Shesha H. Jayaram

Fundamental and low frequency harmonic components of leakage current as a diagnostic tool to study aging of RTV and HTV silicone rubber in salt-fog

The paper presents the results of using the fundamental and the low frequency harmonic components of leakage current to study aging of silicone rubber in salt-fog. Experiments have been conducted on RTV and HTV coated rods at different fields (0.25-0.6 kV/cm) and conductivities (1000 to 2500 /spl mu/S/cm). The onset of dry-band arcing on samples could be determined by measuring the low frequency harmonic components. A correlation has been found between the fundamental and low harmonic components of leakage current and different forms of aging. Where erosion could be associated with an increase in the level of both the fundamental and low frequency harmonic components of leakage current. For example, surface damage for HTV rods occurred when the fundamental component of leakage current was greater than 2 mA. On the other hand, when the samples approached failure, the fundamental component of leakage current reached relatively high values ( > 6 mA for HTV rods and > 2 mA for RTV rods) and the low frequency harmonic components of the leakage current tended to decrease. The results suggest that both the fundamental and low frequency harmonics of leakage current can be used as a tool to determine both the beginning of aging and end of life of silicone rubber in salt-fog.

Real and reactive power coordination for a unified power flow controller

This paper proposes a new real and reactive power coordination controller for a unified power flow controller (UPFC). The basic control for the UPFC is such that the series converter of the UPFC controls the transmission line real/reactive power flow and the shunt converter of the UPFC controls the UPFC bus voltage/shunt reactive power and the DC link capacitor voltage. In steady state, the real power demand of the series converter is supplied by the shunt converter of the UPFC. To avoid instability/loss of DC link capacitor voltage during transient conditions, a new real power coordination controller has been designed. The need for reactive power coordination controller for UPFC arises from the fact that excessive bus voltage (the bus to which the shunt converter is connected) excursions occur during reactive power transfers. A new reactive power coordination controller has been designed to limit excessive voltage excursions during reactive power transfers. PSCAD-EMTDC simulation results have been presented to show the improvement in the performance of the UPFC control with the proposed real power and reactive power coordination controller.

The role of inorganic fillers in silicone rubber for outdoor insulation alumina tri-hydrate or silica

A systematic study to understand how alumina tri-hydrate (ATH) and silica fillers improve the erosion resistance of silicone rubber during dry band arcing showed that the thermal conductivity of the resulting composite material is the main criterion governing material erosion. The thermal conductivity of the composite material is dependent on the thermal conductivity, concentration, particle size, and bonding of the filler particles to the silicone matrix. In this context, either filler can be shown to perform better than the other, depending on the formulation, in the ASTM inclined plane tracking and erosion test. Therefore, the industry perception that ATH filler imports better erosion resistance than silica in silicone rubber can be misleading. The release of water of hydration from ATH appears to have a secondary effect that may be more relevant in silicone compositions having a low concentration of a filler.

Erosion resistance of nano-filled silicone rubber

The paper presents the experimental results obtained on the erosion resistance of silicone rubber (SIR) filled with 12 nm size fumed silica (nano filler) to those filled with 5 /spl mu/m size silica filler (micro filler). The ASTM 2303 inclined plane tracking and erosion test was used in the comparison as well as an infrared laser as the source of heat to erode the SIR samples. The erosion resistance of the SIR materials increased with increasing percentage of the fillers, and it was observed that 10% by weight of nano-filled SIR gives a performance that is similar to that obtained with 50% by weight of micro-filled SIR. The low frequency components of leakage current and the eroded mass are used to evaluate the relative erosion resistance of the composites and the third harmonic component of the leakage current shows good correlation to the measured eroded mass. The paper discusses the possible reasons for the improvement in the erosion resistance of nano-filled silicone composites.

Thermal conductivity of filled silicone rubber and its relationship to erosion resistance in the inclined plane test

Silicone rubber samples having various concentrations and mean particle sizes of either alumina tri-hydrate or silica filters, prepared by room temperature and heat cured under pressure (hot pressed), are tested for erosion resistance in the ASTM D2303 inclined plane tracking and erosion test. Their corresponding thermal conductivities are determined using a transient temperature technique in which an infrared laser is employed as the heat source and a thermal imaging camera as a temperature detection device. Scanning electron microscope observations show greater filler bonding to the silicone matrix in the hot pressed samples than in the room temperature vulcanized samples leading higher thermal conductivity and increased resistance to erosion, for both ATH and silica filled samples. The correlation study shows a strong relationship between the erosion resistance and the thermal conductivity of the tested samples, highlighting the importance of an outdoor insulating material to have high thermal conductivity in order to withstand dry band arcing. The results can be used to provide guidance on filler selection for silicone rubber compounding for outdoor insulation applications.

Sterilization of liquid foods by pulsed electric fields

Recent advances in the field of high-voltage pulse power technology have provided scope for the development of nonthermal sterilization methods free from the disadvantages commonly encountered with existing physical, chemical, or radiation sterilization. The flexibility allowed in the application of electrical energy can make high-field sterilization economical, compact, energy efficient, and environmentally acceptable. The main thrust of present research in this field is the application of high-field electric pulse technology to kill microorganisms in a manner consistent with development of industrial scale nonthermal sterilization methods.

A study of partial discharges from water droplets on a silicone rubber insulating surface

This paper presents measurements of partial discharge (PD) from water droplets on a silicone rubber insulating surface in an ac field. Tests are done by placing droplets on the surface using a micro-pipette, and by condensing water in a controlled humidity chamber. The field enhancement factor due to droplets placed on the insulation surface is experimentally and numerically determined. Values in the range of 3.8 to 6.3 are obtained depending on the size and number of droplets. The time resolved analysis of PD from water condensation indicates a threshold field, between 3.0 and 3.5 kV/cm, above which the PD activity increases with time, and brings the insulation to a surface breakdown. The corresponding field enhancement factor obtained for the condensation experiments is between 5.8 and 6.8. The results therefore suggest that the PD activity on the hydrophobic surface can be used effectively to learn about the insulation surface conditions.

Analysis of the Effects of Solution Conductivity on Electrospinning Process and Fiber Morphology

The electrospinning process and morphology of electrospun nanofibers depend on many processing parameters. These parameters can be divided into three main groups: 1) solution properties; 2) processing conditions; and 3) ambient conditions. In this paper, we report the results of a comprehensive investigation of the effects of changing the conductivity of polyethylene oxide (PEO)/water solution on the electrospinning process and fiber morphology. The effects of the conductivity of PEO solution on the jet current and jet path are discussed. Furthermore, the fiber diameter and fiber uniformity are investigated by using scanning electron microscopy techniques.

The Effects of Electric Field on the Multijet Electrospinning Process and Fiber Morphology

Single-needle systems have been used in electrospinning experimental research; however, the low fluid throughput in fiber production has industrial limitations. To meet a high liquid-throughput requirement, several multijet schemes have recently been tested. The main drawback of these schemes is the deterioration of the local electric field at the needle tip due to the influence of other needles in the arrangement. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of the orientation of the needles on the electric-field distribution and, hence, on the electrospun jet characteristics and fiber morphology. Experimentally, such effects are demonstrated through the use of a polyethylene oxide solution. Further, the electric-field distribution in multineedle arrangements is simulated by using finite-element-method analysis.

Impact of inverter drives employing fast-switching devices on form-wound AC machine stator coil stress grading

The conventional stress-grading system of form-wound motor coils has been found to perform well under sinusoidal, power-frequency voltage. However, when the motor is fed by inverter-based drives employing fast switching, a significant impact on the electric stress-grading system occurs. Simulations of the stress-grading systems using finite element analysis indicate that, during the fast rise-time, a high electric stress can develop right at the slot exit of the stator if the conductivity of the conductive armor tape (CAT) is not high enough. Increasing the conductivity of the CAT alleviates the problem but increases the eddy current loss in the stator laminations. To address this problem, the conductivity of the area just beyond the slot exit needs to be increased by coating the surface of the CAT with a high-conductive material. The stress-grading at the end of this conductive paint section then is achieved by two coordinated layers, which help to distribute the electric field and heat that is produced