Simulation and Experimental Results of Interdigital Capacitor (IDC) Sensors to Monitor Insulation Degradation of Cables
- BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)
- University of South Carolina
The efficacy of using interdigital capacitor (IDC) sensors to monitor cable insulation aging was studied through electromagnetic simulations and experimental measurements. Simulation results on both planar and conformal dielectric materials indicated that IDCs on thin substrates and with conducting backplanes provide superior performance in terms of higher capacitance. An airgap study showed that even a very small airgap between the sensor and the cable’s insulation results in significant reduction in capacitance; therefore, airgaps should be minimized. Finally, cables that underwent accelerated aging exposure in an oven were tested using fabricated IDC sensors. Measurement results showed a 12.5% increase in capacitance when the IDC was pressed against the insulation versus a 91.3% increase in capacitance when the IDC was pressed against the jackets of the cables for cable specimens ranging from unaged to aged 35 days.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1607723
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-143786
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Interdigital Capacitance Sensor for Cable Insulation Test and Monitoring
A Reconfigurable Planar Capacitor Sensor for Thru the Jacket Dielectric Constant Measurement of Cable Insulation