Characterisation of Space Charge Accumulation in Silicone Rubber using Thermally Stimulated Discharge Currents (TSDC)

Silicones are widely used as insulating material in high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) transmission systems. There is a growing demand for the development of silicone-based accessories for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, due to its superior properties. However, for HVDC power transmission, new insulation materials face new challenges. One of these challenges is the accumulation of space charge. One method of evaluating the charge accumulation inside of silicone is the measurement of Thermally Stimulated Depolarization Currents (TSDC). This study aims to provide an analysis of TSDC measurement results for two different silicone types, thereby enhancing the understanding of space-charge phenomenon in silicones under high-voltage DC conditions.