Critical Review of Fast Transient Breakdown in Solid Insulators

摘要

This report critically reviews currently available information on the subject of fast transient breakdown in solid dielectric insulators. Information is readily available on breakdown in solids under DC or low frequency conditions, as research into these areas has been driven by the power generating industries over many years. However, pulsed systems are generally constructed using safety factors or DC breakdown values for incorporated insulators. More recently fast transient (sub-nanosecond) breakdown in gases has been researched due to the use of gases in spark gaps. The mechanisms involved in breakdown in solids under DC and low frequency AC conditions have been discussed and the relevance of these to breakdown under fast transient conditions has been explored. Also, theories that are pertinent to breakdown in solids under fast transient conditions have been reviewed. Measurement techniques for the collection of breakdown data have been examined and a test cell for the investigation of breakdown under fast transient conditions has been proposed. Statistical models that are used to describe breakdown in solids have also been discussed.