Testing of nano-insulation materials: Some ideas, some experiences

Today it seems to be beneficial to investigate how nanoparticles can serve to improve the electrical properties of insulation materials and how this affects their behavior during processing and other physical or chemical characteristics. However; a crucial factor is the choice of the filling material in combination with the carrying matrix as well as the filling technology. Hence it is useful to develop a testing arrangement that allows one to perform a significant number of tests on different materials and enables a high voltage laboratory to investigate the strength under electrical stress levels that generate partial discharges. Therefore; a testing device in accordance to IEC 60343 has been modified to use a very common and easy-to-produce plate shape for specimens and to increase throughput. Also this device allows to detect gases or to change the electrical field geometry. This paper reports on experiences with different contents of nano sized silica particles in epoxy resin matrices. This is the basis for the development of new insulation systems to be used for a more effective design of high voltage devices like rotating machines.