Development of a Simple Dielectric Equivalent Circuit Model from Polarization and Depolarization Current Measurements

Abstract

Assessing insulation performance is vital for sustainable energy systems, which aim to minimize visual impact while ensuring reliability and resilience against weather-related disruptions. With increasing reliance on renewable energy sources, the importance of insulation performance becomes even more pronounced. Regular evaluations of insulation performance are critical for maintaining the safety, reliability, and resilience of electricity networks. By promptly identifying risks such as insulation degradation, utilities can improve maintenance practices, prioritize repairs, and enhance the integration of renewables, thereby boosting overall infrastructure performance. This paper introduces a straightforward and precise technique for determining the equivalent circuit parameters of insulation systems in high-voltage equipment. The proposed method facilitates the accurate determination of the dielectric loss factor from the equivalent circuit. To validate this approach, test cases were utilized to demonstrate its effectiveness. The results obtained through this method were then compared with those obtained using commercial software. The comparison reveals that the proposed approach results in a lower number of depolarization current branches compared to the commercial software. Also, it provides almost the same relative root mean square error and the lower root mean square relative error of the depolarization current. These findings underscore the appeal and effectiveness of the proposed method for determining the equivalent circuit of the dielectric model.