Design of a high voltage penetrator for high pressure and temperature laboratory testing

High voltage apparatus and reliable power supply are of vital importance for subsea processing. The purpose of this work has been to develop a small high voltage penetrator for use with high pressure vessels in the laboratory. Such equipment can facilitate high voltage and current testing of models and materials at relevant subsea conditions. It is shown that the penetrator can withstand a hydrostatic differential pressure of 500 bars and 90°C for more than 6 months. The breakdown voltage of the penetrator is only limited by the model cable used in the design, making it attractive to use high voltage class cables. Sensitive partial discharge measurements of pressurized test objects can be implemented by using adapted oil-filled terminations.