S. Suganthi, T. Kesavan, V. Nagalakshmi, R Tamilamuthan
Polymeric materials are widely used in power equipment, including transformers, insulators, and conductors, due to their superior insulating properties and lightweight nature. The performance of polymer-based insulated electrical conductors degrades over time due to insulation ageing, overvoltage, overcurrent, and corona discharge. However, their poor thermal and electrical performance reduces the overall efficiency and reliability of the equipment. To address this issue, a novel nano-infused polymer composite was developed as an advanced electrical insulation material. The electrical insulation was fabricated using a polymer matrix combined with synthetic enamel and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles. Mechanical mixing and coating resulted in a uniform nanofiller dispersion and improved composite uniformity. The Sio2CuW performance was evaluated using a search coil analysis under various load conditions, including resistive and RC loads applied across the copper conductor. FFT analysis of the magnetic flux distribution around the SiO₂CuW composite revealed a marked decrease in leakage flux and harmonic distortion.