence. En particulier, la dimension fractale augmente lorsque la constante diélectrique augmente et/ou l’épaisseur de l’isolant solide diminue et/ou la pression du gaz diminue. / This work deals with a comparative study of optical and electrical characteristics of creeping discharges propagating at solid/gas interfaces on insulators made of glass, Bakelite and epoxy resin in the presence of N2, CO2 and SF6 gases and SF6/N2 SF6/CO2 mixtures, under DC and AC (50 Hz) voltage, using a point - plane electrode arrangement. The objective is to better understand the mechanisms involved in the initiation of partial discharges and their evolution and development into discharges surface (creeping discharges) that can lead to flashover of components and high voltage systems. The results show that the morphology and final length (maximum extension or stopping length) depend on the shape and amplitude of the voltage, the thickness and the nature of the solid insulator, type of gas / mixture and its pressure. It is shown that the final length Lf increases quasi-linearly with the voltage. Lf decreases as the gas pressure increases and/ or the thickness of the solid increases. Lf is shorter in SF6 than in CO2 or N2, and it decreases significantly when the rate of SF6 in the gas mixture increases. Moreover, for a given voltage, Lf increases with the dielectric constant of the solid insulation. The final length of the discharge is much higher under AC voltage than under DC voltage. The morphology of creeping discharges generated under DC and AC voltage is generally not radial; and their orientation is strongly influenced by the presence of space charges present or deposited on the surface of the insulator. A fractal analysis of creeping discharges experimentally obtained under DC voltage is also carried out and a correlation between the fractal dimension, the pressure of the gas, the dielectric constant and the thickness of the solid material is highlighted. In particular, the fractal dimension increases when the dielectric constant increases and / or thickness of the solid insulator decreases and / or pressure of the gas decreases.

Une machine électrique utilisée pour un entraînement à vitesse variable est généralement alimentée par un convertisseur statique dont les composants électroniques de puissance commutent extrêmement rapidement. De ce fait, chaque enroulement statorique de la machine est soumis à des fronts raides de tension dont la répartition sur les différentes spires qui le constituent dépend notamment des capacités parasites entre spires ou entre spires et carcasse. Des zones locales de fort champ électrique apparaissent dans le bobinage conduisant souvent la création d'une activité de décharges partielles. Ce travail de thèse a pour but de fournir des informations quantifiées et précises quant aux risques encourus lorsque divers paramètres liés à l'alimentation de la machine et la topologie du bobinage varient permettant de contribuer à acquérir une expertise vis à vis des problèmes liés à l’apparition de décharges partielles au sein des bobinages, et à en déduire des règles de conception. / Electrical machine used in variable speed drives are usually fed by a converter using fast switching power electronics devices. Thus, each stator winding of the machine is subjected to steep-fronted voltage pulses whose distribution over its various turns depends on the parasitic capacitances between turns or between turns and slot walls. Therefore, local areas of high electric field appear within the coil, often resulting in partial discharges activity. This thesis aims to provide accurate and quantified information regarding partial discharge inception when various parameters related to the machine power supply and winding topology so as to help develop expertise with respect to problems related to partial discharges, as well as to deduce machine design rules in this regard.

The increasing propagation of power electronics technologies and the related operational equipment such as inverter-fed drives and solid-state transformers in electrical grids lead to growing harmonic distortion of the voltage waveform. Harmonics modify the shape of a voltage waveform but also affect the peak voltage despite constant RMS voltage. Resulting from this, it was previously found that harmonics not only have an influence on the partial discharge patterns and characteristics but also the lifetime of model insulations. The epoxy-mica main wall insulation of rotating electrical machines is partial discharge-resistant to certain extent. Nonetheless, severe production faults should be detected by partial discharge measurements as they may lead to accelerated ageing. The purpose of this contribution is to investigate the impact of harmonics on the partial discharge characteristics of the insulation system of rotating electrical machines in general and especially on a test object with an artificial void fault. An assessment of the partial discharge pattern and apparent charge measurement is given by analyzing the characteristics to harmonic waveform parameters that incoporate peak alteration and shape modification. It is shown that the voltage shape and gradients play a subordinate role compared to the voltage peak altering effect of harmonics. The effects are more pronounced with the test object with an artificially introduced fault.

[pt] A medição e classificação de descargas parciais constituem uma importante ferramenta de avaliação dos sistemas de isolamento utilizados em equipamentos de alta tensão. Após o pré-processamento dos dados, que captura, digitaliza e filtra o sinal de descargas parciais, geralmente eliminando os ruídos, existem basicamente duas etapas principais, que são a extração de características e a classificação de padrões. As descargas parciais contêm um conjunto de características discriminatórias únicas que lhes permitem ser reconhecidas. Assim, o primeiro procedimento no processo de classificação é definir quais delas podem ser utilizadas e qual o método de extração destas características. O fenômeno de descargas parciais tem uma natureza transitória e é caracterizado por correntes pulsantes com uma duração de vários nanossegundos até poucos microssegundos. Sua magnitude não é sempre proporcional ao dano causado, sendo que descargas de pequena magnitude podem levar rapidamente à evolução de um defeito. Por isso a necessidade de se entender bem este fenômeno e saber interpretar os dados. Além disso, equipamentos de alta tensão de grande porte, como motores e geradores, podem apresentar mais de uma fonte interna de descargas parciais, sendo importante separar os sinais dessas diferentes fontes antes de realizar a classificação. No caso de outros equipamentos de alta tensão de menor porte, como para-raios e transformadores de corrente de subestação, a simples detecção da presença de descargas parciais interna ao equipamento, independente do número de fontes, já é suficiente para indicar a retirada de operação destes equipamentos, dado seu baixo custo relativo e o elevado grau de importância destes para a confiabilidade do sistema onde estão inseridos. Para um diagnóstico completo e confíável de isolamentos de alta tensão, há a demanda por um sistema de análise capaz de promover com eficácia a detecção de descargas parciais internas aos equipamentos, a separação das diversas fontes de descargas parciais, no caso dos equipamentos de grande porte, bem como realizar a correta classificação do tipo de defeito, com base principalmente na análise das características discriminantes das diferentes fontes e na assinatura dos sinais para os diferentes defeitos. Este estudo contribui para o preenchimento desta lacuna, apresentando metodologias que se mostram robustas e precisas nos testes realizados, de modo que possam efetivamente orientar os especialistas em manutenção na tomada de decisões. Para fazer isso, são propostas novas variáveis capazes de extrair informações relevantes de sinais no tempo medidos em diversos tipos de isolamentos, sendo aplicadas aqui em dados obtidos em campo e em laboratório para avaliar sua eficácia na tarefa. Essas informações são tratadas utilizando técnicas de classificação de padrões e inteligência artificial para determinar de forma automática a presença de descargas parciais, o número de fontes diferentes e o tipo de defeito nos isolamentos de alta tensão utilizados no estudo. Outra contribuição do estudo é a criação de um banco de dados histórico, baseada em processamento de imagem, com padrões de mapas de descargas parciais conhecidos na literatura em máquinas rotativas, para serem utilizados na classificação de novos mapas medidos neste tipo de equipamento. / [en] Measurement and classification of partial discharges are an important tool for the evaluation of insulation systems used in high voltage equipments. After pre-processing of data, which captures, scans and filters the signal of partial discharges, generally eliminating noises, there are basically two main steps, which are the extraction of characteristics and the pattern classification. Partial discharges contain a set of unique discriminatory characteristics that allow them to be recognized. Thus, the first procedure in the classification process is to define which of them can be used and which is the method for extraction of those characteristics. The phenomenon of partial discharges has a transient nature and is characterized by pulsating currents with a duration of several nanoseconds up to a few microseconds. Its magnitude is not always proportional to the damage caused, and discharges of small magnitude can quickly lead to the evolution of a failure. Therefore the need to understand this phenomenon well and to know how to interpret the data. In addition, large high voltage equipments such as motors and generators may have more than one internal source of partial discharges, and it is important to separate the signals from those different sources prior to classification. In the case of smaller high voltage equipments, as surge arrester and substation current transformers, the simple detection of the presence of partial discharges inside the equipment, regardless of the number of sources, is sufficient to indicate the withdrawal of operation of the equipment, given their low relative cost and the high degree of importance of these to the reliability of the system where they are part of. For a complete and reliable diagnosis of high voltage insulations, there is a demand for an analysis system capable of effectively promoting the detection of the partial discharges internal to the equipments, the separation of the various sources of partial discharges in the case of large equipments, as well as to carry out the correct classification of the type of failure. The system should be based mainly on the analysis of the discriminating characteristics of the different sources and the signature of the signals for the different failure. This study contributes to fill this gap by presenting methodologies that are robust and accurate in the tests performed, so that they can effectively guide maintenance specialists in decision making. To do this, new variables are proposed to extract relevant information from time signals measured in various types of insulations, being applied here in field and laboratory data to evaluate their effectiveness in the task. This information is treated using standard classification techniques and artificial intelligence to automatically determine the presence of partial discharges, the number of different sources and the type of defect in the high voltage insulations used in the study. Another contribution of the study is the creation of a historical database, based on image processing, with partial discharge map patterns known in the literature on rotating machines, to be used in the classification of new maps measured in this type of equipment.

This master thesis deals with the problem of the origin and expression of partial discharges in dielectric materials. In the thesis the theoretical foundations, types and parameters of partial discharges are described. In particular, it deals with UHF (ultra high freqeuncy) electromagnetic radiation using UHF method of partial discharge detection. It also deals with the partial discharge UHF signal simulation. The development of UHF sensor systems for partial discharges requires a dive that can simulate them as accurately as possible. Furthermore, a workplace was designed for simulation and detection of partial discharges and processing of their time and frequency characteristics.

Dans le présent travail, nous abordons une problématique essentielle liée aux accessoires des lignes électriques et plus particulièrement au connecteur à perforation d’isolant (TTDC 45501 FA), commercialisé par la société Sicame située à Arnac-Pompadour (Corrèze). Ce produit permet d’effectuer des dérivations de courant en moyenne tension gainé HTA entre 15 et 25kV. Cependant, il devient nécessaire de concevoir une nouvelle génération de connecteurs capable de fonctionner à une tension de 52 kV en raison de la constante augmentation des besoins en électricité. En réalité, le principal souci concernant ces produits réside dans l’apparition de décharges partielles dans le volume constitué par la matière isolante (polyamide 6 chargée à 50% en poids de fibres de verre). Ces décharges engendrent un vieillissement prématuré du produit sous l’action conjuguée d’une atmosphère corrosive (brouillard salin) et d’un champ électrique. Ainsi, l’objectif de la présente thèse est de faire, dans un premier temps, un choix approprié de matériaux isolants parmi des polymères thermoplastiques, thermodurcissables époxydes ou élastomères en EPDM, capables de résister à plusieurs contraintes : thermique, électrique, mécanique, chimique et climatique. La partie expérimentale concerne, tout d’abord, la mesure de la tension de contournement, de l’activité des décharges partielles se propageant à la surface des matériaux isolants et de la tension de claquage, en tension alternative (A.C.). Pour cela, des échantillons polymères qui comportent des surfaces planes ou des surfaces pourvues de protubérances ont été moulés en vue de comparer leur comportement diélectrique en présence d’atmosphères polluées de type brouillard salin; ces mesures sont nécessaires pour effectuer un choix approprié du matériau à intégrer dans le connecteur. Par la suite, l’étude et la caractérisation optique et électrique de décharges glissantes, se propageant en surface de divers matériaux polymères, en tension impulsionnelle (L.I.) pour les deux polarités (positive et négative) et pour deux types de champ électrique (normal et tangentiel) sont présentées pour le cas d’une interface solide/air. La mesure de la longueur finale des décharges glissantes et la visualisation de l’onde de courant sont les deux paramètres principaux pour différencier les caractéristiques des matériaux utilisés. L’ensemble des résultats de mesures a permis de sélectionner les résines époxydes cyclo-aliphatiques (CEP) comme candidates potentielles pour la conception d’une nouvelle génération de connecteurs. De plus, la simulation du champ électrique, à l’aide du logiciel Flux 2D/3D, sur le connecteur électrique (TTDC 45501FA) a permis d’aboutir à la proposition d’un prototype de connecteur présentant une nouvelle géométrie et pouvant fonctionner à 52kV. / In the present study, we deal with an essential problem related to electrical lines accessories and more particularly to piercing connectors (TTDC 45501FA) commercialized by a private company named Sicame and which is located in Arnac-Pompadour (Corrèze, France). This product/accessory is designed to provide power diversions on medium voltage live lines HVA operating between 15 and 25kV. However, it becomes required to design a new generation of piercing connectors able to operate on 52kV live lines because of the electrical power demands that are steadily increasing. Actually, the main concerns about these products are the occurrence of partial discharges within the insulating material volume (polyamide 6 containing 50%wt of glass fibers). Most of the time, these discharges induce an early ageing process of the accessory under the combined effects of a corrosive environment (as salt fog) and an electric field threshold. Thus, the main objective of the present Ph.D. thesis is to carry out an appropriate choice of insulating materials among several tested polymers such as thermoplastics and thermosetting epoxy resins and EPDM elastomers that are capable of withstanding several constraints: thermal and electrical and mechanical and chemical conditions. The experimental section is focusing on the measurements of flashover voltage and partial discharges activity propagating on polymeric surfaces and breakdown voltage within material bulks under A.C voltage. That is why polymeric samples with plane surfaces and textured surfaces are molded to compare their resistance to partial discharges when being subjected to polluted environments such as salt fog; these measurements are necessary to choose the suitable materials for the required application to be integrated in the new generation of connectors. Then, the optical and electrical characterization results of creeping discharges propagating on several polymeric surfaces under lightning impulse (L.I.) voltage with its both polarities (positive and negative) and for two kinds of applied electric field (normal and tangential) are presented in the case of solid/air interfaces. Final length measurements of creepage discharges are the main parameter for distinguishing material properties. The whole obtained results (under AC and LI voltages) allow us to point out the cycloaliphatic epoxy resins as potential candidates to the conception of a new generation of piercing connectors. In addition, the electric field simulation and modelling of the TTDC 45501FA connector by using the Flux 2D/3D software seems to be helpful to design a connector prototype which exhibits a new geometry and is able to reach a voltage level that equals 52kV.

Satisfaire les besoins en énergie de manière responsable est possible grâce aux énergies renouvelables, notamment éoliennes et solaires. Cependant ces centres de captation d’énergie sont éloignés dans zones de consommation. Le transport de l’énergie via des réseaux HVDC (haute tension courant continu) permet un rendement et une flexibilité avantageuse face au transport HVAC (haute tension courant alternatif). Ceci est rendu possible grâce aux convertisseurs utilisant l’électronique de puissance. Les récents développements sur les semi-conducteurs à large bande interdite, plus particulièrement le carbure de silicium (SiC) offrent la possibilité de concevoir ces convertisseurs plus simples, utilisant des briques technologiques de plus fort calibre (≤ 10 kV). Cependant le packaging, essentiel à leur bon fonctionnement, ne suit pas ces évolutions. Dans cette thèse, nous explorons les technologies actuelles ainsi que les limites physique et normatives liées au packaging haute tension. Des solutions innovantes sont proposées pour concevoir un module de puissance haute tension, impactant que faiblement les paramètres connexes (résistance thermique, isolation électrique et paramètres environnementaux). Les éléments identifiés comme problématiques sont traités individuellement. La problématique des décharges partielles sur les substrats céramiques métallisés est développée et une solution se basant sur les paramètres géométriques a été testée. Le boitier standard type XHP-3 a été étudié et une solution permettant de le faire fonctionner à 10 kV à fort degré de pollution a été développée. / The supply of carbon-free energy is possible with renewable energy. However, windfarms and solar power plants are geographically away from the distribution points. Transporting the energy using the HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) technology allow for a better yield along the distance and result in a cost effective approach compared to HVAC (High Voltage Alternative Current) lines. Thus, there is a need of high voltage power converters using power electronics. Recent development on wide bandgap semiconductors, especially silicon carbide (SiC) allow a higher blocking voltage (around 10 kV) that would simplify the design of such power electronic converters. On the other hand, the development on packaging technologies needs to follow this trend. In this thesis, an exploration of technological and normative limitation has been done for a high voltage power module design. The main hot spot are clearly identified and innovative solutions are studied to provide a proper response with a low impact on parasitic parameters. Partial Discharges (PD) on ceramic substrates is analyzed and a solution of a high Partial Discharge Inception Voltage (PDIV) is given based on geometrical parameters. The XHP-3 like power modules are studied and a solution allowing a use under 10 kV at a high pollution degree (PD3) is given.