Theory & Practice of Electrical Insulating Materials

Anand Gadodia

Electrical Insulating Materials

A material in which a voltage applied between two points on or within the material produces a small and sometimes negligible current. ASTM A substance in which electrical conductivity is very small (approaching zero) and provides electrical isolation. A material designed to support a conductor, while not conducting electricity itself. A material that resists the flow of electric charge.

Electrical insulating materials are characterized by

High dielectric strength Low dielectric constant Low dielectric loss (tan delta) High volume and surface resistivity, insulation resistance High tracking, corona & arc resistance

Dielectric Strength
Dielectric strength is defined as the voltage gradient at which dielectric material fails. It is expressed in volts per unit of thickness. As a test value it is influenced by many factors.

Influencing Factors
Electrode geometry. Humidity. Pressure. Temperature. Electrode material. Surrounding medium. Voltage wave form. Voids, contaminants and imperfections. Duration and magnitude of the applied voltage. Thickness of specimen. Time

Dielectric Strength:Quantum mechanics view

Dielectric Strength
Measured as per IEC 60243-1 or ASTM D149. SS electrode is preferred. Electric field intensity at the surface of conductor is inversely proportional to the radius of curvature. Hence stress is high near the sharp edges. To avoid stress non uniformity, electrode edges should be rounded off. Voltage source should be free from harmonics transients and surges. Rapid rise, step by step rise and proof voltage test.

Dielectric Strength
Units (kv/mm) Air 3 Cellulose Paper 40 Ceramic Paper 10 Epoxy Resin 80 Mica 40 Nomex Paper 28 Polyimide 200 Porcelain 5 25 Silicone Resin 100

Dielectric Constant

Dielectric Constant
The ratio of capacitance of the dielectric to that of free space for the same electrode configuration, is denoted by dielectric constant of the material. K = Cd
/

CV

where K is dielectric constant of an dielectric, Cd is capacitance of dielectric and C V is capacitance of vacuum.

It is also relative ability to store electrostatic energy. Also known as relative permittivity. Ratio between permittivity of medium to free space. F = k Q1 X Q 2 / R 2 k = 1/ 4 K = / 0 relative permittivity
where F = electrostatic force, Q = charge, R = distance between the charge and = permittivity of dielectric
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Dielectric Constant

Polar materials show high dielectric constant.

Capacitor should be made of high dielectric constant material to enable it to store more energy. While insulating materials for motors & transformer should have low dielectric constant. High dielectric constant materials dissipate more energy hence lead to higher losses / temp. Dissipation of energy value is frequency dependent. Applicable test IEC 60250/ASTM D150. If two dielectrics are combined in series .Voltage gradient within the dielectric will be inversely proportional to their dielectric constant.
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Dielectric Constant
Dielectric constant of few materials at 50 hz. Vacuum =1 Polyethylene = 1.5 Mica =3 Epoxy Resin =4 Polyamide imide = 4.3 Fiber glass =5 Water = 80 Materials having dielectric constant above 10 are not insulating materials.

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Volume , Surface Resistivity & Insulation Resistance

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Volume , Surface Resistivity & Insulation Resistance

The total current passing through the insulation may be considered as consisting of two components of current. One which flows through the volume of insulation that is Iv and other passing over the surface of insulation that is Is.

In practice it is difficult to isolate above 2 components in process of measurement, Hence an over all parameter IR is used to denote the quality of insulation.

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Components of resistance
Capacitive current Conductance current Leakage current Absorption current/ Polarization current

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Resistance measurements are affected by

Magnitude of applied voltage. Time of holding applied voltage. Presence of residual charges. Humidity Temperature Impurities dust, grease on surface

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Resistance Measurement
Test method : IEC 60093 / ASTM 257 Measurement is mostly done at 500 dc volts Screening of positive electrode for avoiding unwanted stray currents. Vol Resistance of insulating materials used for rotating m/c and transformer has values generally above 10 12 Ohm.cm. IR value is not directly related to dielectric strength. Measurement of IR for rotating m/c is done as per IEEE 43-2000 & IEEE 95-2002

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Safety Precaution
Testing is done at 500 volts or multiple of it .Hence some safety measures are must Windings should be discharged completely before taking measurements. Charging to discharging time ratio of 1:4 is recommended by IEEE 43. IEEE 43 also recommends line to neutral return voltage should be less than 20 to begin the testing.
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Guide line for voltage to be applied during IR test on rotating machines

Winding rated voltage. < 1000 1000 2500 2501 5000 5001 12000 > 12000 IR test volt dc 500 500 1000 1000 2500 2500 5000 5000 10000

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Polarization Index
PI is ratio between IR at 10 minute & 1 minute. Low PI ratio (nearly 1) indicates that conduction & leakage currents are much larger than absorption current, which can lead to tracking. Above 2 is safe PI value. Less than 1 - Dangerous 1 1.5 - Poor 1.5 2.0 - Questionable 2 3.0 - Fair 3-4 - Good Above 4 - Excellent If IR value of rotating machine is more than 5000 mohms. PI value may or may not be an indication of insulation condition. Then instead of PI DA should be calculated

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Recommended minimum IR for motors

Equipment
Random wound winding manufactured before 1974 Random wound winding manufactured aft 1974

Min IR aft 1 min at 40 C in mega ohm

R 1 min = kv+1

R 1 min = 5

Form wound windings and DC armature

R1 min = 100

As per IEEE 43
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Dielectric loss

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Dielectric loss
Also known as Tan delta , Dissipation factor or Loss tangent. Is measure of energy absorbed by dielectrics. 0ccurs within polar materials. Is caused by oscillation/ rotation of dipole. It is a frequency dependent phenomena. When tested at HV it reveals extent of PD activity. With ageing of machine dielectric losses increase. It is temp dependent. Moisture absorption increases polarization hence loss.

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Dielectric loss
I I IC Tan =Dissipation Factor Sin = Power Factor

IR

v IC= capacitive current leading by 90 0 IR resistive current in phase with V

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Dielectric Loss
Dissipation factor = tan Power factor = cos For small , tan = cos tan in range of .001 to .005 is most common. Measurement by IEC 60250 / ASTM D150 Measured on balanced bridge type instrument. Power source should be free from harmonics and any surges. Test is performed mostly on coils or m/c. Tan delta test is used for condition monitoring of motors.

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Tan delta measurement

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Arcing, Corona & Partial discharge

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Arcing, Corona & partial discharge

Electrical discharge that partially bridges the insulation between conductors. These discharges produce heat light & sound. Pressure, temperature, distance of separation and applied voltage govern these discharges.

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Partial Discharge
A discharge that occurs within the solid insulation without completely bridging the gap between electrodes. It is a localized break down. Occurs in sub microscopic to moderate (fraction of mm) voids inside dielectric . Due to lower permittivity of gases electric field within void is much higher than rest of dielectric. Dielectric strength of gases is poorer than solid dielectric. Occurs when voltage gradient is more than 100 v/mil. Test method IEC 60270/ IEEE 1434

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Corona
Local breakdown of air at adjacent to conductor is known as corona. Caused by ionization of air leading to electron avalanche. Photons are emitted giving rise to glow. Glow discharge I < 1 amp Arc breakdown I > 1 amp

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Arc Resistance
It is ability of insulating material to sustain intermittent to continuous arcing. 12.5 kv is applied between two electrodes at distance of 6.2 mm appox. Failure can be gauged by conducting fine path, tracking or complete carbonization of surface a few specimen burst in to flame. Extremely high temp up to 12000 k may develop Carbon from carbon brush can lead to arcing in dc machine.

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Tracking
Formation of permanent conducting path across the surface of an insulation due to presence of contaminants, and in most cases the conduction results from degradation of the insulation itself. It is therefore necessary for organic insulation to be present if tracking is to occur. 1. The presence of a conducting film across the surface of the insulation, usually moisture coupled with dust & salinity 2. A mechanism whereby the leakage current through the conducting film is interrupted with the production of sparks. 3. Degradation of the insulation must be caused by the sparks.
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Tracking
The property of a solid insulating material against tracking is represented by a numerical value known as the Comparative Tracking Index (CTI). This is obtained by using a standard test method. Higher value of CTI Indicates better performing material against tracking. Test method : IEC 60112

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Degradation of insulation

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Degradation of insulation
Degradation is caused by following stresses. T hermal E lectrical A mbient / Environmental M echanical

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Thermal Degradation
Most recognised cause of gradual degradation and ultimate failure. Generally insulating materials are poor conductor of heat which aggravates the problem further.

What causes normal temperature rise

Losses in conductor : I2 R, eddy current & stray load losses. Core: hysteresis, eddy current losses. Windage Loss. Dielectric heating due to dipole movement & pd activity. Insulation defects.

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What causes abnormal temperature rise in motors

Overload operation. High harmonic /transient currents. Ripples in dc motor input supply. Frequent startup: Large Inrush current. Loose bars in slot which reduce heat conduction. Reprocessed copper may cause localized heating. Poor brazing may lead to high resistance at joint. Poor design, Blocked ventilation hole. Foreign matters deposited on windings. Winding faults.

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Thermal Classification as per IEC 60085

Old Class Y A E B F H N R New Class 105 120 130 155 180 200 220 Limiting Temp. 90 0C 105 0C 120 0C 130 0C 155 0C 180 0C 200 0C 220 0C

S C

240 Over 240

240 0C Over 240 0C

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Thermal Classification
Ability to withstand rated temp for 20000 hrs.,at specific temp. Measurement done as per IEC 60216. End point criteria as per IEC 60216.2 could be: 50% loss in dielectric strength. 50% loss in tensile strength. 5 -10 % loss in mass. 50% loss in elongation. 50% loss in flexural strength. One material can have different temp Index for mechanical & electrical stresses.

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Thermal degradation quantified

Arrhenius law L = A e B/T
L = Life in Hrs A,B = Constant T = Temperature in kelvin Valid only for 1st order reaction. Valid only at relatively high temp. Thumb rule: life will decrease by 50 % for 10 0 C rise in temperature.

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Thermal Endurance Plot

T 100000

Log of Time

10000 1000 100 200 240 260

280

Temp in 0C

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Temp index of some of the electrical insulating materials.

Kapton hn Nomex 410 Ceramic Paper cequin Bisphenol A epoxy Cyclo aliphatic epoxy Tri functional epoxy Silicone resin Polyester film Polyamide imide Resin Polyesterimide Resin 240 220 220 155 180 200 220 180 220 140 200 220 180 - 220

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Mechanical Stress
It arises due to moving parts in the electrical machines

Centrifugal force: on rotors, non vibrating, tends to distort insulation.

Magnetic forces :Two magnetic fields from top & bottom bar of each slot, these fields interact and cause bars to vibrate. Similar magnetic force is caused in end winding. Transient, frequent start up switching on of motor Vibration due to mechanical movements . Result of fluctuating temperature in winding with changes in load. Differential expansion due to differences in thermal coefficient of components giving rise to abrasion.
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Environmental Stress
Humidity, condensed moisture. Dust , carbon, metal particles & oil contamination. Salinity in coastal area. Ozone, chemical fumes, oxidation. UV/nuclear radiation, freon refrigerant gases.

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Major insulating materials

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Major Insulating Materials

Mica Paper Ceramic Paper Nomex Paper Glass Fiber Kapton Film Aramide Felt PVC Epoxy Resin Polyester Resin Silicone Resin Polyamide imide Resin Polyesterimide Resin Polyester Film Polyethylene/XLPE

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Mica Paper
Inorganic material. Silicate of potassium magnesium & aluminium. Excellent arc, corona & pd resistance. Very high temp resistance. High thermal conductivity. Pores of mica permit passage for VPI resin to flow through.
DIFFERENT TYPES
OF MICA PAPER ROLLS

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Mica Paper Making Process

Mica is calcined appox at 680 0 C. Quenched with water & wet ground in to small platelets. Laid on a porous endless belt. Mica platelets bind by Vander wall forces. Moisture is removed on drying drums. Mica is wound on tubes. Water jets can be used for grinding mica.

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Muscovite Mica Paper

Most commonly naturally available mica. Silicate of K & Al H2KAl3(SiO4). Usable temp limited to 550 0 C. At 600- 650 0 C chemically combined water starts leaving . Shiny silver colour.

Phlogopite Mica
Silicate of K, Mg & Al [HK(Mg,F)3Mg3 Al(SiO4)3. Usable temp limited to 980 0 C. Shiny brown colour. Preferred for field coil taping.

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Aramid Mica Paper

3 6% aramid fiber is introduced in mica paper. Aramid Fiber enhances tensile property and improves flexibility. It is claimed to have better thermal property as a complete system (aramid reduces mica particle separation) . Short glass fiber is replacing aramid in recent years. Glass mixed mica has better impregnation ability. Its use has improved dissipation factor. Thermal property comparable to aramid mixed mica tape.
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Polyimide film (kapton)

Polyimide is synthesized by aromatic dianhydride and aromatic diamine. One of the highest thermal electrical & mechanical & physical capabilty. It has V0 flammability(94UL). Kapton can be used to -269C to +400 C temperature. Good chemical resistance, It does not dissolve in most of solvents.

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Kapton Grade
HN general purpose grade VN superior dimensional stability FN coated with FEP film Attributes MT:Thermally Conductive CR:Corona Resistant CB:Opaque E :Fine circuitry PST :Adhesion XC :Conductive Antistatic BCL-Y :Printable

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Property of Kapton film hn

Density Tensile Strength Elongation Temp index Melting temp
OC

1.42 230 mpa appox at 23 C 72 % at 23 C 240 for electrical strength none 360 410 0c can be used at 4000c for few hr 0.12 w/m.k

Glass transition temp Thermal conductivity

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Property of Kapton film hn

Shrinkage Flammability Limiting oxygen 2.5% 400c 2 hr max V-0 (UL94) 37%

Moisture absorption
Electric strength Volume resistivity Dissipation factor

50% Rh : 1.8% 100% Rh : 2.8%

200 kv per mm 1x10
12

ohm.cm at 200 oC min

0.20 appox at 23 C 1K hertz

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Polyimide film uses Magnet wire insulation. Slot liner. Flexible PCB base. Wire & cable insulation. Transformer & capacitor insulation. Electronics hard drive, cell phone, printers & camera.
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Impregnating Resin Impregnating resin is the key component determining electrical thermal & mechanical properties of final insulations. They are available to meet different requirements at varying price level. Resins are used for encapsulation, potting, casting and dipping.
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Impregnating Resin Type

Bisphenol A epoxy. Multi functional epoxy. Cyclo aliphatic epoxy. Silicone Resin. Polyimide amide. Polyesterimide. Polyester Resin. Polyurethane.

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Impregnating Resin
Selection Criteria Size of machine. Operating Temperature. Manufacturing Process. Health Safety & Environmental Regulation. 5. Working environment of motor 1. 2. 3. 4.

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Impregnating Resin Selection Parameters 1. 2. 3. 4. Resin Viscosity Storage & Impregnation Temperature Pot life Sensitivity to moisture, salinity and deleterious environment. 5. Gel time. 6. Low shrinkage on curing. 7. High thermal Conductivity. 8. Low toxicity. 9. Acceptable cure cycle. 10.Low shrinkage in curing.
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Impregnating Resin Selection Parameters

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Thermal Class Adequate dielectric properties. Low vapor pressure Good adhesion with parts of motors High flash point. Satisfactory resistance to thermal shock and thermal cycling. 17. Ability to cure without formation of water or any volatile product 18. Toughness and resiliency to accommodate differential thermal expansion specially between core and copper

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Aramid Paper
Generally known as Nomex Paper. Chemically it is aromatic polyamide. Aramide is available in meta & para forms. Meta aramid is known as kevlar which finds use in bulletproof application. Para aramid developed by Dupont is known as Nomex. Nomex is available in paper , non woven and pressboard.

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Aramid Paper
Good dielectric properties. Excellent tear and abrasion resistance. It does not shrink embrittle soften or melt if exposed for short time at 300 C. Usable up to class 220 operation. Resistant to many chemicals. Suitable for cryogenic use. Unaffected by most of the radiation. It is flame resistant (V0 as per UL 94). Does not Produce toxic reaction with humans or animals. It absorbs moisture , but electrical properties are virtually unaffected. Good varnish and resin absorption.

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Nomex Paper grades

410 411 414 Calendered, Strong, tough good Dielectric property. Uncalendered highly saturable. Similar to 410, more flexible & Conformable Contains Mica, suitable for HV. Similar to 418 but saturable

418
419

E 56

In between 410 & 411,high yield

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Aramid paper typical property of Nomex 410 5mil

Weight BDV (rapid rise) Dielectric constant
(60 hertz)

116 gsm 27 KV/mm 2.4 0.006

Dissipation factor
(60 hertz)

Breaking Strength

137 N/cm MD 66 N/cm XD

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Aramid paper typical property of Nomex 410 5mil Elongation Elmendorf tear Thermal class Thermal conductivity LOI 15% MD 12% XD 3.4 N MD 5.2 N XD 220 0.123 W/MK 31%
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Typical uses of Aramid Paper Nomex

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Rotating machine Conductor wrap Coil wrap Slot liner Phase Insulation End cap & tubing Lead insulation Coil support Others 1. Dry type transformer 2. Traction transformer 3. Furnace transformer 4. Speaker coils 5. PCB shields

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Ceramic Paper
It better known as inorganic paper branded as cequin & tuffquin. It comprises of mainly fiber glass. Organic content is 10% appx. It can operate from sub zero conditions to 250 C on long term basis. Dielectric values are retained even after long term exposure at high operating temperatures. Thermal conductivity is high hence windings are generally cooler by 10-15 deg. Moisture absorption is less than 1%.permitting small drying cycle. Good varnish absorption enhances heat transfer.

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Cequin property

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Cequin Applications Slot phase & ground insulation. Layer and ground insulation & core wrap for transformer. Wire & cable wrap. Battery separator. Capacitor & magnet insulation. Switchgear insulation
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Motor testing
IR at low voltage. It indicates degree of contaminants on insulation surface. Polarization Index. It indicates condition of overall insulation. Over voltage test. A/C or DC Test reveals insulation weakness. Surge comparator for inter turn insulation. Slot discharge test for checking adequacy of ground connection between sufaces of coil and core. Usually for 6.6 KV & more.

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Motor testing
Corona probe test indicates unusual ionisation within insulation. Rotor winding impedence test for detecting turn to turn fault. Power factor of insulation from windings to core , it indicates aging deterioration. Generally applicable to 6.6 kv and more. Partial discharge test. Indicates aging of insulation.
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Motor testing.
Capacitance test can indicate thermal deterioration or saturation of insulation with moisture. Semiconductive coating contact resistance. This indicates if coils are loose in slots or if coating has deteriorated. Wedge tap test indicates loose coil. DC conductivity will reveal if copper strands are broken or cracked. Black out test measures PD by light emission.
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Losses in Motors
Losses in conductor(I2 R). Core (hysteresis & eddy current )&tooth pulsation losses. Insulation losses dielectric heating due to dipole movement & pd activity. Windage loss energy lost in moving the air around in the air gap between rotor & stator. Friction losses. Rotor slip loss in squirrel cage induction ac motor. Frequent startup raise winding temperature. Insulations defects. Generally insulating materials are poor conductor of heat which aggravates the problem further. Stray load losses. Brush contact loss for DC machines.

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Causes for Traction Motor failure

Vibration : It is sever for axle mounted TM less for fully suspended TM Each time engine passes thru rail gap (joint) It sends shock wave. Uneven track. Dust : Leads to tracking / arcing Frequent load variation: Excessive heating of coils thereby deteriorates insulation. Humidity: Tracking, Reduction in dielectric strength, High leakage current. Power supply fault: High voltage transient can cause dielectric failure specially for ac traction.
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Types of Surges
base 1 = 230 v

Include Ambient : Effect of Moisture Encapsulation Resin Resins in Detail Silicone/Polyester/Epoxy/PAI

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Thank You

ANAND GADODIA
3A Associates Incorporated
158 Lohar Chawl, Kanji Gokuldas Building, 2nd Floor, Mumbai - 400 002, Maharashtra, INDIA. Tel. No. 91-22-22087053, Fax No. 91-22-22060395

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