A review on analysis and modeling of electrical machine insulation system

Abstract

Electrical machines are usually operated in a very harsh environment, therefore great attention has to be given towards the designing of insulating materials and insulation systems. The severe operating environment invites corrosion, humidity, high temperature, and so on. This article is a review of electrical machine’s insulation design, techniques, and methodologies for modeling and testing the insulation materials and the recent advancements in this field. Several testing standards and methods to detect insulation failure have been discussed. Case studies of insulation failure in the electrical machine have been discussed to draw the reader’s attention towards a more realistic approach. Issues related to high voltage insulation systems used in industries like aerospace electric powertrain, hydro generators and, wind turbine generators have been briefed in the article. Partial discharge monitoring techniques are explored in this article. Its consequences on most emerging and advanced high voltage, high-altitude aerospace applications, will be discussed. Finally, polymer nanocomposite materials with exceptional dielectric strength or thermal conductivity are underlined as an outlook for future consideration in machine insulation design.

Keywords

• Insulation system
• electric machine
• high voltage
• test standards
• partial discharge
• nanocomposites