Analytical model for the spatiotemporal permittivity of uncured-composite devices in an AC electric field

Electric-field grading by dielectric permittivity gradient devices is an effective way of enhancing the insulation performance. In situ electric-field-driven assembly is an advanced method for the fabrication of insulating devices with adaptive permittivity gradients; however, there is no theoretical guidance for its use in design. We develop an analytical model for the spatiotemporal permittivity of an uncured-composite device in an AC electric field and investigate the coupling effects between the in situ assisted electric field and rod-like filler self-assembly in three devices: a pin-flat insulator, a basin insulator, and a silicone-gel-insulated gate bipolar transistor. Our model is based on optical images and dielectric permittivity monitoring, thus avoiding complicated electrodynamic calculations. The electric-field uniformity follows a U-shaped curve with assisted-voltage application time. We also find a combination of experimental parameters that constitutes an optimal tradeoff between internal and surface electric-field uniformities. This work establishes a theoretical design framework to optimize the performance (e.g. flashover voltage and breakdown strength) of a composite device. (paper)