High resolution thermal step system for space charge measurements in materials for HVDC insulation: Design and setup

The paper focuses on the development of a system based on the use of a temperature step stimulus in order to perform high resolution space charge measurements in structures composed of materials for high voltage dc current cable systems. The theoretical studies and practical aspects leading to the experimental set-up are detailed and discussed. It is shown that, with the aid of an optimized unit allowing highly efficient thermal transfer, the amplitude and the dynamics of the measurement signal required for the targeted resolution are at reach. Experimental results obtained with the proposed system are presented.