HVDC Surface Flashover in Compressed Air for Various Dielectrics

This study measures the voltage at which flashover occurs in compressed air for a variety of dielectric materials and lengths in a uniform field for DC voltages up to 100 kV. Statistical time lag is recorded and characterized, displaying a roughly exponential dependence on breakdown voltage. Of the materials tested, acrylic is observed to be the most resistant to flashover. These data are intended to facilitate the design of compressed-air insulated high voltage systems as an alternative to SF6 insulated systems.