Electric Field Analysis and Partial Discharge Measurements-Aided Design of Electrical Insulation Systems for HTS Cables for Electric Transportation

Finite element analysis (FEA) aided electrical insulation system designs for high temperature superconducting (HTS) power cables for electric transport platforms are reported. Partial discharge measurements were performed on fabricated model cables to validate the FEA. A combination of an epoxy-based electrical insulation, EP29, and a conductive epoxy, EP21, was used to create well-bonded insulation and ground layers. The enhanced bonding and the absence of voids at the interface between the insulation and ground layers improved the dielectric performance of the model HTS cables.