Investigation of space-charge effect on the AC treeing mechanism in an LDPE film by tsc and TSSP measurement

When an ac voltage is applied to a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film placed under a needle-plane electrode system, there is a possibility of the formation of the space-charge field in the vicinity of the needle electrode by electrons (or holes) injected from the needle electrode. In this paper we investigated the properties of the space charge, e.g., the total amount of trapped charge formed in the vicinity of the needle electrode by using electrical measurements of thermally stimulated current (TSC) and thermally stimulated surface potential (TSSP). From the investigation, it was concluded that a space-charge field is formed in an LDPE film by the application of the ac voltage, and that the total amount of trapped charge by the application of the ac voltage is less than that by the application of the dc voltage, etc. Finally, on the basis of the present experimental results, we studied the space-charge effect on the ac treeing mechanism.     

Space charge behavior in XLPE cable insulation under 0.2-1.2 MV/cmdc fields

This report deals with space charge behavior in PE (polyethylene) under dc fields. Direct observation of time-dependent space charge profiles in 3-mm thick XLPE (crosslinked low-density polyethylene) cable insulation under dc electric fields was performed using the pulsed electroacoustic method. Stable hetero charges were formed when the field was as low as 0.2 MV/cm, and intermittent generation of packet shaped space charges and their propagation through the insulation were observed when the field was as high as 0.7 MV/cm. These phenomena were reproduced in sheet specimens of XLPE and LDPE (low-density polyethylene). It was found that hetero charges resulted from heat treatment of the XLPE specimen containing antioxidant and acetophenone, which is one of the crosslinking by-products, suggesting dissociation of the antioxidant through solvation at high temperature by acetophenone. The packet charges were easily detected when acetophenone was diffused into the LDPE specimen. However, uniformity of acetophenone distribution prevented the packet charge generation. It is suggested on the basis of several experimental results that local ionization of impurities in the insulation through solvation by acetophenone takes place assisted by high field and leads to the packet charge generation. A numerical simulation was carried out based on the above model     

固体绝缘中空间电荷测量装置的研制和应用

介绍了电声脉冲法空间电荷分布测量装置的测量原理和性能，并利用此装置测量了试样中的空间电荷密度分布，运用有限元法计算空间电荷对试样内部电场的畸变。为了研制超高压直流塑料电缆料，以少量的极性聚合物混炼到低密度聚乙烯中，降低了交联聚乙的空间电荷效应，大幅度提高了５０％直流预压短路树枝的起始电压。     

From LDPE to XLPE: investigating the change of electrical properties. Part I. space charge, conduction and lifetime

This paper discusses the results of space charge, conduction current and electrical lifetime measurements performed on widely-used materials for electrical insulation, that is, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). Space charge accumulation profiles were compared in LDPE, low density polyethylene plus antioxidant (LDPE+AO) and XLPE, with consideration of thermal treatment effects in LDPE and XLPE. Significant variation (decrease) of accumulated space charge and apparent mobility, as well as slight decrease of conduction current, can be seen going from LDPE to LDPE+AO and XLPE, which may be associated with formation of deeper trap levels (or an increase of their density). On the contrary, electrical life under AC voltage does not show significant differences from LDPE to XLPE. This latter result underlines that life under high AC electrical stress is mostly determined by defects (weak points) rather than material characteristics associated with charge injection and transport.     

Properties of Space Charge Distributions and Conduction Current in XLPE and LDPE under DC High Electric Field

Space charge behavior and conduction current in polyethylene under dc stress were investigated. One of the reasons for the different breakdown property in cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) from that in low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) may be based on the existence of cross‐linking by‐products in XLPE. Furthermore, a thermal history in cross‐linking process for XLPE may also cause of the difference. It is generally accepted that the existence of the cross‐linking by‐products increase the conduction current in XLPE under dc stress. It is also said that an anneal treatment in air atmosphere may affect to the electrical properties under dc stress. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the cross‐linking by‐products and the anneal treatment on space charge behavior and conduction current in polyethylene under dc stress. In our research, it is thought that the increasing dissipation power in XLPE is the cause of the breakdown in it under dc stress. Therefore, to calculate the dissipation power in the bulk of test sample, we measured the space charge distribution and the external circuit current simultaneously. Based on the results, we discussed the reason of the difference of the space charge properties in XLPE and LDPE focusing on the cross‐linking by‐products and the oxidation of the test samples.     

Study of space-charge characteristics in polyethylene for power cable insulation by laser-induced pressure-pulse technique

By utilizing the laser induced pressure-pulse (LIPP) technique, the behavior of space charge in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) films in contact with metal or carbon-loaded semiconducting layers was studied quantitatively to clarify the space-charge characteristics in power cables. Negative heterospace charge near the anode and positive space charge in the bulk were observed in unoxidized LDPE under the fields above 120 kV/mm. The amount of negative space charge increased with applied field, while positive space charge in the bulk disappeared with increasing applied field. This indicates that electron injection and ionization are enhanced by applied field. Prominent negative homospace charge was formed near the cathode in oxidized LDPE, which indicates that oxidation enhanced electron injection. The depth of charge centroid from the cathode became larger with increasing temperature. This indicates that the effective electron mobility increases with temperature. Negative space charge also was formed in the bulk in XLPE films with metal electrodes, which indicates that crosslinking enhanced electron injection. XLPE films with a carbon-loaded semiconducting layer showed both negative and positive homospace charges near the semiconducting layers, which indicates that both electrons and holes were injected from the semiconducting layer.     

Space charge accumulation in power cable XLPE insulation

The accumulation of space charge in the crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation of a power cable sample under dc stress was investigated. The sample was held at 82°C and atmospheric pressure, and at 82°C and 0.1 Pa, for periods up to several days. Such conditioning removed pre-existing space charge, When an external dc field was applied after conditioning at atmospheric pressure and 82°C, space charge accumulated at a rate considerably faster than that observed before conditioning. However the rate of accumulation following conditioning at 82°C under reduced pressure was much slower than that observed before conditioning. The faster rate could be recovered by reconditioning the sample at atmospheric pressure after conditioning under reduced pressure. Inversion of the equilibrium space charge profile, following reversal of the applied field, was observed. This observation is consistent with a model incorporating a spatially-inhomogeneous polarization in the amorphous volume of the XLPE, and electron injection/extraction at the electrodes. The electron transfer between electrode and XLPE in either direction involves the same narrow window of combined donor and acceptor states in the insulator, centered on the Fermi level. The spatially-inhomogeneous polarization in the XLPE originates in a spatially-inhomogeneous distribution of dipole complexes. It is suggested that the dipoles are formed by a process equivalent to nonpermanent oxidation of the XLPE, requiring water as a catalyst     

Space charge characterization in aged LDPE amalgamated insulationregions from underwater telecommunication systems

The requirement of insertion of optical amplifier units and joints, into long-distance submarine telecommunication systems, results in regions of the polymeric insulation which have to be reinstated, using injection molding techniques. These techniques introduce internal amalgamated interfaces, which subsequently can be the sites of possible electrical insulation failure in the system. This paper reports on space charge measurements, (using the pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) technique), from microtomed thin film samples taken from the interface region of typical system joints which have undergone accelerated aging tests under a dc voltage at room temperature. The space charge distributions obtained for the samples are discussed with reference to the underlying mechanisms of both the bulk low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and the surface (LDPE/electrode interface). The effect of varying the electrode material (i.e. Au and Al) is discussed with reference to previously published data. Finally the effects of long-term aging on space charge accumulation within LDPE are considered briefly     

Electrodes and charge injection in low-density polyethylene usingthe pulsed electroacoustic technique

The effects of electrode materials on space charge formation in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) have been investigated experimentally using the pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) technique. Common electrode materials used in either the laboratory or power cable industry were selected, i.e. aluminum, gold and carbon loaded crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE), and space charge accumulation after the application of high electric stress was monitored. Experimental results demonstrated that charge injection processes take place in all cases once the applied stress has exceeded a threshold. However the amount of charge, and the polarity of the dominant injected charges showed a significant dependence on the electrode materials under the same applied electric stress     

Space charge behavior in low-density polyethylene

The space charge distribution in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was measured with the pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) method. We used three types of LDPE: LDPE-L and LDPE-H were prepared by the high pressure process, and m-LDPE was polymerized with a metallocene catalyst. Space charge in LDPE strongly depended upon the electrode material. Semiconductive electrodes enhanced carrier injection into LDPE and, as a result, space charge. The density, polymerization process, applied field, temperature and so on also affected the space charge behavior. This space charge behavior was compared with the results of dc current measurements     

Space charge accumulation in two power cable grades of XLPE

The accumulation of space charge in XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene), cross-linked using DCP (dicumyl peroxide) or a silane-based grafting process, was studied via the LIPP (laser-induced-pressure-pulse) technique. Planar samples 0.5 mm thick were obtained from the XLPE insulation of power distribution cables. DC fields to 10 kV/mm were applied at temperatures in the range 20 to 90°C. Usually the DCP samples developed heterocharge, and the silane samples homocharge. However, the observed space charge densities were not very different. Nearly all of the charge accumulated within 100 μm of each electrode, with very little in the remainder of the volume. Both sample types showed a near-perfect inversion of the equilibrium space charge profiles on reversing the applied voltage polarity. This observation is explained in terms of charge injection at the electrodes, electron transfer between electrode and XLPE in either direction involving the same narrow `window' of combined donor and acceptor states in the insulator, centered on the Fermi level     

Space charge in XLPE power cable under dc electrical stress andheat treatment

It is well known that the existence and accumulation of space charge in insulation can be harmful to polymer power cable. Although there is much research done on space charge distribution in various samples, there are still some important problems left unsolved, such as the mechanism of formation and elimination of space charge in dielectrics. Because of its superiority, the pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) measurement method is used widely in the measurement of space charge in various geometries of samples such as the multiple layer plate and cylindrical cables. The space charge in crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) power cable under dc voltage and heat treatment is investigated by the PEA method in this paper. After heat treatment, the space charge, which previously formed in cable insulation under the applied voltage, disappears. If electrical stress is applied to the insulation again, space charge will appear once more. However, after the cable is heated and degassed in vacuum for a long time, no matter how long the dc voltage is applied to the cable, no more space charge will be formed in the cable. The mechanism of formation and elimination of space charge under the effect of electrical and thermal stress is discussed     

Influence of BaTiO3 additive and electrode material onspace-charge formation in polyethylene. Evidence from thermal stepspace-charge measurements

The effects of 5% wt BaTiO₃ additive and of electrode material on space charge formation and electric field distribution in low density polyethylene (LDPE) were investigated using a thermal step technique. Space charge was formed at an average dc field of ~28 kV/mm and at 50°C. Results indicate that the addition of BaTiO₃ to LDPE has considerably reduced the remanent space charge and electric field and changed their distribution patterns in the doped material when compared with the plain material. It is also shown that the remanent space charge and electric field in plain LDPE are strongly dependent on the type of electrode material     

聚乙烯表面形貌对其空间电荷特性的影响

随着空间电荷测量技术在最近三十年的巨大进步,固体电介质空间电荷研究成为研究热点.聚乙烯的热压冷却条件会显著影响聚乙烯的形态结构.而聚乙烯在热压过程中,其表面会由于不同的基底材料而形成不同的附生结晶层,从而具有不同的表面形貌.此附生层的形态对空间电荷特性有很大的影响.通过研究聚乙烯不同表面形貌的形成过程及其显微特征,并结合微观形态对不同表面形貌的聚乙烯进行了空间电荷测量分析,发现不同表面形貌的聚乙烯试样具有不同的空间电荷积聚特性.     

Polarization and space charge behavior of unaged and electricallyaged crosslinked polyethylene

The behavior of crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) for HV cable insulation under electrical stress is discussed in the paper, referring to specimens unaged and electrically aged. Polarization and space charge features are considered. The behavior of the examined insulation is evaluated through the `universal' model for polarization and space-charge associated quantities, such as the dc threshold for space charge build up and the total charge accumulated into insulation. It is shown that aging affects the magnitude and the frequency of low and intermediate frequency polarization peaks, as well as the magnitude of accumulated space charge and threshold. Charge injected or formed in the bulk, as well as microstructural modifications, could explain changes of polarization and space charge magnitude with aging     

From LDPE to XLPE: Investigating the change of electrical properties. Part II. luminescence

Luminescence experiments have been used to probe the nature of trapping sites and the dynamic behavior of charge carriers in low density polyethylene (LDPE), antioxidant containing LDPE (LDPE+AO) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). It is shown that deep traps of different natures are present in these materials. For example carbonyl functions provide deep traps in LDPE. New traps are seen in LDPE+AO and XLPE, associated with the anti oxidant itself or with its reaction produces, and to the by-products of the cross-linking reaction. Among those, acetophenone, cumyl alcohol and /spl alpha/-methylstyrene cannot account for the observed spectra. It is shown, in addition, that two XLPE compounds based on two different base resins exhibit the same behaviour demonstrating that the chemical and/or structural modifications introduced by the cross-linking process itself control the charge storage in XLPE. The electrical properties of the same materials are discussed in the light of the work reported in pt.I see ibid., vol.12 no.3 p.438-46, (2005).     

空间电荷与直流电导联合测试技术用于纳米MgO抑制XLPE中空间电荷的研究

粒径70nm的MgO以不同浓度与交联聚乙烯(XLPE)共混制成聚合物纳米复合介质。采用自主研发的四电极系统同时测量复合介质的高场电导特性和空间电荷分布。通过强场电导实验发现,在室温下,XLPE及纳米MgO/XLPE复合介质的电导机理不是单纯的空间电荷限制电流(SCLC)。此外,添加纳米MgO可以明显地提高空间电荷的注入阈值,并且在低于空间电荷注入阈值的电场下,复合介质的电导电流密度随纳米MgO浓度的增加,先减小后增大。最后从空间电荷的实验数据验证了纳米MgO能有效抑制XLPE中空间电荷,并进一步定性地认为纳米Mgo的添加提高了电子注入的电场强度阈值。     

Factors of hetero space charge generation in XLPE under dc electric field of 20 kV/mm

This report deals with the mechanism of space charge accumulation in cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) under dc electric field. Space charge was measured by the pulsed‐electroacoustic method with applying dc stress of 20 kV/mm. A large amount of hetero space charge accumulated in fresh XLPE samples. Factors influencing the space charge accumulation were analyzed in regard to cross‐linking by‐products and antioxidant. No space charge was seen when the fresh sample was degassed to remove cross‐linking by‐products. Introducing acetophenone, one of the cross‐linking by‐products, in a degassed sample produces no space charge, suggesting that acetophenone itself could not be the direct factor of space charge formation. However, heating this sample up to 150 °C results in formation of hetero space charges as in virgin samples. Hence, it is concluded that hetero space charges may be formed when impurities, such as an antioxidant, dissociate thermally with the help of acetophenone and that the dissociated products are attracted toward both electrodes under a dc field to form the hetero space charges. © 1999 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 129(2): 13–21, 1999     

Study of space charge accumulation in polyolefins submitted to acstress

The aim of the present study was to follow space charge formation under ac field (50 Hz) in polyolefins. The thermal step method was used, and charge accumulation was observed in crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), isotactic polypropylene (PP) and a PE /PP copolymer, the temperature varying from 45 to 90°C. It was found that the amount of charge accumulated under ac conditions may reach a maximum value at a given temperature, while the highest space charge was found in the polyolefin with the lowest crystallinity ratio. The conduction current characteristics of XLPE specimens show the existence of traps in the polymer at a level deeper than the potential barrier electrode/dielectric, explaining the accumulation of injected charge in the material. The injection and conduction mechanisms observed were interpreted by Schottky and Poole-Frenkel processes and used to explain the maximum accumulation of charge occurring at certain temperatures     

Space charge measurements in polymeric HV insulation materials

This paper reports on a study using the laser induced pressure propagation (LIPP) method to measure the space charge characteristics in bulk crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation under dc electric stress. Particular attention has been given to the quantitative appraisal of calibration parameters, and the resultant estimations of space charge and electric stress distributions. A method is described for analyzing the measured raw data from ramp voltage and aging tests to give an estimate of charge and stress without resorting to a complicated mathematical exercise. The consequence of stress enhancement due to the trapped charge on the life of the insulation is estimated using the empirical inverse law. Using analysis of variance and a multivariate analysis technique, the effects of treatment and type of XLPE on the space charge characteristics are also discussed