Managing thermoset resin dielectric insulation failure mechanisms to achieve electrical apparatus life extension

Abstract

Contemporary thermoset resin dielectric insulations function as complex material systems; using raw materials selected for their contributive property performance towards a set of physical, electrical and chemical in-service operating parameters defined by the electrical apparatus application. Whether the desired property values of these raw materials are realized and maintained, as a dielectric insulation, is the result of an interactive dependency between: (1) raw material sensitivity to processing variables during manufacture of the thermoset resin system; (2) the thermoset resin's key handling and processing parameters required to achieve optimum cured property performance; and (3) the suitability of the thermoset resin system's handling and processing parameters as a function of the electrical apparatus' design configuration and assembly methodology. This interactive dependency provides for the expression of dielectric insulation operating performance as a function, of electrical apparatus design configuration and manufacturing methodology. When linked through root cause failure analyses with constituent material properties and known material property degradation profiles; the material selection and manufacturing process baseline required to achieve and maintain optimum dielectric insulation performance is established.