HV design of vacuum components

We discuss a number of practical implications from recent studies on HVDC design concepts for vacuum components. These studies dealt with microwave tube technology. The conclusions, however, are valid for a wide range of components. The goal of this work is to provide a scientific basis for the design of HVDC vacuum components. From a study of breakdown and emission mechanisms, and from the measured insulating performance of many different geometries, we have derived guidelines for the design of, for example, insulators and cables. It is further shown how conditioning procedures and operating conditions (operating pressure, insulator charging) should be reflected in the design. We discuss a number of practical implications regarding insulator design, conditioning, vacuum vs. air operation, HV cables in vacuum and potting