Development of Electrets as a Solution to Partial Discharge in Power-Electronics-Driven Shipboard Power Systems
Abstract
For decades, people were aware of partial discharge (PD) the main culprit of reduced device lifetime, accelerated dielectric mater ial aging, and the increased likelihood of device failure. However, no effective solutions have been developed to this day because P D is promoted by defects including bubbles, cracks, and sharp edges that are impossible to avoid completely. Today, the need for an effective solution to PD is even more desperate as high electric fields and power-electronics-induced voltage stresses accompanied b y wide bandgap (WBG) power semiconductors, advanced power electronic converter (PEC) topologies, and compact device packaging pose s ubstantial dielectric risk to the emerging technologies. Without an effective dielectric solution, the utilization of renewable ener gy sources, the electrification of ships and aircraft including the U.S. Navys mission of medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) ship board electrification, and the modernization of power delivery systems would remain defenseless to the growing dielectric challenge. The overall objective of this project is developing an effective dielectric solution that mitigates PD promoted by high electric fi elds and PEC-induced voltage stimuli based on an entirely new approach. The PI will design and incorporate electrets to neutralize h armful electric fields that cause PD. The electric field neutralization approach is expected to mitigate PD regardless of the existe nce of the defects, block charge migration over dielectric surfaces, and prevent dielectric surface flashover. The outcomes of this project are expected to secure the dielectric integrity and reliability of power-electronics-driven modern MVDC systems including th ose for the Navys electrified ships.Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112797
Entities
People
- Chanyeop Park
Organizations
- Mississippi State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy