Innovative Test Apparatus for Monitoring Insulation Health of Medium Voltage Direct Current Cables and Insulated Bus Pipe

Medium voltage alternating current (MVAC) systems have been used for over a century, and their insulation systems are well known and understood. The use of medium voltage direct current (MVDC) systems on Naval platforms is relatively new. While some MVAC system insulation integrity tests may be applied to MVDC insulation systems, others may not. Understanding MVDC insulation systems further will enable informed decisions regarding distribution cable lifetime and maintenance. The objective of this effort is to prototype two test apparatus, one for on-line monitoring of partial discharge and another test apparatus for off-line measurement of space charge on MVDC distribution insulation in harsh Navy shipboard environments. During Phase I, the team successfully analyzed the feasibility of the partial discharge and space charge testing capabilities. In Phase II, the team will design, prototype, and test the initial insulation health monitoring apparatus. After the completion and testing of the initial design, a ruggedized system design will be developed for testing in an operational environment aboard a Navy vessel or land-based facility.