Characterization of nano-additive filled epoxy resin composites (ERC) for high voltage gas insulated switchgear (GIS) applications

Abstract

Abstract Insulation based on epoxy resin (ER) is widely used for high voltage and high fault current rated electrical substation equipment. This paper details the formulation of epoxy based Nano-composites and influence of the Nano filler material on the electrical and thermal properties like breakdown voltage (BDV), relative permittivity, tanδ and thermal conductivity of the epoxy resin composites (ERC). The nano-filler materials such as alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2) and titania (TiO2) are considered for the study. Diglycidyl ether of biphenyl-A (DGEBA) type epoxy resin CY5950 and acid anhydride hardener HY5951 are used for development of samples/insulated spacers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images have been established for various ER composites to understand how the dispersion of nano-filler material influences the performance parameters of the samples. In the present study, the sample preparation with metallic inserts has shown additional advantages compared to existing practice of purely insulated samples. Developed samples help to estimate electrical and mechanical properties more accurately. Most appropriate nano filler is identified based on the test results obtained on samples developed in the study. Finally, by using the identified epoxy–filler composite, insulated spacers for 145 kV GIS have been developed and evaluated for electro-mechanical parameters. Necessary dielectric tests have been carried out on developed insulated spacer as per IEC.