energies

Article
Breakdown Characteristics of Oil-Pressboard
Insulation under AC-DC Combined Voltage and Its
Mathematical Model
Qingguo Chen 1,2, *, Jinfeng Zhang 1,2, * ID
, Minghe Chi 1,2, * and Chong Guo 2
1 Key Laboratory of Engineering Dielectrics and Its Application, Ministry of Education, Harbin University of
Science and Technology, 52 Xuefu Road, Harbin 150080, China
2 The School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, 52 Xuefu
Road, Harbin 150080, China; 13946204699@163.com
* Correspondence: qgchen@263.net (Q.C.); zjinfeng1991@163.com (J.Z.); chiminghe1985@163.com (M.C.);
Tel.: +86-451-8639-1601(Q.C.); +86-451-8639-1627 (J.Z.); +86-451-8639-1625 (M.C.)




Received: 3 May 2018; Accepted: 17 May 2018; Published: 22 May 2018


Abstract: An AC-DC combined voltage is applied to the oil-pressboard insulation near the valve
side during the operation of a converter transformer. To study the breakdown characteristics of an
oil-pressboard insulation under such voltages, a typical plate electrode structure was employed in
the laboratory to conduct a breakdown test on the oil-pressboard insulation. The electrical field
distribution and the DC contents of the transformer oil and the pressboard in composite insulation
under the AC-DC combined voltage were simulated by their dielectric parameters. The breakdown
strength of the transformer oil decreases with the increase in the DC content of the applied voltage,
whereas that of the pressboard increases. For the oil-pressboard insulation, the breakdown voltage
increases first and then decreases. The electric field strength decreases in the transformer oil with
the increase in the DC content, whereas it increases in the pressboard. And the DC contents of
the transformer and the pressboard in composite insulation were different from that of the applied
voltage. Finally, based on the above results, a mathematical model was proposed to describe the
breakdown characteristics of the oil-pressboard insulation under the AC-DC combined voltage;
the theoretical and experimental results were in good agreement.

Keywords: oil-pressboard insulation; AC-DC combined voltage; mathematical model; breakdown

characteristics

1. Introduction
The converter transformer is one of the most important pieces of equipment in high-voltage direct
current (HVDC) power transmission projects, as it is used for AC-DC voltage conversion. The reliable
operation of the converter transformer is a prerequisite for the stability of the entire system [1,2].
Compared to the conventional AC transformers, the converter transformer can withstand not only the
AC voltage, lightning impulse voltage, and operating overvoltage, but also AC-DC combined voltage,
polarity reversal voltage, and other complex conditions [3–5]. The electric field distribution in the
oil-pressboard insulation under an AC-DC combined electric field is more complicated than that under
an AC electric field alone. Moreover, the breakdown strengths of the oil and pressboard are affected by
the DC content, thus complicating the insulation design of converter transformers [6–8].
The breakdown voltage of a composite dielectric is mainly affected by the electric field distribution
and breakdown strength of the dielectric [9,10]. The electric field distribution in oil-pressboard
insulations has been extensively studied, mostly based on the resistance-capacitance model, under
AC-DC combined voltage and polarity-reversed voltage [11–13]. In an experimental study, Li et al.

Energies 2018, 11, 1319; doi:10.3390/en11051319 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2018, 11, 1319 2 of 13

used a plate electrode to study the effect of thickness on the breakdown strength of a pressboard under
AC-DC combined voltage. The results showed that the breakdown strength of the pressboard increased
with the increase in the thickness under both DC voltage and AC-DC combined voltage, whereas it
decreased under the AC voltage [14–16]. Rajan et al. used the parallel plate, rod-plate, and ball-plate
type electrodes to study the breakdown voltage of a multi-layer impregnated pressboard under AC-DC
combined voltage and concluded that the breakdown voltage under AC-DC combined voltage was
higher than that under DC voltage but lower than that under AC voltage. Moreover, the effect of
electric field distortion on the DC breakdown voltage was not obvious, whereas that on the AC
breakdown voltage was obvious [17,18]. Li et al. studied the effect of DC voltage superimposed with a
high-frequency AC voltage (50–600 Hz) on the breakdown strength of a pressboard and concluded
that the space charge accumulated in the sample increased with the increase in the frequency, thereby
decreasing the breakdown strength of the pressboard [19]. Chi et al. studied the effect of oil flow on the
breakdown characteristics of an oil-pressboard insulation under AC-DC combined voltage. The results
showed that the breakdown voltage of the oil-pressboard insulation increased first and then decreased
with the increase in the DC content, and the breakdown voltage decreased with the increase in the flow
rate [20]. In summary, the breakdown characteristics of oil-pressboard insulations have been studied
preliminarily; however, the mathematical expression and mechanism of breakdown characteristics
have not been reported in detail.
In this paper, a typical plate electrode structure was used to study the breakdown characteristics
of an oil-pressboard insulation. The mathematical expression for the electric field distribution was
obtained using the dielectric parameters of the oil and pressboard. Based on this, a mathematic model
for the breakdown characteristics of the oil-pressboard insulation was established to explain the effect
of AC-DC combined voltage on the breakdown characteristics of the oil-pressboard insulation.

2. Experimental Method

2.1. Sample Preparation and Test Model

A pressboard with a thickness of 0.25 mm and with dimensions of 10 cm × 10 cm was used for
the test. The pressboard was dried under vacuum and immersed in transformer oil placed in a vacuum
container. Karamay 45# transformer oil was used for the oil-pressboard insulation. The oil was filtered
using an oil filter to remove impurities such as moisture and gas. Table 1 lists the dielectric parameters
and moisture contents of the pressboard and transformer oil at room temperature [21].

Table 1. Dielectric parameters and moisture content of pressboard and transformer oil.

Parameters Pressboard Transformer Oil

Moisture content 0.43% 6.3 mg/kg
Resistivity 4.93 × 1014 Ω·m 1.15 × 1013 Ω·m
Relative permittivity 3.22 2.08

The main insulation of a large converter transformer is the barrel type structure, but its radius of
curvature is large, so it is closer to a plate electrode in a small range. Hence, a plate electrode with an
axisymmetric cylindrical structure is used to study the breakdown characteristics of the oil-pressboard
insulation under AC-DC combined voltage, as shown in Figure 1.
Energies 2018, 11, 1319 3 of 13
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Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 13

d=25mm
d=25mm High voltage electrode
High voltage electrode
h1=15mm
h1=15mm
d1=0.25mm
d1=0.25mm

d2=0.5mm Pressboard
Transformer oil d2=0.5mm Pressboard
Transformer oil
r=3mm
h2=15mm r=3mm
h2=15mm
Ground electrode
Ground electrode

Figure 1.
1. Test model.
model.
Figure 1.Test
Figure Test model.

2.2. Test
2.2. Test System
2.2. TestSystem
System
The
The test system,
system, comprising aa DC voltage power supply, an an AC voltage
voltage power supply, a voltage
Thetest
test system,comprising
comprising aDC DCvoltage
voltagepower
powersupply, supply, anAC AC voltagepower powersupply,
supply,aavoltage
voltage
divider, aa protective
divider, protective resistor(R (R2,, 30
30 kΩ/150 kV), a coupling capacitance
capacitance (C3,, 0.01 0.01 μF/80 kV), filter
divider, a protectiveresistor
resistor (R 2 2, 30kΩ/150
kΩ/150 kV),
kV), aacoupling
coupling capacitance(C μF/80 kV),
(C3 3, 0.01µF/80 kV),filter
filter
capacitor
capacitor (C
(C 0, 0.5 μF/80 kV), voltage regulators, and high-voltage silicon stacks (D1, D2, 2 A/250 kV),
, 0.5 kV), voltage regulators, and high-voltage silicon stacks (D , D
µF/80
capacitor (C0 0, 0.5 μF/80 kV), voltage regulators, and high-voltage silicon stacks (D 2 2, 2 A/250 kV),
1 1, D, 2 A/250 kV),
can generate
can generate AC-DC
AC-DC combined
combined voltage,
voltage, asas shown
shown in in Figure
Figure 2. 2. The rated power, output voltage
voltage range
can generate AC-DC combined voltage, as shown in Figure 2. The rated power, output voltagerange
The rated power, output range
and rated
and rated frequency of of the voltage
voltage regulators (T (T0, T1, T2) are are15
15kVA,
kVA, 0–220 V and 50 Hz, respectively.
and ratedfrequency
frequency ofthe the voltageregulators
regulators (T0 0, ,TT11,, TT22)) are 15 kVA, 0–220
0–220 V V and
and 5050 Hz,
Hz, respectively.
respectively.
The
The rated power, rated input/output voltage, rated output current and rated frequency of high
The rated power, rated input/output voltage, rated output current and rated frequency voltage
rated power, rated input/output voltage, rated output current and rated frequency of high of high
voltage
test test
transformertransformer (T
(T3 , T4 ) are 3, T4) are 15 kVA, 0.22/150 kV, 0.1 A and 50 Hz, respectively. The DC
voltage test transformer (T315
, TkVA,
4) are0.22/150
15 kVA, kV,
0.22/1500.1 A kV, and 0.1
50 Hz, respectively.
A and The DC content
50 Hz, respectively. The DC of
content
the AC-DCof the AC-DCvoltage
combined combined canvoltage can be
be adjusted adjusted using regulators
the voltageTregulators T1 and T2, and
content of the AC-DC combined voltage can using
be adjusted the voltage using the voltage and T2 , and
1regulators T1 the
andvoltage
T2, and
the voltagecan
amplitude amplitude
be adjustedcan be adjusted using regulator
the voltage T0regulator
.regulatorTT00. .
the voltage amplitude canusing the voltage
be adjusted using the voltage

T1 T3 C3 R2
T1 T3 C3 R2
sample voltage divider
sample voltage divider

AC power supply RH CH
AC power supply RH CH
D2
D2 R1 C1
R1 C1
DC power supply
DC power supply
T0 T2 T4 D1 RL CL
T0 T2 T4 D1 RL CL
AC
AC C0
220V C0
220V

Figure 2. Test system.

Figure2.2.Test
Figure Testsystem.
system.

Figure 3 shows the waveform of the AC-DC combined voltage. The DC content of the voltage is
Figure 3 shows the waveform of the AC-DC combined voltage. The DC content of the voltage is
expressed
Figureas3 follows:
shows the waveform of the AC-DC combined voltage. The DC content of the voltage is
expressed as follows:
expressed as follows: U
 = UUdcdc  100% (1)
η = =U ac dc
+U dc  ×100%
100% (1)
(1)
UacU+
ac +UUdc
dc

whereUUacacisisthe
where the peak
peak of AC
of the the AC voltage component,
and Udcand Uaverage
dc is the average
the DC of the DC voltage
where Uac is the peak of thevoltage component,
AC voltage component, is the
and Udc is theofaverage voltage
of the component.
DC voltage
component.
The The nomenclature sectionthe
including the symbols and used parameters in this paper are
component. The nomenclature section including the symbols and used parameters in thisshown
nomenclature section including symbols and used parameters in this paper are in
paper are
shown
Table in Table
2. in Table 2.2.
shown
Energies 2018,
Energies 11, 11,
2018, 1319x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of4 of
13 13

Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 13

Voltage(kV)
Uac

Voltage(kV)
Uac

Udc
Udc

0 Time(s)
0 Time(s)
Figure3.3.Waveform
Figure Waveformof
ofAC-DC
AC-DC combined voltage.
combined voltage.
Figure 3. Waveform of AC-DC combined voltage.
Table2.2.Nomenclature
Table Nomenclature section.

SymbolsTable 2. Nomenclature
Parameters section. Unit
Symbols Parameters Unit
ε r
Symbols Relative permittivity
Parameters -
Unit
εr ρ Relative permittivity
Resistivity Ω·m -
εr Relative permittivity -
ρ d Resistivity
Thickness m Ω ·m
ρ Resistivity Ω·m
d C Thickness
Capacitance F m
C d Thickness
Capacitance m F
R Resistance Ω
R CE Capacitance
Resistance F
Electric field strengths kV/mm Ω
E R Resistance
Electric Ω kV/mm
field strengths kV/mm
Eb Breakdown strength
Eb E Electric field strengths
Breakdown strength kV/mm kV/mm
U Voltage V
U Eb Breakdown strength
Voltage kV/mm V
η DC content -
η U Voltage
DC content V -
η DC content -
3. Test Results
3. Test Results
3. Test Results
Figure 4 shows the breakdown strength of the transformer oil under AC-DC combined voltage
at Figure
room 4 shows the breakdown
temperature.
Figure 4 shows the The breakdown
breakdown
strength of the
strength
strength of transformer
of the the oil under
transformer
transformer oil oil
AC-DCwith
decreases
under
combined voltage
the increase
AC-DC combined in at
voltage
room temperature.
theroom
DC temperature. The
content. TheThe breakdown
breakdown strength of the transformer oil decreases with the increase in isthe
at breakdownstrength
strengthofof the transformer oil
the transformer oildecreases
under pure
with DC voltage in
the increase
DCthecontent.
approximately The
DC content. breakdown
66.5%
Thethat strength
under pure
breakdown of the transformer
AC voltage,
strength of the oil
probably under pure
due tooil
transformer DC
impuritiesvoltage is
such as
under pure DC approximately
moisture
voltageandis
66.5%
gas. that
With under
the pure
increaseACin voltage,
the DC probably
content of due
the to
appliedimpurities
voltage, such
the as moisture
impurities
approximately 66.5% that under pure AC voltage, probably due to impurities such as moisture more and gas.
easily With
andthe
polarize,
increase
and With
gas. in the
they theDC
align content
between
increase of electrodes
inthe
the the
DCapplied
contenttovoltage,
form
of the impurities
theaapplied
discharge channel.
voltage, more
the easily polarize,
impurities andpolarize,
more easily they align
between
and they thealign
electrodes
betweentothe
form a discharge
electrodes to formchannel.
a discharge channel.
50
50
strength(kV/mm)

45
strength(kV/mm)

45
40
40
Breakdown

35
Breakdown

35
30 Test data
Fitting curve
30 Test data
25 Fitting curve
0 20 40 60 80 100
25
0 20 DC content
40 of applied60voltage(%)80 100
DCofcontent
Figure 4. Breakdown strength of applied
transformer oilvoltage(%)
under AC-DC combined voltage.
Figure 4. Breakdown strength of transformer oil under AC-DC combined voltage.
Figure 4. Breakdown strength of transformer oil under AC-DC combined voltage.
Energies 2018, 11, x1319
FOR PEER REVIEW 55of
of 13
13

Figure 5 shows the breakdown strength of the pressboard under AC-DC combined voltage at
roomFigure 5 showsThe
temperature. the breakdown
breakdownstrength
strengthofofthethepressboard
pressboard under AC-DC
increases withcombined voltage
the increase in at
theroom
DC
temperature. The breakdown strength of the pressboard increases with
content of the applied voltage, and the breakdown strength under pure AC voltage is the increase in the DC content
only
of the applied voltage,
approximately 31.6% and
that the breakdown
under pure DC strength
voltage. under
Thepure AC voltagepressboard
oil-immersed is only approximately
is composed 31.6%
of
that under pure DC voltage. The oil-immersed pressboard is composed of cellulose,
cellulose, with transformer oil gap between the cellulose. The electric field in the transformer oil with transformer
oil gap between
increases with thethe cellulose.
decrease in The electric
the DC fieldbecause
content in the transformer
of its lower oil increases with
permittivity the decrease
compared in
to that of
the DC
the content because
pressboard. And its of its lower
lower permittivity
breakdown compared
strength, whichtocanthateasily
of thelead
pressboard. And its lower
to the transformer oil
breakdown strength, which can easily lead to the transformer oil breakdown. Once
breakdown. Once the breakdown occurs in the oil gap, it will initiate the breakdown of the entire the breakdown
occurs in the oil gap, it will initiate the breakdown of the entire pressboard.
pressboard.

240
Experimental data
Fitting curve
Breakdown strength(kV/mm)

200

160

120

80

40
0 20 40 60 80 100
DC content of applied voltage(%)

Figure
Figure 5.
5. Breakdown
Breakdown strength
strength of
of pressboard
pressboard under
under AC-DC
AC-DC combined
combined voltage.
voltage.

The fitted expressions can be derived through exponential fitting. Table 3 lists the fitted
The fitted expressions can be derived through exponential fitting. Table 3 lists the fitted
expressions and the correlation coefficients for the breakdown strength of the transformer oil and
expressions and the correlation coefficients for the breakdown strength of the transformer oil
pressboard.
and pressboard.
Table 3. Fitted Expressions for Breakdown Strength.
Table 3. Fitted Expressions for Breakdown Strength.
Medium Fitted Expression Correlation Coefficient
Transformer oil
Medium Ebo = 48.24 − 0.65
Fitted × exp(3.22 × η)
Expression 0.98
Correlation Coefficient
Pressboard Ebp = −18.39 + 86.45 × exp(1.04 × η) 0.97
Transformer oil Ebo = 48.24 − 0.65 × exp(3.22 × η) 0.98
Pressboard Ebp = −18.39 + 86.45 × exp(1.04 × η) 0.97
Figure 6 shows the breakdown voltage of the oil-pressboard insulation under AC-DC combined
voltage at room temperature. The breakdown voltage of the oil-pressboard insulation increases first
Figure 6 shows the breakdown voltage of the oil-pressboard insulation under AC-DC combined
and then decreases with the increase in the DC content. The breakdown voltage reaches its peak at a
voltage at room temperature. The breakdown voltage of the oil-pressboard insulation increases first
DC content of 68%.
and then decreases with the increase in the DC content. The breakdown voltage reaches its peak at a
DC content of 68%. 80

70

60
Breakdown voltage(kV)

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100
DC content of applied voltage(%)
 Pressboard Ebp = −18.39 + 86.45 × exp(1.04 × η) 0.97

Figure 6 shows the breakdown voltage of the oil-pressboard insulation under AC-DC combined
voltage at room temperature. The breakdown voltage of the oil-pressboard insulation increases first
and then
Energies decreases
2018, 11, 1319 with the increase in the DC content. The breakdown voltage reaches its peak6 of
at 13
a
DC content of 68%.

80

70

60

Breakdown voltage(kV)
50

40

30

20

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 13
DC content of applied voltage(%)

Figure
Figure6.6.Breakdown
Breakdownvoltage
voltageof
ofoil-pressboard
oil-pressboardinsulation
insulationunder
underAC-DC
AC-DCcombined
combinedvoltage.
voltage.

4.4.Mathematical
MathematicalModel
Modelof
ofBreakdown
Breakdownof
ofOil-Pressboard
Oil-PressboardInsulation
Insulation

4.1.
4.1.Simplified
SimplifiedModel
Model
To
To study
study the
theeffect
effectof
ofDC
DCcontent
contentononthe
theelectric
electricfield
fielddistribution
distributionin inthetheoil-pressboard
oil-pressboardinsulation
insulation
more directly, the oil-pressboard insulation model, shown in Figure 1, is simplified
more directly, the oil-pressboard insulation model, shown in Figure 1, is simplified to a physical to a physical
model
model of the oil-pressboard
of the oil-pressboard insulation,
insulation, as shownasinshown
Figurein7. Figure
Eo and 7.
EpE, oε1and
andEεp2, , ερ11and
and ερ22, ,ρand
1 and
d1 ρand
2, and d1
d2 are
and d2 are the electric-field
the electric-field strengths,
strengths, relative relativeresistivity,
permittivity, permittivity, resistivity, ofand
and thicknesses the thicknesses
transformer of the
oil and
transformer
pressboard, oil and pressboard, respectively.
respectively.

Transformer oil Eo ρ1  d1

Pressboard Ep ρ2 2 d2

Figure
Figure7.7.Physical
Physicalmodel
modelof
ofoil-pressboard
oil-pressboardinsulation.
insulation.

Figure 8 shows the equivalent circuit model of the oil-pressboard insulation, where U is the
Figure 8 shows the equivalent circuit model of the oil-pressboard insulation, where U is the
applied voltage, U1 and U2, C1 and C2, and R1 and R2 are the equivalent voltages, capacitances, and
applied voltage, U1 and U2 , C1 and C2 , and R1 and R2 are the equivalent voltages, capacitances,
resistances of the transformer oil and pressboard, respectively [15].
and resistances of the transformer oil and pressboard, respectively [15].

U1 C1 R1

U2 C2 R2
 Figure 7. Physical model of oil-pressboard insulation.

Figure 8 shows the equivalent circuit model of the oil-pressboard insulation, where U is the
applied voltage, U1 and U2, C1 and C2, and R1 and R2 are the equivalent voltages, capacitances, and
resistances
Energies of 1319
2018, 11, the transformer oil and pressboard, respectively [15]. 7 of 13

U1 C1 R1

U2 C2 R2

Figure 8. Equivalent circuit of oil-pressboard insulation.

Figure 8. Equivalent circuit of oil-pressboard insulation.

4.2. Mathematical Expression of Electric Field Distribution

4.2. Mathematical Expression of Electric Field Distribution
The AC electric field component of the AC-DC combined electric field is distributed by the
The AC electric field component of the AC-DC combined electric field is distributed by the
capacitances of the transformer oil and pressboard. The DC electric field component of the AC-DC
capacitances of the transformer oil and pressboard. The DC electric field component of the AC-DC
combined electric field is distributed by the capacitance when the voltage is just applied but it is
combined electric field is distributed by the capacitance when the voltage is just applied but it is
distributed by the resistance in the steady state. To simplify the analysis, the analysis is focused on
distributed by the resistance in the steady state. To simplify the analysis, the analysis is focused on
the electric field distribution in the steady state, and the electric field in the medium is assumed to
the electric field distribution in the steady state, and the electric field in the medium is assumed to be
be uniform. Because of the superposition of the electric field, the electric field strength (Eo ) in the
uniform. Because of the superposition of the electric field, the electric field strength (Eo) in the
transformer oil and the electric field strength (Ep ) in the pressboard can be obtained using E = U/d,
as follows: ( ρ
Eo = ρ d +1ρ d Udc + ε d ε+2 ε d Uac sin(ωt)
1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2
ρ (2)
E p = ρ d +2ρ d Udc + ε d ε+1 ε d Uac sin(ωt)
1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2

The following equations are obtained by substituting Equation (1) into Equation (2):
(
Eo = AηU + (1 − η ) BU sin(ωt)
(3)
E p = CηU + (1 − η ) DU sin(ωt)

ρ1 ε2 ρ2 ε1
where A = ρ1 d1 + ρ2 d2 , B= ε 2 d1 + ε 1 d2 , C= ρ1 d1 + ρ2 d2 and D = ε 2 d1 + ε 1 d2 .

As shown in Equation (3), Eo and Ep are mainly affected by the parameters of A and C when η is
high, whereas they are mainly affected by the parameters of B and D when η is low. This indicates that
the electric field distribution is significantly affected by the resistivity when the DC content is high
and by the relative permittivity when the DC content is low. The breakdown of insulating material is
mainly affected by the maximum value of the voltage waveform. Hence, the peak voltage (i.e., sin(wt)
= 1) is chosen to analyze the electric field distribution in the oil-pressboard insulation, which can be
obtained using Equation (3), as follows:
(
Eo = BU + ( A − B)ηU
(4)
E p = DU + (C − D )ηU

The electric field in oil and pressboard calculated by Equation (3) varies with time, while the result
of Equation (4) calculation is its maximum value. Using Equation (4), the electric field distribution in
the oil-pressboard insulation with different DC contents is simulated under a voltage of 10 kV. Figure 9
shows the simulation results.
As shown in Figure 9, the electric field strength of the transformer oil decreases with the increase in
the DC content, whereas that of the pressboard increases. As listed in Table 1, ρ1 = 0.023ρ2 , ε1 = 0.646ε2 ,
and d1 = 2d2 , which makes A = 0.088 mm−1 , B = 1.51 mm−1 , C = 3.82 mm−1 and D = 0.98 mm−1 .
Hence, A − B < 0 and C − D > 0 in Equation (4). Thus, Eo decreases and Ep increases with the increase
that the electric field distribution is significantly affected by the resistivity when the DC content is
high and by the relative permittivity when the DC content is low. The breakdown of insulating
material is mainly affected by the maximum value of the voltage waveform. Hence, the peak voltage
(i.e., sin(wt) = 1) is chosen to analyze the electric field distribution in the oil-pressboard insulation,
Energies 2018, 11, 1319 8 of 13
which can be obtained using Equation (3), as follows:

 Eo = BU + ( A − B)U
in the DC content when the peak voltage is the same. The DC contents of the transformer oil (η o ) and
(4)
+ (C − D)U
 E p =DU(4),
pressboard (η p ) can be obtained using Equation shown as follows:
The electric field in oil and pressboard
( calculated
Aη by Equation (3) varies with time, while the
ηo = Aη + B(value.
result of Equation (4) calculation is its maximum 1− η ) Using Equation (4), the electric field
Cη (5)
= Cηdifferent
distribution in the oil-pressboard insulationη pwith + D (1− η ) DC contents is simulated under a voltage
of 10 kV. Figure 9 shows the simulation results.

40

35
Electric field strength(kV/mm)

30

25

20
Transformer oil
15 Impregnated pressboard

10
Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 13
5
in the DC content when the peak voltage is the same. The DC contents of the transformer oil (ηo) and
0
pressboard (ηp) can be obtained
0 using
20 Equation40(4), shown60
as follows: 80 100
A
DCcontent of applied voltage (%)
B (1- ) of transformer oil and pressboard.
A +strengths o =
Figure 9. Simulation 
Figure 9. Simulation results
results of
of the
the electric

electric field
field strengths of transformer oil and pressboard. (5)
 = C
As shown in Figure 9, the electric field strength C + ofD (the
1- )transformer oil decreases with the increase
p

Figure 10 shows the DC contents of the transformer oil and pressboard of the oil-pressboard
in the DC content, whereas that of the pressboard increases. As listed in Table 1, ρ1 = 0.023ρ2, ε1 =
insulationFigure
under10different
shows theDC DCcontents
contents of
of the transformer oil andThe
applied voltage. pressboard of the of
DC contents oil-pressboard
the transformer
0.646ε2, and d1 = 2d2, which makes A = 0.088 mm−1, B = 1.51 mm−1, C = 3.82 mm−1 and D = 0.98 mm−1.
insulation under different DC contents of the applied voltage. The DC contents of
oil and pressboard are the same as that of the applied voltage when the applied voltage is pure the transformer oil DC
Hence,andApressboard
− B < 0 and C the
are − Dsame
> 0 inasEquation
that of the(4). Thus,voltage
applied Eo decreases
when andapplied
the Ep increases
voltagewith
is the DC
pure increase
voltage or pure AC voltage. In other cases, the DC content of the transformer oil is lower than that
of thevoltage or pure AC voltage. In other cases, the DC content of the transformer oil is lower than that of
applied voltage, whereas the DC content of the pressboard is higher than that of the applied
the applied voltage, whereas the DC content of the pressboard is higher than that of the applied
voltage. As the resistivity of the pressboard is significantly greater than that of the transformer oil,
voltage. As the resistivity of the pressboard is significantly greater than that of the transformer oil,
the DC voltage component of the applied voltage is mainly applied to the pressboard. As a result,
the DC voltage component of the applied voltage is mainly applied to the pressboard. As a result, the
the DCDCcontent of the
content of thepressboard
pressboardincreases
increases
andand thatthat of transformer
of the the transformer oil decreases.
oil decreases.

100
ηo
ηp
80
DC content of medium(%)

60

40

20

0
0 20 40 60 80 100
DC content of applied voltage (%)

Figure 10. DC contents of transformer oil and pressboard.

Figure 10. DC contents of transformer oil and pressboard.

As ηo and ηp are different from η, the ηo and ηp corresponding to the breakdown strength are
different from the η corresponding to the breakdown strength. By substituting Equation (5) into the
fitting expression of the breakdown strength, listed in Table 3, the breakdown strengths of the
transformer oil and pressboard of the composite insulation (Ebo′ and Ebp′) corresponding to the DC
content of the applied voltage can be obtained as follows:
Energies 2018, 11, 1319 9 of 13

As η o and η p are different from η, the η o and η p corresponding to the breakdown strength are
different from the η corresponding to the breakdown strength. By substituting Equation (5) into
the fitting expression of the breakdown strength, listed in Table 3, the breakdown strengths of the
transformer oil and pressboard of the composite insulation (Ebo 0 and Ebp 0 ) corresponding to the DC
content of the applied voltage can be obtained as follows:
(
Ebo 0 (η ) = Ebo (ηo )
(6)
Ebp 0 (η ) = Ebp η p

Figure 11a,b show the breakdown strengths (Ebo 0 and Ebp 0 ) corresponding to the DC content of
the applied voltage and the breakdown strengths (Ebo and Ebp ) corresponding to the DC content of
the medium, respectively. Ebo 0 is greater than Ebo , and Ebp 0 is greater than Ebp when the DC content is
the same. Figure 10 shows that η o is lower than η, whereas η p is higher than η. The test results show
that Ebo decreases and Ebp increases with the increase in the DC content; therefore, Ebo (η o ) is greater
than Ebo (η), and Ebp (η p ) is greater than Ebp (η). According to Equation (5), Ebo 0 (η) is greater than Ebo (η),
and Ebp 0 (η) is greater than Ebp (η). Thus, the breakdown strength corresponding to the DC content of
the applied voltage is greater than that corresponding to the DC content of the medium when the DC
content2018,
Energies is the
11, same.
x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 13

50 250
48 230

Breakdown field strength(kV/mm)

46 210
Breakdown strength(kV/mm)

44 190
42 170
40 150
38 130
36 Ebo′ 110
34 Ebp′ 90
32 70
30 50
0 20 40 60 80 100
DC content of applied voltage(%)
(a)
50 250
48 230
Breakdown field strength(kV/mm)

Breakdown field strength(kV/mm)

46 210
44 190
42 170
40 150
38 130
36 110
Ebo
34 90
Ebp
32 70
30 50
0 20 40 60 80 100
DC content of medium(%)
(b)

Figure 11. Breakdown strengths of transformer oil and pressboard in composite insulation.
Figure 11. Breakdown strengths of transformer oil and pressboard in composite insulation. (a)
(a) Breakdown strength corresponding to the DC content of applied voltage; (b) Breakdown strength
Breakdown strength corresponding to the DC content of applied voltage; (b) Breakdown strength
corresponding to the DC content of medium.
corresponding to the DC content of medium.

4.3. Mathematical Model of Breakdown Voltage of Oil-Pressboard Insulation

The breakdown voltages (Uo-ca and Up-ca) of the oil-pressboard insulation are calculated on the basis
of the breakdown strengths and electric field distributions of the transformer oil and pressboard of
the composite insulation. They can be expressed as follows by substituting Equation (6) into Equation (4).
Energies 2018, 11, 1319 10 of 13

4.3. Mathematical Model of Breakdown Voltage of Oil-Pressboard Insulation

The breakdown voltages (Uo-ca and Up-ca ) of the oil-pressboard insulation are calculated on the basis
of the breakdown strengths and electric field distributions of the transformer oil and pressboard of the
composite insulation. They can be expressed as follows by substituting Equation (6) into Equation (4).
The results calculated by substituting Equation (6) into Equation (4) is the minimum value of the
results calculated by substituting Equation (6) into Equation (3):

Ebo 0 (η )

 Uo-ca =
B+( A− B)η
Ebp 0 (η ) (7)
 U p-ca =
C +(C − D )η

When the oil-pressboard insulation breaks down, either the transformer oil or the pressboard
breaks down first. The voltage will then be applied to the other medium completely, and the DC
content of the other medium becomes the DC content of the applied voltage. When the applied voltage
is higher than the breakdown voltage of the other medium, the composite insulation will break down.
When the applied voltage is lower than the breakdown voltage of the other medium, the breakdown
voltage of the composite insulation becomes the breakdown voltage of the other medium. Thus,
the voltage calculated using Equation (7) must be compared with the breakdown voltages of the pure
transformer oil and pure pressboard. Ubo and Ubp are the breakdown voltages of the pure transformer
oil and pure pressboard, respectively, expressed as follows:
(
Ubo = Ebo (η )d1
(8)
Ubp = Ebp (η )d2

The calculated breakdown voltage of the oil-pressboard insulation is Ub , which is related to Uo-ca ,
Up-ca , Ubo , and Ubp . The relationship between them can be expressed as follows:
h
i
Ub = max min Uo-ca , U p-ca , Ubo , Ubp (9)

Figure 12 shows the variations in Ub , Uo-ca , Up-ca , Ubo , and Ubp under different DC contents of the
applied voltage. The green-solid line represents the calculated breakdown voltage of the oil-pressboard
insulation. The figure shows that Uo-ca is lower than Up-ca when the DC content is low, whereas Uo-ca
is greater than Up-ca when the DC content is high. This indicates that the transformer oil will break
down first if the DC content is low, and the pressboard will break down first if the DC content is
high. Ubo and Ubp are lower than Uo-ca and Up-ca under different DC contents. This indicates that the
other medium will break down immediately after any one of the mediums in the composite insulation
breaks down first.
As shown in Figure 12, Ub is Uo-ca when the DC content is in the range of 0–59%, and it increases
with the increase in the DC content. Ub is Up-ca when the DC content is in the range of 60–100%, and
it decreases with the increase in the DC content. The above analysis shows that Uo-ca and Up-ca are
affected by their breakdown strengths and electric field distributions; however, their variation rates
with respect to the DC content are different. The breakdown strength and electric field strength of the
transformer oil decrease with the increase in the DC content, but the former decreases slower than the
latter. This increases Uo-ca with the increase in the DC content. The breakdown strength and electric
field strength of the pressboard increase with the increase in the DC content, but the former increases
slower than the latter. This decreases Up-ca with the increase in the DC content. Thus, the breakdown
voltage of the oil-pressboard insulation increases first and then decreases with the increase in the
DC content.
the transformer oil decrease with the increase in the DC content, but the former decreases slower than
the latter. This increases Uo-ca with the increase in the DC content. The breakdown strength and electric
field strength of the pressboard increase with the increase in the DC content, but the former increases
slower than the latter. This decreases Up-ca with the increase in the DC content. Thus, the breakdown
voltage of the
Energies 2018, oil-pressboard insulation increases first and then decreases with the increase in the
11, 1319 DC
11 of 13
content.

150
Uo-ca
Up-ca
120

Breakdown voltage（kV）
Ubo
Ubp
90 Ub

60

30

0
0 20 40 60 80 100
DC content of applied voltage (%)

Figure
Figure 12.
12. Calculation
Calculationof of
thethe
breakdown voltage
breakdown of oil-pressboard
voltage insulation
of oil-pressboard under
insulation different
under DC
different
contents.
DC contents.

Figure 13 shows the test and calculation results of the breakdown voltage of the oil-pressboard
Figure 13 shows the test and calculation results of the breakdown voltage of the oil-pressboard
insulation. The trends in the test and calculation results are the same. The numerical difference is
insulation. The
Energies 2018, 11, trends
x FOR PEERin the test and calculation results are the same. The numerical difference
REVIEW is
11 of 13
insignificant (the correlation coefficient between them is 0.963). This shows that the mathematical
insignificant (the correlation coefficient between them is 0.963). This shows that the mathematical
model proposed
model proposed in in this
this paper can well describe the breakdown characteristics
characteristics of
of an oil-pressboard
insulation under AC-DC combined voltage.

80

70
Breakdown voltage（kV）

60

50

40

30

20
Test results
10 Calculation results

0
0 20 40 60 80 100
DC content of applied voltage(%)

Figure
Figure 13.
13. Comparison
Comparison of
of test
test and
and calculation
calculation results
results of
of oil-pressboard
oil-pressboard insulation
insulation breakdown.
breakdown.

5.
5. Conclusions
Conclusions
In
In this study, aabreakdown
this study, breakdowntesttestwas
wasconducted
conductedonon anan oil-pressboard
oil-pressboard insulation
insulation under
under thethe AC-
AC-DC
DC combined
combined voltage.
voltage. A mathematical
A mathematical expression
expression for the
for the electric electric
field field distribution
distribution was then
was then established to
established to analyze the changes in the electric field distribution and DC content.
analyze the changes in the electric field distribution and DC content. Finally, a mathematic model forFinally, a
mathematic model for the oil-pressboard insulation breakdown was proposed. The following
the oil-pressboard insulation breakdown was proposed. The following are the main conclusions of are the
main conclusions of this study:
this study:
(1) With the increase in the DC content of the applied voltage, the breakdown strength of the
transformer oil decreases, whereas that of the pressboard increases. Moreover, the breakdown
voltage of the oil-pressboard insulation increases first and then decreases.
(2) With the increase in the DC content of the applied voltage, the electric field strength of the
transformer oil decreases, whereas that of the pressboard increases.
Energies 2018, 11, 1319 12 of 13

(1) With the increase in the DC content of the applied voltage, the breakdown strength of the
transformer oil decreases, whereas that of the pressboard increases. Moreover, the breakdown
voltage of the oil-pressboard insulation increases first and then decreases.
(2) With the increase in the DC content of the applied voltage, the electric field strength of the
transformer oil decreases, whereas that of the pressboard increases.
(3) Under AC-DC combined voltage, the DC content of the pressboard is higher than that of
the applied voltage, whereas the DC content of the transformer is lower than that of the
applied voltage.
(4) When the DC content is same, the breakdown strength corresponding to the DC contents of the
transformer oil and pressboard of the composite insulation is lower than that corresponding to
the DC content of the applied voltage.
(5) The breakdown voltage calculated by the proposed model is in good agreement with the
experimental results.

Author Contributions: Q.C. and J.Z. conceived and designed the experiments; C.G. performed the experiments;
J.Z. and M.C. analyzed the data; J.Z. wrote the paper.
Funding: This research was funded by the Project Supported by the National Key Research and Development
Program of China (No. 2017YFB0902704), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51677046)
and the University Nursing Program for Young Scholars with Creative Talents in Heilongjiang Province (No.
UNPYSCT-2016159).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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