Accelerated Life Testing for Rotating Machine Insulating Materials Exposed to High AC Voltage

Abstract

The Progressive Stress Method (PSM) and the Multi-Level Stress Method (MLM) are two crucial methodologies employed in studying the aging and failure mechanism of insulating materials subjected to high voltage stress. Each method has its pros and cons. The presented study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between the Progressive Stress Method and the Multi-Level Stress Method in assessing the aging and failure of insulating materials. The findings revealed that for the investigated insulation material and chosen testing conditions, the aging process of insulation is remarkably similar under both stress methods. However, it is observed that at Progressive Stress Method the measured breakdown voltage is higher than in comparison with MLM. In some cases, the application of PSM leads to a shorter testing time procedure. Under certain conditions, the results obtained by PSM might be converted into MLM lifetime values which allows an effective approximation of lifetime characteristics for applied insulation materials.