Partial discharge detection and analysis in motor winding under variable frequency and air pressure

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The growth of electrical equipment in modern 'more-electric' aircraft is achieved by increasing the voltage ofthe electrical power supplies. Electrical stress on the insulation system increases as the voltage increases, andresults in partial discharges (PD). At higher voltages, the partial discharges will be disruptive and lead toinsulation failure. The integrity of the electrical insulation system of more-electric aircraft is a serious concernunder operating conditions of higher electric stress and low air pressure. An aircraft experiences a wide rangeof operating pressures during ascent and descent. The pressure at high altitudes of 33,000 to 46,000 feet (10 to14 km) drops to as low as 30% of the pressure at ground level. It is known that the dielectric strength of airdecreases with altitude, and this increases the risk of partial discharges. The performance of the electric powersystem components of an aircraft must be reliable at high altitude under sub-atmospheric pressures. Because ofthis, PD activity measurement under sub-atmospheric pressures has been a topic of interest for the evaluationof aircraft insulation system.The industrial partner of this research project, IRIS Power, is a Canadian company that is internationallyrecognized for their specialization in condition monitoring of rotating machines. The focus of their activitieshas been mostly on rotating machines that are part of an electric power system installed at the ground level. Theproposed research will enable the study and investigation required to expand the PD detection and analysismethods developed by IRIS to the case of motors employed in 'more-electric' aircraft. The main objective of theproposed research is to initiate a collaboration between University of Manitoba's McMath High Voltage Laband IRIS Power that will enable IRIS Power to expand the applicability of their techniques to PD detection andanalysis at high altitudes and low air pressure for monitoring modern 'more-electric' aircraft and extend thescope of their activities to aeronautic industry.