Aging Characteristics of Transformer Oil-Impregnated Insulation Paper Based on Trap Parameters

Oil-impregnated insulation paper is an important part of transformers; its performance seriously affects the life of power equipment. It is of significance to study the aging characteristics and mechanism of oil-impregnated insulation paper under thermal stress for transformer status detection and evaluation. In the work, the accelerated thermal aging was carried out at 120 °C, and DP1490, DP787, and DP311 samples were selected to represent the new, mid-aging, and late-aging status of the transformer, respectively. The space charge distribution within the specimens was measured by the pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) method and the trap parameters were extracted based on the measurement curves. Further, the aging mechanism was studied by molecular simulation technology. A typical molecular chain defect model was constructed to study the motion of cellulose molecules under thermal stress. The experimental results show that the corresponding trap energy levels are 0.54 eV, 0.73 eV, and 0.92 eV for the new specimen, the mid-aging specimen, and the late aging specimen, respectively. The simulation results show that the trapped energy at the beginning of aging is mainly determined by the loss of H atoms. The changes in trap energy in the middle stage of aging are mainly caused by the absence of some C atoms, and the trap energy level at the end of aging is mainly caused by the breakage of chemical bonds. This study is of great significance to reveal the aging mechanism of oil-impregnated insulation paper and the modification of insulation paper.

Influence of Aging, Sterilization, and Composition on the Degradation of Polyurethane Foams

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are highly attractive materials for medical devices. Specifically, SMP foams are currently being used as embolic devices in peripheral and cerebral vascular applications. To ensure the proper function and safety of these materials in their intended applications, it is important to understand how processing treatments, such as aging, sterilization, and foam composition can influence their degradation. Here, SMP foams were treated with industry relevant processing parameters, and the influence on degradation was observed via gravimetric, chemical, and morphological studies. Accelerated thermal aging was shown to have an influence on material degradation rate in real time oxidative studies. Sterilization was performed via Electron beam (E-beam) irradiation at the high and low dosages commonly used in industry and had no significant influence on foam degradation profiles. These findings help inform appropriate treatment of SMP foam embolic devices to ensure their safety and efficacy.

Evaluation of the resource and characteristics of the insulation of traction motors of locomotives by means of accelerated heat aging method

Objective: An equivalent mode of accelerated thermal aging of the insulation system of electrical ma- chines is described to confirm the resource corresponding to a given period and operating conditions. Methods: The equivalent mode of accelerated heat aging was determined based on the Montzinger rule and tested in the course of research and development work (R&D) on the development, manufacture and implementation of a set of bench and operational tests of the insulation system of an increased heat resistance class of a diesel locomotive traction motor. Results: The relevance of R&D has been revealed, as a result of which the implementation of the idea was required, based on the statement about the re- duction of the insulation resource of electrical machines when the permissible heating is exceeded by 8–12 °С to various types of insulating materials. The advantages of the method presented in the article in relation to traditional solutions of this problem are demonstrated, and also improved consumer proper- ties of the traction electric motor of a diesel locomotive with a replaced insulation system of an increased class of heat resistance are presented. Generally, experimental tests and preliminary operational data are an acceptable basis for thermal evaluation of electrical insulating materials. However, it is important to remember that the scientific criterion is met and not to use the results of different types of tests in the analysis. Based on the world experience in diagnostics of additional insulation parameters for monitoring the state of insulation parameters, the possibility of using the “Doctor” series insulation monitoring de- vices has been determined and practically confirmed. Together with the results of subsequent operational tests, during which the insulation was also monitored using these mobile devices, it is argued that after carrying out the relevant research work, thanks to the mobile devices of the “Doctor” series, it is pos- sible to carry out predictive analytics of the failure of traction motors (TED) in any operating conditions. The functional value is determined and applied in practice. The “H” class insulation system developed by the specialists of JSC “VNIKTI” is mainly based on insulating materials produced by JSC “Holding Company „Elinar“”; the compound “Elplast 180ID” (JSC “Electroizolit”) or its analogue “Elkom-180” JSC “Holding company „Elinar“”), for anchor coils and equalizers, a wound PPIPK-2 wire in polyimide- fluoroplastic insulation (GC “Moskabelmet”) is used. Practical importance: It is stated that all stages of manufacturing and testing, determined at the initial stage of R&D, confirmed the results of the deve- lopment stages (overhaul (manufacture) of prototypes of TED using a new isolation system according to the design documentation of JSC “VNIKTI”). Bench tests have confirmed typical characteristics, speci- fied resource and insulation characteristics with equivalent accelerated thermal aging corresponding to an electric motor’s service life of 20 years in ordinary operation on a diesel locomotive, residual life of elements of the insulation system of naturally cut armature segments, main and auxiliary poles coils. In the specialized laboratory of JSC “Holding Company „Elinar“”, an experimental TED diesel locomotive set with the investigated insulation system was manufactured and installed on two sections of the main- line diesel locomotive 2TE116. Operational tests of an experimental TED diesel locomotive set under operating conditions were successful.

Influence of Oil–Pressboard Mass Ratio on the Equilibrium Characteristics of Furfural under Oil Replacement Conditions

The distribution behavior of furfural in insulation systems is influenced by the oil–pressboard mass ratio. In addition, the equilibrium distribution of furfural between oil and pressboard will be disturbed after oil replacement. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the distribution ratio of furfural in oil with various oil–pressboard mass ratios after oil replacement. In this research, an accelerated thermal aging experiment and oil replacement experiment were conducted in the lab. Furthermore, the equilibrium characteristics of furfural dissolved in oil with various oil–pressboard mass ratios were studied. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the oil–pressboard mass ratios and the distribution ratio of furfural in oil. The equilibrium distribution model of furfural was thus obtained. Afterwards, the modified furfural distribution model under oil replacement conditions was established. A novel scheme is provided for analyzing the equilibrium characteristics of furfural under various oil–pressboard mass ratios after oil replacement. The work of this paper is expected to improve the accuracy of furfural analysis.