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Summary
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This study explains why direct current (DC) breakdown strength is higher than alternating current (AC) breakdown strength in insulating materials. It reveals that space charge dynamics under AC stress cause electric field distortion near electrodes, leading to lower breakdown strength.

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Area of Science:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Physics

Background:

  • Electrical breakdown is a critical phenomenon in electrical and electronic engineering.
  • A long-standing, unexplained issue is why direct current (DC) breakdown strength exceeds alternating current (AC) breakdown strength in insulating materials by a factor of two or more.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the space charge dynamics in both DC and AC electrical breakdown processes.
  • To elucidate the reasons behind the observed differences in breakdown strength between DC and AC electrical stresses.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a bipolar charge transport model to simulate space charge dynamics.
  • Analyzed charge accumulation differences under DC and AC electrical stresses.
  • Estimated breakdown strength by considering electric field distortion induced by space charges.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated distinct charge accumulation patterns under DC versus AC electrical stresses.
  • Showed that electric field distortion, caused by space charges, modulates breakdown strength.
  • Identified that DC breakdown initiates in the bulk of the material, while AC breakdown initiates near the sample-electrode interface.

Conclusions:

  • The lower breakdown strength observed under AC stress is attributed to electric field distortion by space charges near electrodes.
  • The decrease in breakdown strength with increasing AC frequency is also linked to space charge-induced electric field distortion.
  • This research clarifies the fundamental mechanisms behind the discrepancy in AC and DC breakdown strengths in insulating materials.