Simultaneously Enhanced dc Flashover Performance and Arc Resistance of Epoxy Insulators by Direct Fluorination

Effective suppression of charge accumulation on epoxy spacers in high voltage gas insulated systems is one of the most concerned problems for the researchers and engineers in the field of electrical insulation, being of great significance for the development of HVDC/HVAC GIL or GIS. In order to suppress charge accumulation on the epoxy insulator and to improve its dc flashover performance, the first attempt to direct fluorination of epoxy insulators has been carried out as early as the second half of 2010 in Tongji University. In the next decade, a series of studies have been carried out, ranging from samples and model insulators to actual insulators, especially in terms of improving dc flashover performance and arc resistance. The research results achieved so far will provide strong support for the improvement by direct fluorination in practical performance of epoxy spacers in the future. This report reviews the results of a series of studies and the mechanisms behind the property/ performance improvements in terms of the changes in material composition and structure.