Fluids for Dielectric Switch

Luna Innovations Incorporated proposes novel additives, base stocks and lubricant formulations to reduce jitter of dielectric fluids in high repetition rate dielectric switch application. Dielectric fluids will be synthesized or modified to reduce the gassing tendency. Alkylated naphthalenes, partially hydrogenated naphthalene, multiply alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) and blends of these hydrocarbons with polyalphaolefin are proposed as the working fluids for these switches. Thermally stable dielectric fluids with low pour points will be developed. These fluids are compatible with the hydraulic airframe system. Pressurized test cell will be fabricated to study the effect of pressure on the dielectric breakdown of lubricants under high voltage. Unformulated polyalphaolefin will be used as the baseline fluid for comparison. Dynamic TGA and isothermal TGA will also be used to characterize the stability of the dielectric fluid before and after the dielectric breakdown. Thermally stable perfluoropolyether and polysiloxane fluids will be included in the evaluation too. BENEFIT: This proposed research is part of an overall advanced fuel, lubricants and energy system development program at Luna. This lubricant developed can be used in modulators for high peak power electrical systems for high speed rail traction, utility power distribution substations, power modulators for particle accelerators and uninterruptible power supplies.