Nanocomposite Electrical Insulation Material Development and Scaling for HVDC

NanocompEIM addresses the need for advanced electrical insulation materials for reliable manufacture of high performance next generation high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission equipment. Major enhancements in performance and properties of key components in new HVDC electrical insulation systems are essential for long-term growth of on-shore and off-shore HVDC systems in the UK and Europe which rely on point-to-point and multi-terminal HVDC schemes. This highly innovative project seeks to develop a set of nanodielectric property and process rules to achieve reliable nanocomposites production and process methods that are scalable. The project will demonstrate scalability by the construction of a model insulator demonstrator with characteristics reflecting the generic manufacture and use of common components in HVDC systems. The partners in the project are drawn from all points along the supply chain including a component manufacturer Mekufa UK Ltd, an international equipment manufacturer ALSTOM Grid, and three collaborating end-users National Grid, Scottish Power Energy Networks, and Scottish & Southern Energy, along with internationally leading research providers GnoSys Global Ltd and the University of Southampton.