Research on the Electrical Tree Deterioration Characteristics of Silicone Gel and Silicone Rubber Under Pulsed Electric Field

Abstract

Silicone gel and silicone rubber are widely used in packaging insulation because of their high comprehensive performance. Nevertheless, the special deterioration mechanism under pulsed electric fields is not yet clear and needs to be studied in depth. This study has successfully built an experimental platform of the electrical tree under a thermal coupled pulsed electric field. Moreover, the effects of the pulse edge time, repetition frequency, and temperature on the tree initiation voltage, intuitive development morphology, and fractal dimension of the electrical tree are also investigated, respectively. In conclusion, silicone rubber has a higher insulation strength, while silicone gel has a certain self-recovery performance. The aim of the study is to realize the electrical tree deterioration characteristics of silicone gel and silicone rubber. The increase in repetition frequency, the decrease in edge time, and the increase in temperature all contribute to the initiation and growth of the electrical tree from different degrees and angles, making the electrical tree transform between a fine, dendritic, clumped, and pine-like shape.