Partial discharge inception voltage in turn-to-turn insulation systems: modelling and uncertainties
In the late 19th century, the extraordinary inventors and pioneers Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, and George Westinghouse dreamed of transforming the world. After more than a hundred years since then, electricity has not stopped growing and is set to become the largest industrial system created by humanity. The democratization of hybrid and electric cars, and even more the future electrification of the aeronautical industry are signs of its unstoppable evolution. As a system in constant improvement and evolution, it has not been without challenges to overcome without compromising its reliability. One of the phenomena that continues to be a threat and reduces the reliability of machines are partial discharges. These events affect the insulation system and can cause a material failure that can translate into equipment damage, power supply interruption and even incendiary and explosive events. One of the cornerstones that this electrical system relies on is alternating current motors. Spurred on by progress in semiconductors and the discovery of the microprocessor, aging of DC motors have taken over. Since then, the electronic control of these motors has become essential, to the point that for small power rated machines, a single set is sold: "copper, iron and silicon". Unexpectedly, this improved speed control caused a significant reduction in the reliability of the motors, causing unforeseen failures in the insulation systems. Since the turn-to-turn insulation is the Achilles heel for most of these motors, this will be the core subject in this dissertation. This problem has been an ordeal in the way of designers, due to its stochastic nature and the uncertainties associated with the different models proposed in the literature. With the development of this thesis, it is intended to model the phenomenon of partial discharges, combining finite element calculations with the results obtained in laboratory tests, to predict the appearance of partial discharges. Likewise, the impact of the different sources of uncertainty ...