Pulse width modulation (PWM) voltage source converters (VSC) are one type of motor drives that have become popular because they enable precise control of speed and torque in medium voltage motors. However, these drives are known to have adverse effects on the insulation system particularly on conductive armour tape (CAT) and semi-conductive stress grading tape (SGT). These tapes, which are crucial components of the insulation system, control the surface electrical stresses in the stator slot and in the end portion of the form-wound coils outside the grounded stator. The material properties of CAT and SGT and the methods by which they are applied on form-wound motor coils are traditionally designed for power frequency, or a 60 Hz sinusoidal voltage. However, because of the high frequencies associated with the repetition rate and the fast rise time of the PWM pulses, elevated electrical and thermal stresses develop in these tapes, which can lead to premature insulation failure. Little research has been conducted with respect to understanding the mechanism of dielectric heating as a function of frequency and repetitive pulse characteristics. The material characterization of CAT and SGT is a vital part of an investigation of the performance of the stress relief system at high frequencies. In this study, the anisotropic dielectric properties of CAT and SGT have been measured in dc and ac and in low and high electric fields. The laboratory experiments for determining the material characteristics are discussed and the results analyzed. According to the ac space charge limited field (SCLF) theory, the maximum ac tangential component of the electric field in a nonlinear resistive SGT on medium voltage form-wound motor coils can be predicted from the field dependent electrical conductivity and the frequency. However, the SCLF theory cannot predict the total electric field (vector sum of the tangential and normal components) in the air adjacent to the surface of the tapes. Simulations of the electric field using a finite element method (FEM), is one of the best ways of finding the resultant electric field distribution in the air space adjacent to the SGT. However, prior to this study, researchers simplified the modelling of the stress relief system to avoid the convergence problems that develop due to the nonlinearity of the SGT conductivity as a function of the electric field, and also because of the geometry and dimensions of the tapes when their depths are orders of magnitude smaller than the other dimensions associated with form-wound coils. For modelling the stress grading (SG) system at power frequency and at the rated voltage, the dc isotropic conductivity of the SGT and CAT has also been extensively investigated. However, relatively little work has been done with respect to the ac electrical behaviour of these materials and dc modelling cannot reflect the effects of high-frequency stresses on the machine insulation. In this study, comprehensive transient FEM modelling has been developed in order to simulate the insulation system with nonlinear field dependent materials. The actual dimensions of the components are applied in the model, and the appropriate material parameters for the FEM simulations are extracted from the experimental test results. One crucial point that has not been considered in previous studies is the effect of the component of the electric field that is normal to the surface of the coil. In most studies, only the tangential component of the electric field is considered; however, in this study, both components and the resultant electric field are computed. The surface tangential field is calculated with reference to the gradient of the surface potential as measured with an electrostatic voltmeter. It is shown that this technique can provide a reasonable estimate for the tangential field along the SG system, but not without limitations, which are discussed in detail. Based on laboratory work and analytical analysis, this research has successfully determined the relationship between the thermal effect of the PWM voltage and the other repetitive fast pulses, such as square wave and impulse voltages. The influence of the pulse characteristics on the development of stresses has also thoroughly investigated, and the results are presented. A coupled electric and thermal model that incorporates the finite element method (FEM) is used as a means of studying thermal stresses and determining appropriate remedies. However, using transient analysis as an approach for finding the temperature profile associated with high repetitive impulses (1-10 kHz) and fast rise times (~200 ns) is both difficult and impractical. According to these considerations, an alternative method has been developed from stationary analyses based on two sinusoidal voltages of different frequencies. The frequency and amplitude of these sinusoids are measured relative to the switching frequency, signal power, and nonlinearity of the system, and the results of the simulation are then verified experimentally, thus showing the efficacy of this method. This research also concluded that a capacitive SG system with conductive foil embedded in the groundwall insulation can be a practical alternative to a conventional SGT of form-wound coils in inverter fed motors. The performance of the capacitive SG scheme is independent of frequency and can therefore provide the required mitigation of the stress caused by repetitive fast pulses. The results of the evaluation of this system with respect to qualification tests demonstrate the effectiveness of the system.

Pulse width modulation (PWM) voltage source converters (VSC) are one type of motor drives that have become popular because they enable precise control of speed and torque in medium voltage motors. However, these drives are known to have adverse effects on the insulation system particularly on conductive armour tape (CAT) and semi-conductive stress grading tape (SGT). These tapes, which are crucial components of the insulation system, control the surface electrical stresses in the stator slot and in the end portion of the form-wound coils outside the grounded stator. The material properties of CAT and SGT and the methods by which they are applied on form-wound motor coils are traditionally designed for power frequency, or a 60 Hz sinusoidal voltage. However, because of the high frequencies associated with the repetition rate and the fast rise time of the PWM pulses, elevated electrical and thermal stresses develop in these tapes, which can lead to premature insulation failure. Little research has been conducted with respect to understanding the mechanism of dielectric heating as a function of frequency and repetitive pulse characteristics. The material characterization of CAT and SGT is a vital part of an investigation of the performance of the stress relief system at high frequencies. In this study, the anisotropic dielectric properties of CAT and SGT have been measured in dc and ac and in low and high electric fields. The laboratory experiments for determining the material characteristics are discussed and the results analyzed. According to the ac space charge limited field (SCLF) theory, the maximum ac tangential component of the electric field in a nonlinear resistive SGT on medium voltage form-wound motor coils can be predicted from the field dependent electrical conductivity and the frequency. However, the SCLF theory cannot predict the total electric field (vector sum of the tangential and normal components) in the air adjacent to the surface of the tapes. Simulations of the electric field using a finite element method (FEM), is one of the best ways of finding the resultant electric field distribution in the air space adjacent to the SGT. However, prior to this study, researchers simplified the modelling of the stress relief system to avoid the convergence problems that develop due to the nonlinearity of the SGT conductivity as a function of the electric field, and also because of the geometry and dimensions of the tapes when their depths are orders of magnitude smaller than the other dimensions associated with form-wound coils. For modelling the stress grading (SG) system at power frequency and at the rated voltage, the dc isotropic conductivity of the SGT and CAT has also been extensively investigated. However, relatively little work has been done with respect to the ac electrical behaviour of these materials and dc modelling cannot reflect the effects of high-frequency stresses on the machine insulation. In this study, comprehensive transient FEM modelling has been developed in order to simulate the insulation system with nonlinear field dependent materials. The actual dimensions of the components are applied in the model, and the appropriate material parameters for the FEM simulations are extracted from the experimental test results. One crucial point that has not been considered in previous studies is the effect of the component of the electric field that is normal to the surface of the coil. In most studies, only the tangential component of the electric field is considered; however, in this study, both components and the resultant electric field are computed. The surface tangential field is calculated with reference to the gradient of the surface potential as measured with an electrostatic voltmeter. It is shown that this technique can provide a reasonable estimate for the tangential field along the SG system, but not without limitations, which are discussed in detail. Based on laboratory work and analytical analysis, this research has successfully determined the relationship between the thermal effect of the PWM voltage and the other repetitive fast pulses, such as square wave and impulse voltages. The influence of the pulse characteristics on the development of stresses has also thoroughly investigated, and the results are presented. A coupled electric and thermal model that incorporates the finite element method (FEM) is used as a means of studying thermal stresses and determining appropriate remedies. However, using transient analysis as an approach for finding the temperature profile associated with high repetitive impulses (1-10 kHz) and fast rise times (~200 ns) is both difficult and impractical. According to these considerations, an alternative method has been developed from stationary analyses based on two sinusoidal voltages of different frequencies. The frequency and amplitude of these sinusoids are measured relative to the switching frequency, signal power, and nonlinearity of the system, and the results of the simulation are then verified experimentally, thus showing the efficacy of this method. This research also concluded that a capacitive SG system with conductive foil embedded in the groundwall insulation can be a practical alternative to a conventional SGT of form-wound coils in inverter fed motors. The performance of the capacitive SG scheme is independent of frequency and can therefore provide the required mitigation of the stress caused by repetitive fast pulses. The results of the evaluation of this system with respect to qualification tests demonstrate the effectiveness of the system.

De nos jours, une gestion optimale de l'énergie électrique est devenue un enjeu majeur. La conversion de l'énergie entre une source et sa charge est réalisée par un élément central : le convertisseur statique utilisé aussi bien pour des faibles puissances (quelques Watts) que pour des très fortes (plusieurs MWatt). La brique élémentaire est la cellule de commutation constituée de semi-conducteurs de puissance (à commutation commandée ou spontanée) généralement réunis au sein d'un " module de puissance ". La nécessaire réduction des volumes dans certaines applications (comme les systèmes embarqués par exemple) ainsi que l'augmentation des calibres de tensions des nouveaux semi- conducteurs grands gaps auront comme conséquence directe d'augmenter les contraintes sur les systèmes d'isolation des convertisseurs. Une répartition contrôlée de ces contraintes dans le volume présente alors un intérêt pour maintenir la fiabilité du système d'isolation. Il est donc nécessaire d'effectuer une caractérisation la plus large possible de l'ensemble des matériaux isolants utilisés dans le packaging des dits " modules de puissance ", ainsi qu'une bonne compréhension de leurs mécanismes de défaillances. Le travail présenté ici consiste en l'étude d'une nouvelle stratégie de répartition du potentiel dans le volume appelée gradation de potentiel. L'isolation de volume développée est un assemblage multicouche constitué d'un matériau à conductivité contrôlée (Epoxy/Graphene) jouant le rôle de gradateur et d'une fine couche isolante (parylène) assurant la tenue en tension. Différents outils, tant théoriques (simulation) qu'expérimentaux, ont été ainsi utilisés pour aider au dimensionnent du système d'isolation électrique. La modélisation par la méthode des éléments finis (MEF) permet-elle de prédéterminer la répartition de la contrainte (potentiel et champ électrique) dans une structure de test prédéfini ou de décrire l'étude de l'influence de la conductivité du matériau gradateur et de l'épaisseur du film sur la répartition des équipotentielles. D'un point de vue expérimental le film sélectionné a été caractérisé pour des épaisseurs comprises entre 10 et 40 µm. Le matériau à conductivité contrôlée a été ensuite élaboré puis caractérisé pour différents taux de chargement. Après l'incorporation du système d'isolation dans différentes structures tests (substrats métallisés et structure double face), différentes méthodes permettant de caractériser le système d'isolation ont été utilisées qu'il s'agisse de mesures directes de la contrainte électrique par sonde à champ nul (potentiel de surface) ou indirectes par des mesures de décharges partielles. L'isolation multi-couches présente des améliorations dans la répartition du potentiel mais aussi des limites d'utilisation en fonction de la conductivité du matériau gradateur. Cette isolation doit donc être dimensionnée au plus près des caractéristiques d'utilisation et offre une approche intéressante pour le dimensionnement des modules de puissances double face. / Nowadays, an optimal management of the electrical energy becomes a key point in electric systems. The conversion of energy is realized by a main component: the power converter. It is used as well for low power (few Watts) as for very high power (MWatts). The elementary block of the converters, is the switching cell made up of semiconductor power devices. The trend to reduce both the volume and the weight in many applications (for example in embedded systems) and the increase of the rating voltage of the new wide band gap semiconductors will have for consequence an increase of the stresses on the electrical insulating systems of the power module . A controlled grading of these electrical constraints in the volume is highly interesting to ensure the reliability of the system. It is therefore necessary to perform a precise characterization of the insulated materials used in the packaging of the power modules, as well as to get a good understanding of their failures mechanisms. The works presented in this dissertation consists in the study of a new strategy for the field gradation in power modules. The proposed insulation is an assembly of multi-layers made up of a thick material of electrically controlled conductivity (Epoxy/Graphene nanocomposite) and of a thin insulating layer (Parylene films). Various tools were used (both theoretical and experimental) to help dimensioning of the Electrical Insulation System (EIS). The Finite Element Method (FEM) was used to simulate the equipotential and field distribution in the structure under study and to analyse on one hand, the influence of the changes in the conductivity values of the Epoxy/Graphene nanocomposite materials and, on the other hand, the impact of the parylene (PA) films thickness on the stress grading. From an experimental point of view, the PA films were characterized for different thicknesses ranging between 10 µm and 40 µm. The Epoxy/Graphene nanocomposites of controlled conductivity were manufactured and characterized (0 to 5 % wt) for various filler contents. The field grading effects were evaluated directly in different structures thanks to surface potential measurements and (indirectly) to partial discharges measurements. The proposed multilayer EIS exhibits some improvements regarding the stress grading but also some limits depending on the conductivity of the nanocomposite. Such an EIS will have to be dimensioned taking into account the rating voltage and could offer an interesting approach for the future design of the power modules.

High-power voltage sourced converters(VSC’s) are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern transmission systems. These systems primarily use switching schemes generating kHz range harmonics, which may be magnified by one or more system resonances. Despite the high frequency harmonics, VSC systems widely use insulated equipment designed for operation at power frequencies; this includes critical substation components such as medium voltage polymeric cables and terminations. The stress grading systems of non-geometric (compact) cable terminations are susceptible to insulation degradation and eventual flashover failure, under high frequency harmonic stresses. As such, the present work studies high frequency voltage effects in cross-linked polyethylene cable terminations, and their relationship to stress grading (SG) design and material properties. Finite element modeling (FEM) has been used to analyze electric field and resistive heating in termination designs, in response to parametric variations in SG material properties. Experimental studies investigate thermal behaviour in a variety of commercial termination designs, using a high voltage, high frequency test setup developed to replicate conditions of high frequency harmonic resonance in a VSC system. The study results show that high frequency voltage application increases the electric field, resistive heating, and surface temperature rise, in non-geometric (compact) termination designs using field-dependant stress grading materials. Geometric (stress cone) designs are insensitive to high frequency harmonics; however, they have disadvantages compared to compact designs, making them a less practical long-term solution for high frequency applications. Among non-geometric designs, the field-dependent electrical conductivity σ (E), the permittivity ε, and the temperature dependencies of σ (E) and ε strongly influence the termination electrical and thermal behaviour under high frequency stress. Since thermal hotspots in cable termination SG areas may lead to material degradation and eventual failure, recommendations are made for an optimal non-geometric stress grading design, for terminations operating in environments where high frequency harmonics may be present.

High-power voltage sourced converters(VSC’s) are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern transmission systems. These systems primarily use switching schemes generating kHz range harmonics, which may be magnified by one or more system resonances. Despite the high frequency harmonics, VSC systems widely use insulated equipment designed for operation at power frequencies; this includes critical substation components such as medium voltage polymeric cables and terminations. The stress grading systems of non-geometric (compact) cable terminations are susceptible to insulation degradation and eventual flashover failure, under high frequency harmonic stresses. As such, the present work studies high frequency voltage effects in cross-linked polyethylene cable terminations, and their relationship to stress grading (SG) design and material properties. Finite element modeling (FEM) has been used to analyze electric field and resistive heating in termination designs, in response to parametric variations in SG material properties. Experimental studies investigate thermal behaviour in a variety of commercial termination designs, using a high voltage, high frequency test setup developed to replicate conditions of high frequency harmonic resonance in a VSC system. The study results show that high frequency voltage application increases the electric field, resistive heating, and surface temperature rise, in non-geometric (compact) termination designs using field-dependant stress grading materials. Geometric (stress cone) designs are insensitive to high frequency harmonics; however, they have disadvantages compared to compact designs, making them a less practical long-term solution for high frequency applications. Among non-geometric designs, the field-dependent electrical conductivity σ (E), the permittivity ε, and the temperature dependencies of σ (E) and ε strongly influence the termination electrical and thermal behaviour under high frequency stress. Since thermal hotspots in cable termination SG areas may lead to material degradation and eventual failure, recommendations are made for an optimal non-geometric stress grading design, for terminations operating in environments where high frequency harmonics may be present.

With the continuous growth of non-linear power electronic components and the increasing penetration of the distributed generation (DG), the potential for degradation in the power quality of the existing grid exists. There are concerns that the total harmonic distortion (THD) could reach unacceptable levels of 5% or higher. Moreover, there is additional potential of the presence of amplified harmonic components in the power network grid when the harmonic frequencies align with the resonant frequencies that are being injected by power electronic components of the DG. The above conditions could increase the electrical stresses on the insulation system of the power system components, and in particular, cable terminations are a concern. Standard cable terminations are designed to operate under power frequency in the power system network and their service life is considered accordingly. The research work aims to provide an understanding of the performance of the stress grading (SG) system of a commercial cable termination when the voltage waveform is distorted due to the presence of harmonics and when the high frequency and high dV/dt voltage waveforms are present from a typical power electronic drive. An aging experiment was performed for over a 600 hour time period using the pulse width modulated (PWM) high-voltage generator to quantify the impact of high frequency stress on SG system of cable termination. Furthermore, the cable termination was tested under power frequency, distorted voltage waveforms composed of fundamental and low order harmonics using an experiment setup that generate distorted voltage waveforms. Diagnostic techniques such as surface potential distribution measurements and surface temperature monitoring are used to analyze the termination performance. The surface tangential field is calculated based on the gradient of the termination surface potential as measured with an electrostatic voltmeter. The study shows that distorted voltage waveforms with high frequency and high dV/dt components, increase the electric field, resistive heating, and surface temperature rise in the terminations that use the field-dependent SG materials. The rise of electric field by as high as 27.1% and surface temperature rise of as high as 17C demonstrates the severity on the cable terminations. Such electric field enhancements for a period of time have a potential to initiate partial discharge that could lead to degradation of the termination. Moreover, surface temperature rise of 17 deg C could reduce the allowable ampacity of the cable conductor, reduce the short circuit levels, and reduce the feeder loading limits. The field-dependent electrical conductivity (σ(E,T)), permittivity (ε), and the temperature dependencies of (σ(E,T) and ε) have strong impact to degrade the electrical and thermal properties of the termination due to stress from the non-sinusoidal distorted voltage waveform. In order to minimize the surface temperature rise from the hotspot and electrical stress enhancement that eventually lead to insulation degradation and failure, the following recommendations are made for a suitable SG design for a termination to handle the severe voltage stress: Apply the capacitively graded termination in the grid where the distortion levels are low. Under the increased total harmonic distortion levels and HF components, resistively grading with higher degree of nonlinearity (achieved through the use of ZnO filler) is beneficial. The utilities could take preventive maintenance on medium voltage power cable accessories to prevent the termination failure before it actually occurs. Researchers could focus to resolve and minimize the rising power quality issues when the distribution generations are operated, improve the power electronic converters, and provide cost-effective harmonic filter solutions for harmonic mitigation.

With the continuous growth of non-linear power electronic components and the increasing penetration of the distributed generation (DG), the potential for degradation in the power quality of the existing grid exists. There are concerns that the total harmonic distortion (THD) could reach unacceptable levels of 5% or higher. Moreover, there is additional potential of the presence of amplified harmonic components in the power network grid when the harmonic frequencies align with the resonant frequencies that are being injected by power electronic components of the DG. The above conditions could increase the electrical stresses on the insulation system of the power system components, and in particular, cable terminations are a concern. Standard cable terminations are designed to operate under power frequency in the power system network and their service life is considered accordingly. The research work aims to provide an understanding of the performance of the stress grading (SG) system of a commercial cable termination when the voltage waveform is distorted due to the presence of harmonics and when the high frequency and high dV/dt voltage waveforms are present from a typical power electronic drive. An aging experiment was performed for over a 600 hour time period using the pulse width modulated (PWM) high-voltage generator to quantify the impact of high frequency stress on SG system of cable termination. Furthermore, the cable termination was tested under power frequency, distorted voltage waveforms composed of fundamental and low order harmonics using an experiment setup that generate distorted voltage waveforms. Diagnostic techniques such as surface potential distribution measurements and surface temperature monitoring are used to analyze the termination performance. The surface tangential field is calculated based on the gradient of the termination surface potential as measured with an electrostatic voltmeter. The study shows that distorted voltage waveforms with high frequency and high dV/dt components, increase the electric field, resistive heating, and surface temperature rise in the terminations that use the field-dependent SG materials. The rise of electric field by as high as 27.1% and surface temperature rise of as high as 17C demonstrates the severity on the cable terminations. Such electric field enhancements for a period of time have a potential to initiate partial discharge that could lead to degradation of the termination. Moreover, surface temperature rise of 17 deg C could reduce the allowable ampacity of the cable conductor, reduce the short circuit levels, and reduce the feeder loading limits. The field-dependent electrical conductivity (σ(E,T)), permittivity (ε), and the temperature dependencies of (σ(E,T) and ε) have strong impact to degrade the electrical and thermal properties of the termination due to stress from the non-sinusoidal distorted voltage waveform. In order to minimize the surface temperature rise from the hotspot and electrical stress enhancement that eventually lead to insulation degradation and failure, the following recommendations are made for a suitable SG design for a termination to handle the severe voltage stress: Apply the capacitively graded termination in the grid where the distortion levels are low. Under the increased total harmonic distortion levels and HF components, resistively grading with higher degree of nonlinearity (achieved through the use of ZnO filler) is beneficial. The utilities could take preventive maintenance on medium voltage power cable accessories to prevent the termination failure before it actually occurs. Researchers could focus to resolve and minimize the rising power quality issues when the distribution generations are operated, improve the power electronic converters, and provide cost-effective harmonic filter solutions for harmonic mitigation.

Les développements récents en électronique de puissance visent à augmenter la densité de puissance totale dans les systèmes de conversion d'énergie. Cela contraint alors de plus en plus les matériaux isolants, tels que l'encapsulation dans les modules de puissance. Si les renforcements de champ électrique au sein des polymères isolants atteignent des valeurs critiques, cela peut entraîner une activité de décharges partielles, des arborescences voire la rupture totale de l'isolation. L'objectif de cette thèse est d'étudier l'adaptation des propriétés diélectriques d'un polymère composite isolant afin de réduire les contraintes autour des zones de renforcements de champ électrique. Nous proposons une nouvelle approche de gradation de potentiel pour minimiser les renforcements de champ à travers une structuration locale du matériau composite sous forme d'un gradient de permittivité auto-adaptatif localisé là où les contraintes sont les plus intenses. Cette structuration est réalisée via l'application d'un champ électrique DC lors du procédé d'élaboration du matériau composite, permettant le déplacement par électrophorèse des particules. Le composite à gradient de permittivité est composé d'une matrice époxy chargée en particules à forte permittivité (titanate de strontium SrTiO3 ou titanate de baryum BaTiO3). L'action d'un champ électrique DC sur la résine liquide chargée en particules engendre leur accumulation vers l'électrode de plus fort potentiel, formant ainsi une couche fortement chargée, qui confère à cette région une permittivité plus élevée. Chaque région du composite structuré (zone de la couche accumulée et zone faiblement chargée en particules) a été caractérisée en termes de propriétés diélectriques (permittivité et pertes). Alors que la région des composites faiblement chargée en particules conserve une permittivité voisine de celle des composites homogènes, la couche accumulée présente une augmentation importante liée à l'augmentation de la densité de particules. Les concentrations en particules de chaque région du matériau structuré ont été déterminées précisément, et les valeurs de permittivités associées se corrèlent bien avec les valeurs de permittivité des matériaux composites homogènes de taux de chargement équivalent. Cela montre que la couche accumulée ne s'est pas organisée d'une façon particulière. Concernant la rigidité diélectrique de la couche accumulée, elle présente des valeurs suffisantes pour tenir les contraintes rencontrées et ses valeurs suivent la loi de puissance classique en fonction de l'épaisseur. Des simulations par éléments finis confirment l'intérêt de ces matériaux pour la minimisation des renforcements de champ électrique au niveau du point triple dans les modules de puissance. Ces résultats montrent tout le potentiel applicatif de ces nouveaux matériaux à gradient de champ. Ils pourraient permettre l'amélioration de la fiabilité et de la robustesse des modules de puissance et autres systèmes électriques travaillant sous fort champ. / New developments in power electronics allow increasing the power density of the conversion systems. This means that the insulating materials, such as the encapsulation in power modules, are more are more stressed. If the electric field reinforcements in insulating polymers reach critical values, this can lead to a partial discharge activity, electrical treeing and eventually a complete breakdown of the insulation. The objective of this thesis is to study the appropriate matching of the dielectric properties of insulating polymer composites in order to reduce the electrical stress in the regions of field reinforcement. A new approach to minimize the reinforcements is proposed through a local structuration of the composite material allowing an auto-adaptive permittivity gradient where the largest stresses are present. This structuration is achieved thanks to the application of a DC electric field during the elaboration process of the composite material, leading to the displacement of the particles by electrophoresis. The field grading material is an epoxy matrix filled with high permittivity particles (strontium titanate SrTiO3 or barium titanate BaTiO3). Applying a DC electric field on the liquid resin containing the particles induces their accumulation on the high voltage electrode, building an accumulated layer highly concentrated in particles, conferring to this region a higher permittivity. Each region of the structured composite (accumulated layer and low concentrated region) was characterized in terms of dielectric properties (permittivity and losses). While the low concentrated region of particles keeps a permittivity close to that of homogeneous composites one, the accumulated layer exhibits a significant increase due to the increase in the local particle content. The particle concentration in each region of the structured material were precisely determined, and the related permittivity values are in good agreement with the permittivity values of the homogeneous composite materials of the same filler content. This shows that the accumulated layer was not organized in a particular way. Regarding the dielectric strength of the accumulated layer, its values are large enough for the applications and these values follow the typical power law versus thickness. Finite element methods prove that these materials are appropriate for minimizing the electric field reinforcements at the triple point, between the metal, the ceramic and the encapsulation. These results highlight the interests of these new kind of field grading materials. They could allow improving the reliability and the robustness of power modules or other electrical systems working at high field.