The main scientific focus is on thorough understanding of the short and long term performance of high voltage insulation systems – one of the main areas of HV engineering. This covers not only the various phenomena occurring inside the individual insulating materials of the system but also the phenomena at the interfaces and electrodes, often strongly affecting the final performance of the insulation system. As the reliability and lifetime of HV electric power apparatus is mostly defined by the performance of their insulation systems and as the designed lifetime of these devices is typically very long (typically in the range of 30-40 years) with really high reliability requirements, the importance of the research field is evident.
The research currently focuses on the development and electrotechnical performance analysis of high voltage electrical insulation materials and systems and on the development of electrical characterization methods utilized therein. More detailed, the main scientific research work is focused on development of polypropylene (PP) based nanocomposites for capacitor applications, on PP blends for high voltage DC cable insulation systems and on condition monitoring as well as on high voltage metrology. In addition, the group is active in the areas of diagnostics of HV devices, over voltage protection and accelerated ageing and life testing of HV insulation materials, components and systems.
In addition to scientific research projects, the group is also carrying out a considerable amount of studies, customized tests etc. in the areas of HV engineering by direct contracts from the industry.