High Voltage Technology
IAEW has direct access to a wide range of test equipment and is therefore able to offer a variety of different research and engineering services. The main scope consists of testing services for insulating materials in different electrical equipment like circuit breakers, power cables or insulators. For example standardized tests for the determination of surface and volume resistivity, electrical breakdown strength or for dielectric parameters (permittivity, loss factor) are part of the portfolio. Also investigations on material characteristics and the ageing of insulation materials at different environmental influences (temperature, humidity…) are possible. Furthermore, non-electrical investigations (e.g. non-destructive material tests by ultras sonic diagnosis, confocal microscopy, contact angle measurement...) can be performed. The following test setups and laboratories are available for research and engineering.
Test bench 1: High- and Medium voltage generation
The IAEW features high voltage laboratories for examinations that have a high voltage demand, like breakdown tests. Alternating, direct and impulse voltages (1,2µs/50µs, 250µs/2500µs) can be generated.
Technical data:
- Alternating voltage: 400 kV, 200 kVA
- Direct voltage: 270 kV, 3,5 kVA
- Impulse voltage: max. 1 MV, 30 kJ
Test bench 2: Climatic- and environmental conditions
The IAEW offers in total three climate chambers (including an accessible one), which are mainly used for investigations of insulation materials under climatic loads. For example, the resistivity of materials under differing climatic conditions can be determined. Furthermore, the climate chambers are used for specimen conditioning under defined environment conditions.
Technical data:
- Temperature: -40°C to 220 °C
- Relative Humidity: 10% to 96%
- Area of dew-point: 10°C to 90°C
Test bench 3: Insulation materials
Several test benches and measurement systems for testing and characterization of insulation materials and insulation systems can be used at IAEW. The manufacturing of (filled) liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and epoxy resin samples is possible in our material processing laboratory.
Technical data:
- AC up to 100 kV
- DC up to 100 KV
Test bench 5: Conductor technologies
The laboratory for conductor technologies provides comprehensive possibilities to perform thermal investigations on overhead conductors, clamps, fittings or similar components under defined weather conditions. Electrical and mechanical parameters like current and tensile stress can be adjusted as well as ambient influencing variables like wind speed, global radiation and ambient temperature. A modular measurement and control system allows logging different temperature channels and the specification of defined exposure profiles.
Technical data:
- current: up to 3 kA
- tensile stress: up to 50 kN
- ambient temperature: up to 40 °C
- wind speed:0,4 m/s to 12 m/s
- global radiation: 500 W/m² to 950 W/m²
Test bench 6: SF6-Labor
For simultaneous preparation and execution of experimental circuit breaker tests, two synthetic Weil-Dobke test circuits are available at IAEW with three separate test places. By means of transient recorders with up to 40 measurement channels, it is possible to record a wide range of parameters (e.g. current, voltage, pressure, etc.). A high-speed camera is available for optical investigations. A modern gas-handling system ensures a safe and environmentally friendly execution of tests in different gases.
Technical specifications:
- Short circuit currents: up to 60 kApeak
- Frequency: 50 Hz
- Recovery voltage: up to 140 kV
Test bench 7: Cryogenic applications
For investigations on insulation materials for applications in high temperature superconductivity, a cryostat with a high voltage bushing is available at IAEW. Herewith, electrical investigations in liquid nitrogen (LN2) can be conducted.
Technical data:
- AC voltages up to 125 kV
- Lightning impulse up to 250 kV
- Temperature range: 65-77 K
- Filling capacity LN2: ca. 60 Litres