Este trabalho tem como finalidade usar a técnica do pulso eletroacústico (PEA) para investigar a formação de carga espacial em materiais poliméricos utilizados na isolação elétrica, tais como, polietileno de alta densidade e o XLPE e a também investigar a resposta ferroelétrica do PZT durante o processo de polarização. O método de pulso eletroacústico é baseado na propagação do sinal acústico gerado pela aplicação de um pulso de tensão elétrico de 5ns de largura. Apresentamos todas as etapas da montagem do sistema PEA, a análise do sistema elétrico e o tratamento matemático dos sinais de forma obter urna melhor resposta do sistema. Iniciamos o trabalho utilizando duas amostras de PET polarizadas previamente no triodo corona. O par de amostras carregado com a mesma polaridade foi unido pelas faces carregadas eletricamente e foi determinada a origem do sinal obtido na interface inferior amostra-eletrodo. Confrontamos os resultados experimentais obtidos no PEA (com a amostra em curto-circuito) com a análise teórica o qual nos forneceu subsídios para determinar o sinal da carga que aparece nas faces da amostra e de onde o sinal era proveniente na interface. Empregamos a mesma idéia aplicada ao PET para determinar a origem do sinal na interface PZT-eletrodo, concluímos que a origem do sinal era proveniente do material de maior impedância acústica. Investigamos com a técnica do pulso eletroacústico, originalmente desenvolvido para polímeros, o chaveamento ferroelétrico de cerâmicas ferroelétricas. Abordamos o comportamento do decaimento da polarização ferroelétrica após a remoção do campo elétrico de saturação, determinamos a curva de histerese e o perfil do campo elétrico dentro da amostra quando se aplica rampa de tensão com taxa muito baixa e admitimos que o processo era quase-estacionário. Nos polímeros utilizados na isolação elétrica investigamos a formação da carga espacial no PE e nos materiais relacionados sob alto campo elétrico e em função do tempo de polarização. / The purpose this work was using to PEA method for investigation of the ferroelectrics response in PZT and space charge formation in polymeric materials (PE, XLPE) used as electrical insulation for high voltage devices. The PEA method is based on propagation acoustic signal generated by the application of a short electric field pulse, typically 5 ns in duration. Show all the steps of the experimental set-up PEA system, analysis of the electrical system and the mathematical treatment of the signals. Start up the work with double layer PET samples previously poled in corona triode with aim of determination of the origin of the signal obtained to in the sample-lower electrode interface and the experimental results obtained to PEA satisfactorily explain the theory. Make up his mind to apply a same idea to PZT, but only one sample it was poling. From that measurements with PET and PZT, is found that the signal come from of material biggest acoustic impedance. With the PEA method, in the first place development for polymers, it was investigated the ferroelectrics ceramics: ferroelectric switching, decaying of ferroelectric polarization after removal saturation electrical field, hysteresis loop measurements and the determination of coercive field. To obtain the electrical field profile through the thickness of the ferroelectrics ceramics it was applied ramp voltage method in process steady-state (low rate). The space charge formation in polymers under high electric field and in time function was investigated.

Este trabalho tem como finalidade usar a técnica do pulso eletroacústico (PEA) para investigar a formação de carga espacial em materiais poliméricos utilizados na isolação elétrica, tais como, polietileno de alta densidade e o XLPE e a também investigar a resposta ferroelétrica do PZT durante o processo de polarização. O método de pulso eletroacústico é baseado na propagação do sinal acústico gerado pela aplicação de um pulso de tensão elétrico de 5ns de largura. Apresentamos todas as etapas da montagem do sistema PEA, a análise do sistema elétrico e o tratamento matemático dos sinais de forma obter urna melhor resposta do sistema. Iniciamos o trabalho utilizando duas amostras de PET polarizadas previamente no triodo corona. O par de amostras carregado com a mesma polaridade foi unido pelas faces carregadas eletricamente e foi determinada a origem do sinal obtido na interface inferior amostra-eletrodo. Confrontamos os resultados experimentais obtidos no PEA (com a amostra em curto-circuito) com a análise teórica o qual nos forneceu subsídios para determinar o sinal da carga que aparece nas faces da amostra e de onde o sinal era proveniente na interface. Empregamos a mesma idéia aplicada ao PET para determinar a origem do sinal na interface PZT-eletrodo, concluímos que a origem do sinal era proveniente do material de maior impedância acústica. Investigamos com a técnica do pulso eletroacústico, originalmente desenvolvido para polímeros, o chaveamento ferroelétrico de cerâmicas ferroelétricas. Abordamos o comportamento do decaimento da polarização ferroelétrica após a remoção do campo elétrico de saturação, determinamos a curva de histerese e o perfil do campo elétrico dentro da amostra quando se aplica rampa de tensão com taxa muito baixa e admitimos que o processo era quase-estacionário. Nos polímeros utilizados na isolação elétrica investigamos a formação da carga espacial no PE e nos materiais relacionados sob alto campo elétrico e em função do tempo de polarização. / The purpose this work was using to PEA method for investigation of the ferroelectrics response in PZT and space charge formation in polymeric materials (PE, XLPE) used as electrical insulation for high voltage devices. The PEA method is based on propagation acoustic signal generated by the application of a short electric field pulse, typically 5 ns in duration. Show all the steps of the experimental set-up PEA system, analysis of the electrical system and the mathematical treatment of the signals. Start up the work with double layer PET samples previously poled in corona triode with aim of determination of the origin of the signal obtained to in the sample-lower electrode interface and the experimental results obtained to PEA satisfactorily explain the theory. Make up his mind to apply a same idea to PZT, but only one sample it was poling. From that measurements with PET and PZT, is found that the signal come from of material biggest acoustic impedance. With the PEA method, in the first place development for polymers, it was investigated the ferroelectrics ceramics: ferroelectric switching, decaying of ferroelectric polarization after removal saturation electrical field, hysteresis loop measurements and the determination of coercive field. To obtain the electrical field profile through the thickness of the ferroelectrics ceramics it was applied ramp voltage method in process steady-state (low rate). The space charge formation in polymers under high electric field and in time function was investigated.

Accelerated aging of 15 kV Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) and Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) power cables was carried out in the experiments set for the study of this thesis. The degradation of cable insulation under different aging conditions was studied and compared. The study helped to understand the effects of different factors on the aging of XLPE and EPR cable insulation. In the study, degradation of XLPE cable insulation caused by switching impulses was investigated. The deterioration of EPR cable insulation initiated by elevated ac voltage and switching impulses were also studied. Measurements of partial discharge parameters, capacitance, and dissipation factor were analyzed to evaluate the condition of cable insulation during accelerated aging process. Measurement of ac breakdown voltage provided evidence of the cables’ remaining dielectric strength after accelerated aging.

Electrical power transmission companies have been inspecting underground power cables in a time consuming and destructive way. The current methodology used by Manitoba Hydro, is to remove the conductive material in the center of the cable, cutting the cable into wafers leaving behind the insulating polymer material known as XLPE, the area where many faults occur, and inspect the wafers manually with a microscope. The main goal of this work was to find a methodology to detect these cable faults in a non-destructive way so that the quality of the cable may be assessed, and its remaining lifetime be estimated and return it to use if possible. Two XLPE power cable samples were tested. Three small holes were drilled in one XLPE cable. A capacitive transducer with center frequency of 802.8 kHz was applied for transmitting receiving signal. For each sample, 48 scans were collected. Based on ultrasound images, we were able to detect these faults in this XLPE material from the peaks of the samples corresponding to the XLPE area by setting a threshold to 0.08 volts. Also, this detection technique was improved by using fourth-order cumulants. / May 2016

Condition monitoring (CM) of electrical equipment is an important field in electrical engineering and a considerable amount of research is dedicated to this field. Power cables are one of the most important parts of any electrical network and the variety of techniques available for CM of electrical cables is therefore no surprise. Electrical cables are exposed to operational and environmental stressors which will cause degradation of the insulation material. The degradation will continue to the point where the cable fails. Blackouts caused by failing cables will have an effect on the safety, efficiency and production of an electrical network. It is therefore important to constantly monitor the condition of electrical cables, in order to prevent the premature failure of cables. The research presented in this dissertation sets out to investigate CM techniques for power cables and to design and implement a basic cable CM technique based on the principles of partial discharge (PD) measurements. A comprehensive literature study introduces the fundamental concepts regarding the CM of power cables. The basic construction of electrical cables, as well as the variety of different types is researched in order to lay a foundation for the research that follow. CM techniques for electrical equipment are investigated, with the emphasis on techniques used on cables. Conducted research led to the decision to focus on CM by means of PD measurements. PD as a phenomenon is investigated to be able to better understand the origins and effects of discharge activity. From there the focus shifts to the available techniques for monitoring the condition of electrical cables by means of PD measurements. The research conducted in the literature study chapter forms the basis from which the rest of the study is conducted. Simulation models were used to study PD characteristics. The models are derived from engineering and mathematical principles and are based on the well-known three-capacitor model of PD. The simulations were performed in order to study the effects of discharge activity. The designed simulation models allows for a variety of PD characteristics to be studied. The simulations were performed in the MATLAB® Simulink® environment. The research conducted in the dissertation was used to design an elementary CM technique which can be used to detect the presence of PD within electrical cables. The designed CM technique was used for the practical measurement of PD data. MATLAB® programs were designed in order to analyse the PD data in both the time- and frequency-domain. The analysis of the measured data revealed PD characteristics of the test specimen used for the measurements. The designed CM is used for the detection of PD activity within electrical cables and in combination with other techniques, may be used for complete CM of electrical cables. The experimental setup which was used to take practical PD measurements adds another dimension to the work presented in this dissertation. / MIng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Condition monitoring (CM) of electrical equipment is an important field in electrical engineering and a considerable amount of research is dedicated to this field. Power cables are one of the most important parts of any electrical network and the variety of techniques available for CM of electrical cables is therefore no surprise. Electrical cables are exposed to operational and environmental stressors which will cause degradation of the insulation material. The degradation will continue to the point where the cable fails. Blackouts caused by failing cables will have an effect on the safety, efficiency and production of an electrical network. It is therefore important to constantly monitor the condition of electrical cables, in order to prevent the premature failure of cables. The research presented in this dissertation sets out to investigate CM techniques for power cables and to design and implement a basic cable CM technique based on the principles of partial discharge (PD) measurements. A comprehensive literature study introduces the fundamental concepts regarding the CM of power cables. The basic construction of electrical cables, as well as the variety of different types is researched in order to lay a foundation for the research that follow. CM techniques for electrical equipment are investigated, with the emphasis on techniques used on cables. Conducted research led to the decision to focus on CM by means of PD measurements. PD as a phenomenon is investigated to be able to better understand the origins and effects of discharge activity. From there the focus shifts to the available techniques for monitoring the condition of electrical cables by means of PD measurements. The research conducted in the literature study chapter forms the basis from which the rest of the study is conducted. Simulation models were used to study PD characteristics. The models are derived from engineering and mathematical principles and are based on the well-known three-capacitor model of PD. The simulations were performed in order to study the effects of discharge activity. The designed simulation models allows for a variety of PD characteristics to be studied. The simulations were performed in the MATLAB® Simulink® environment. The research conducted in the dissertation was used to design an elementary CM technique which can be used to detect the presence of PD within electrical cables. The designed CM technique was used for the practical measurement of PD data. MATLAB® programs were designed in order to analyse the PD data in both the time- and frequency-domain. The analysis of the measured data revealed PD characteristics of the test specimen used for the measurements. The designed CM is used for the detection of PD activity within electrical cables and in combination with other techniques, may be used for complete CM of electrical cables. The experimental setup which was used to take practical PD measurements adds another dimension to the work presented in this dissertation. / MIng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

<p>Pulsed power generators are a key component in compact systems for generation of high-power microwaves (HPM). HPM generation by virtual cathode devices such as Vircators put high demands on the source. The rise time and the pulse length of the source voltage are two key issues in the generation of HPM radiation. This thesis describes the construction and tests of several inductive high power pulse generators. The pulse generators were designed with the intent to deliver a pulse with fast rise time and rectangular voltage. Therefore, the pulse generators are all based on discharges of transmission lines. The transmission lines used in the pulse generators are modern high voltage cables normally used in power transmission. All tested pulse generators have step up transformers as intermediate magnetic energy storage. Further, the pulse generators have contributed to the knowledge of compact designs. Closing switches is another important device in pulse generator architectures. In general, high power switching involving large currents and high voltages requires the use of robust switches. The switches used in the pulse generators of this thesis are of gas and liquid type.</p>

Pulsed power generators are a key component in compact systems for generation of high-power microwaves (HPM). HPM generation by virtual cathode devices such as Vircators put high demands on the source. The rise time and the pulse length of the source voltage are two key issues in the generation of HPM radiation. This thesis describes the construction and tests of several inductive high power pulse generators. The pulse generators were designed with the intent to deliver a pulse with fast rise time and rectangular voltage. Therefore, the pulse generators are all based on discharges of transmission lines. The transmission lines used in the pulse generators are modern high voltage cables normally used in power transmission. All tested pulse generators have step up transformers as intermediate magnetic energy storage. Further, the pulse generators have contributed to the knowledge of compact designs. Closing switches is another important device in pulse generator architectures. In general, high power switching involving large currents and high voltages requires the use of robust switches. The switches used in the pulse generators of this thesis are of gas and liquid type.

L’objet de ce travail de thèse est l’étude du polyéthylène réticulé chimiquement (PRC) utilisé pour les câbles haute tension à courant continu (HTCC). Les propriétés électriques du PRC ont été largement étudiées en alternatif mais sont moins bien connues dans le cadre d’une contrainte continue. Une meilleure compréhension des propriétés diélectriques et de la durée de vie pourraient permettre aux fabricants et utilisateurs de proposer des tests de qualification et s’assurer du bon fonctionnement des systèmes de câble durant leur exploitation.Ces travaux présentent les câbles utilisés pour le transport HTCC ainsi que les contraintes physiques et chimiques endurées par le PRC en service. Le PRC est issu de la réaction de réticulation du polyéthylène basse densité (LDPE) amorcée par le peroxyde dicumylique. Il en résulte la présence de sous-produits, dont la majorité est évacuée par un traitement de dégazage du câble. Un additif antioxydant est par ailleurs ajouté à l’isolant du câble pour protéger le PRC durant la production puis l’exploitation du câble. Les contraintes appliquées au câble peuvent influencer les propriétés diélectriques. Notamment, la présence de charges électriques piégées (ou charges d’espace) peuvent influencer la durée de vie de l’isolant.Les propriétés d’injection/conduction, les mécanismes de pertes, la rigidité électrique, la charge d’espace et des propriétés chimiques de plaques circulaires de XLPE munies d’électrodes semiconductrices ont été étudiées. Sous l’effet des contraintes thermoélectriques, des charges électriques peuvent acquérir assez d’énergie pour être injectées dans l’isolant, selon différents mécanismes possibles, puis traverser l’isolant jusqu’à atteindre l’électrode opposée selon, là aussi, différents mécanismes. Selon le champ électrique appliqué, le mécanisme d’injection dominant est l’effet Schottky et le mécanisme de transport est le courant limité par charge d’espace (usuellement appelé SCLC). En ce qui concerne les mécanismes de pertes, à faible fréquence, le mécanisme de conduction quasi DC a été identifié à température ambiante tandis qu’à 70, 80 et 90°C, la conduction DC a été mise en évidence. De plus, les pertes augmentent lorsque la température d’étude augmente. La rigidité diélectrique a été déterminée à l’aide d’un panel d’échantillons. Sa valeur, déterminée par la loi de Weibull est de 375 kV/mm à température ambiante. La charge d’espace a été étudiée en utilisant la méthode de l’onde thermique (MOT). Ces analyses ont montré deux types de charges dominantes dans le matériau : homocharge et hétérocharge. La prédominance d’un type de charge par rapport à un autre est influencée par le champ électrique et la température. Le champ électrique total (addition du champ électrique dû à la charge d’espace et avec le champ électrique appliqué) atteint jusqu’à 100 kV/mm en appliquant 60 kV.mm. Les caractérisations chimiques ont montré une température de fusion de 103°C et une cristallinité de 39 %. Avant l’application de contraintes, l’index carbonyle, indiquant la présence de liaisons carbonyles est de 0,5.L’impact de contraintes thermoélectriques sur les propriétés diélectriques du PRC a été étudié à 70, 80 et 90°C sous 30 et 60 kV/mm. Des augmentations de la capacité et du facteur de pertes ont été observées et pourraient être assignées à la consommation presque totale de l’antioxydant à 90°C quelle que soit la contrainte électrique. La charge d’espace a elle aussi montré des évolutions significatives. Des différences ont été observées en fonction de la température, du champ électrique et du temps de vieillissement. Ces résultats ont été utilisés pour proposer une cinématique de vieillissement prenant en compte la charge d’espace et basé sur la consommation d’antioxydant menant à la croissance d’une couche de PRC oxydé contenant de nouvelles liaisons carbonyles comme le montre l’évolution de l’index de carbonyles. / The present work concerns the study of the cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) used for high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable insulation. The electrical properties of XLPE have been widely studied under AC stress, however the behaviour of these materials under high DC stress is less known and needs thorough investigation. The insulation should be better understood in terms of dielectric behaviour and lifetime. A better knowledge of HVDC insulation could allow manufacturers, utilities and TSO’s to propose a relevant qualification processes and to ensure that cable systems will remain safe and operational during their entire lifetime.This work introduces HVDC cables and especially the physical and chemical stresses assumed by the cross linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation due to operational conditions. XLPE insulation is the result of the reticulation of low density polyethylene (LDPE), obtained with the decomposition of the cumyl peroxide. It causes the presence of byproducts in the insulation. The cables, degassed in order to extract these byproducts contains antioxidant agents, protecting the insulation during the production of HVDC cables and during the exploitation. The stresses can influence the insulation dielectric properties. As example, the presence of electric charges could influence the lifetime of the insulation.The injection/conduction, loss mechanisms, dielectric rigidity, space charge and chemical properties have been investigated at initial state. Under thermal and electric stresses, charges can reach the injection energy according with different mechanisms. Then, charges can be carrier to the opposite electrode with different mechanisms. Dominant mechanisms have been identified: Schottky injection and Space Charge Limited Current (SCLC) conduction, according with applied electric field. Concerning loss mechanisms, the low frequency mechanisms are nearly DC conduction at room temperature and DC conduction for higher temperatures. Moreover, the dielectric loss factor increases when temperature increases. The dielectric rigidity has been measured with Weibull’s law on a panel of 12 samples. The value of this property is 375 kV/mm, at room temperature. The space charges have been measured using the Thermal Step Method (TSM). These analyses show that two types of charge are present in the material (homocharge and heterocharge). This effect is influenced by temperature and electric field. The total electric field (addition of the applied electric field and electric field due to space charge) reaches until 100 kV/mm whereas 60 kV/mm is applied. Concerning the chemical properties of XLPE samples, the melting point has been measured at 103°C and the crystallinity is about 39 %. Before ageing stresses, the carbonyl index is worth 0.5 due to the slight presence of carbonyl bonds.The impact of a combined electric and thermal stress on dielectric properties is studied at 70, 80 and 90°C under 30 and 60 kV/mm. Increases of capacitance and loss factor possibly linked to the nearly total consumption of the antioxidant have been observed at 90°C for each electrical stress. Space charge analysis has shown significant variations. Differences have been observed as a function of ageing test temperature, applied electric field stress and ageing time. These results have been used to propose an ageing mechanism taking into account the development of space charges and based on the consumption of the antioxidant leading to the grow of an XLPE oxidised coat containing new carbonyl bonds as indicated by the carbonyl index after 857 days under stresses.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:12:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissFF.pdf: 2977492 bytes, checksum: 2171b70e483226e969f6f850f01058e4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-08-03 / Overhead energy lines with covered conductors are increasingly used in the 15 kV distribution systems in Brazil. The advantages are, among others, reduced distances between phases, no disruptions due to conductor clashes, maintained withstand strength when fallen trees touch the line and simple mounting. However, the service reliability of overhead lines with covered conductors in our exposed climate is not quite clarified; normally the specification requirement gives a good performance. When the compounds are formulated to have sunlight and thermal resistance at the same time, because the cables normally work at 90°C conductor temperature, the relationship between both stabilizers becomes very important. The work developed and based on 2² factorial with centroid design taking in account two stabilizers as influent factor to be investigated as well their interactions by measuring the mechanical properties and oxidation temperature. One compound group wereas exposed during eighth thousand hour in weatherometer and the other group, at temperatures of 140°C, 150°C e and 160°C, in the oven. A high performance of the hindered phenol antioxidant was observed during thermo-oxidative degradation and no effectiveness was observed during the photo-oxidative degradation. In the order hand, a great performance of polymeric HALS was observed during photo-oxidation ands a quite good performance was observed as thermal-oxidative stabiliser. An antagonist effect was observed whith this two types of stabilizers used, during photo or thermaloxidative degradations, related with aditives concentrations or rates. / O uso de condutores cobertos em linhas aéreas no sistema de distribuição de energia de 15 kV está em franco aumento no Brasil. As vantagens são muitas outras do que somente a redução de distância entre fases, não deslicamento desligamento da linha devido à queda de condutores, manutenção da tensão quando as árvores tocam a linha e simples montagem. Todavia, a segurança do serviço das linhas aéreas com condutores cobertos em nossas condições climáticas não é bem conhechida; normalmente os requeisitos de especificações garantem um bom desempenho. Quando os compostos são formulados para ter uma resistência ao calor e a luz solar no mesmo tempo, devisdo aos cabos normalmente operarem com o condutor a 90°C, a relação entre ambos os estabilizantes, térmico e a luz, torna-se um fator muito importante. O estudo desenvolvido e baseado em uma análise fatorial 2² com centróide leva em consideração dois tipos de estabilizantes como fator influente para serem investigados, como também, suas interações pelas medidas de propriedades mecânicas e temperatura de oxidação. Um grupo de composto forami exposto a 8000 horas de envelhecimento em Weather-ometer e outro grupo, nas temperaturas de 140°C, 150°C e 160°C, em estufa com troca de ar natural. Na avaliação dos resultados foi verificada a importância do antioxidante primário, tipo fenol impedido, na estabilização termoxidativa e sua pouca eficiência na estabilização fotoxidativa. Por outro lado, foi observado uma elevada eficiência da amina poliméricaa impedida na estabilização fotoxidativa e uma boa eficiência como estabilizante térmico durante a termoxidação. A interação de ambos antioxidantes apresentou efeito antagônico, em ambos os tipos de degradação avaliados, dependente da concentração total ou proporção dos aditivos.