Controlling flashover between electrode segments in DC power capacitors

The aim of this research is to gain an understanding of the mechanisms leading to electrical failure in DC power capacitors based on a polypropylene (PP) dielectric and a "self-healing" electrode structure, Connolly et al. In this structure the electrode is sectioned into small parts, which are interconnected by fusible bridges. If a localised flashover occurs, the bridges connecting that part of the electrode fuse and isolate it from the neighbouring regions. Such a method for 'graceful' ageing will be reduced in effectiveness if surface flashover occurs between the disconnected sections.