Environmental Assessment and Dielectric Performances of the Secondary Electrical Insulation in Low Voltage Motors Impregnated by Different Techniques

A recent technique, using to potentially replace the conventional impregnating one in low voltage electric motors, has been studied in this communication. The conventional technique that uses both primary and secondary insulations; i.e.: enamel and varnish, has been compared to this recent technique which only uses one component, i.e.: self-bonding wires. Self-bonding wires polymerization is very quick compared to that of the conventional technique. Environmental impact and both dielectric and mechanical properties of these two techniques have been estimated and compared. The goal is to estimate if this recent technique has not only a better environmental footprint but also good technical properties. The dielectric properties that have been measured are the dielectric strength and the lifetime under pulse voltage while mechanical consists in measuring the bonding strength that is crucial for impregnation. For that purpose, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) that can simultaneously evaluatenumerous impacts on ground, water and air, has been performed. The results show clearly that the recent technique significantly reduces the environmental footprint. Both mechanical and dielectric properties are then compared and analyzed.