Model-Based Design of Smart Structures for High-Voltage Applications
Abstract
High voltage equipment and components are key elements in energy generation, transmission and storage, pulsed power technologies, and many other areas of engineering and science. Electrical insulation, i.e. separation of conductors to avoid excessive leaking currents, catastrophic electrical breakdowns, and hazardous consequences, plays an enabling role in the reliable and quality operations of all these important applications. The overarching goal of the proposed research is to design, fabricate and implement advanced materials and structures to improve electrical insulation of high voltage systems. It is the objective of this project to exploit potential benefits of unconventional high-voltage electrode materials and geometries to mitigate the risk of electrical breakdown and extend the life-time of high-voltage equipment. The central hypothesis is: on the electrode surface, using smart structures which respond to high voltages or leaking currents and effectively lower the local electric fields could yield higher withstanding voltage without electrical breakdown. To test the hypothesis, the proposed research will (a) examine the effect of porous electrode surfaces on the charge injection and flow patterns under high-voltage excitations and (b) model the deformation of deposition porous electrodes to test the potential in suppressing electrical corona. The question in each aim will be addressed by building and testing a mathematical model of the physical processes with the interplay of mechanics, electrostatics, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry near electrode surfaces. A model experimental system will be established and measurement results (e.g. electric field, pressure, etc.) will be compared with theoretical predictions. The validated model will then be numerically solved to deliver fundamental advances in modeling and simulating electromechanical and electrochemical processes in high voltage stressed systems, and to test the idea that electrodes can be engineered to generate self-regulating mechanical responses and desired electrochemical properties that strengthen electrical insulation. In addition to advancing the fundamental research, this project will also accomplish the following broader impacts: (1) Enriched and strengthened STEM learning experience for undergraduate students, which will be done by research related course development with various hands-on training and research components. (2) Participation of underrepresented minorities in STEM research, which will be achieved by recruiting and mentoring students at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, an HSI, to be actively involved in the research and develop essential skills and confidence needed to pursue careers in STEM fields. (3) Increased public awareness of research related STEM topics, which will be done in the form of high school summer camps and community outreach events; and (4) Improved research capability and culture at minority-serving institutions, which will be done by the planned dissemination, as well as initiating collaborations with other experts and industrial stakeholders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 24, 2023
- Source ID
- W911NF2310169
Entities
People
- Xuewei Zhang
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Texas A&M University–Kingsville