Highly effective anti-corona coatings on aluminium wires by surface modification

This work presents a detailed comparison of our computer simulation study with our own experiment on coatings of aluminium wires for high-voltage lines and characterization of coatings. Computer modelling, using finite element method (FEM), has shown a significant dependence of a local electric field enhancement factor (β-factor) on the surface hydrophilicity (wettability). Modelling explained that the β-factor from a micro-tip on a high-voltage line can be decreased with dependence from contact angles. It has been shown that highly porous and hygroscopic properties of the modified surface reduce the contact angle of water droplets on the wire and the β-factor from the rough surface due to the dielectric shielding. Newly engineered surfaces allow for control of the contact angle of a water droplet on the wire and also reduce the β-factor, in comparison with an uncoated surface. (paper)