Voltage

Insulation system

Engineering

Aerospace engineering

Materials science

Partial discharge

Layer (electronics)

Computer science

Aerospace materials

Aerospace

Thermal insulation

Mechanical engineering

Automotive engineering

Environmental science

Composite material

Electrical engineering

Insulating materials and insulation systems design have been gaining more attentions as more electrical machines tend to operate in harsher environments for various applications. Harsh environments include high temperature, humidity, erosion, low air pressure, etc. This paper discusses recent advances in insulation systems for electrical machines. Insulation tests as well as test standards that have been used to evaluate insulation systems and detect insulation failures will be discussed. Insulating materials used for a wide range of industrial applications such as wind turbine generators, aerospace hybrid/electric powertrain, and hydro generators have been summarized. For the emerging high-altitude, high-voltage aerospace applications, partial discharge and its impact on insulation systems will be discussed. Finally, polymer nanocomposite materials with excellent thermal conductivity and dielectric strength are highlighted as an outlook.

Survey of Insulation Systems in Electrical Machines