Electrical insulation materials for superconducting coil applications

Abstract

The properties of electrical insulation materials at cryogenic temperatures required for high temperature superconducting (HTS) power apparatus can differ significantly from those for conventional equipment in several key areas. For solid insulation these areas include possible changes in dielectric strength, dielectric loss, aging mechanisms and characteristics, partial discharge, thermal compatibility, and mechanical properties. This work will focus on an overview of cryogenic insulation issues relevant to HTS coil applications.