Towards intelligent insulation

Abstract

The transmission and distribution of electrical energy relies upon a robust infrastructure of high voltage plant. The integrity of electrical plant becomes increasingly suspect over time due to various ageing processes. Numerous devices and spectroscopic techniques are available to analyse plant condition and recently research has been carried out into the design of materials which can perform some form of self-diagnosis. These mainly include smart materials which can respond to stimuli such as heat, mechanical stress and electric fields.

Designs for a novel multi-layer passive electrical field monitoring device are proposed and potential modes of operation described. A selection of candidate smart materials were tested, and the suitability of fluorophores, chromophores and liquid crystals are discussed. Liquid crystals were studied in the greatest detail and are confirmed to demonstrate electric field dependent changes in opacity, the extent of which is dependent on the magnitude of the applied field, and the type of liquid crystal selected.

A finite element analysis (FEA) model was developed to explore the material requirements in terms of permittivity and breakdown strength. The proposed multi-layer device fulfils the project brief of being a passive system with clear visual signalling of changes in the local electric field, which could be specifically developed for safety purposes, condition monitoring or both. The device is anticipated to have applications in AC and DC electrical plant based on the promising responses of liquid crystals to both AC and DC electric fields.

More information

Identifiers

ORCID for Richard C.D. Brown: orcid.org/0000-0003-0156-7087

Catalogue record

Export record