High Voltage Testing To Ensure The Reliability Of Future Electric Propulsion

The use of electric propulsion systems has been associated with a gradual increase in operating voltage. 800 Volt operating voltages are commonly found in eVTOL applications, with a great push of larger commercial aircraft requiring higher and higher voltages. To be able to ensure reliability and robustness of systems, a range of qualification tests can be used. This presentation will explore the methods that can be used to take the high voltage electrical components on aircraft to an increased level electrification whilst minimising partial discharge.

At aHV, we can test sinewave voltage sources operating up to 5 kV at frequencies between 400Hz and 2000Hz, along with squarewave voltages sources that operate up to 24kVpk-pk and at switching frequencies of up to 100kHz. However, even if we eliminate partial discharge within an insulation system other failure modes still persist.

Along with an exploration of the voltage limit at which partial discharge free machines can be delivered, this talk will also focus on the methodologies that can be used to assess the lifetime of an insulation system. It will identify the gaps that exist in standards that can make the verification of high voltage insulation system performance challenging.

Ian Cotton, Technical Director, aerospaceHV