IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine March / April 2023 ◆ Volume 39, Number 2 ◆ ISSN 0883-7554 A Publication of the Dielectrics & Electrical Insulation Society In this issue • Look into laboratory to real-life tests of a polymeric insulator instrumented with sensors for monitoring high voltage transmission lines • Read about insulation research regarding short-pulse conditions at Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology in China • Learn about visualization of corrosion hidden under opaque anticorrosion coatings using radio waves • Find out about Hulya Kirkici’s career journey, life experiences, and involvement with DEIS DEIS | IEEE IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, a Publication of DEIS IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine is involved, together with its sponsoring society, the Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Society (DEIS), in providing leadership, coordination, and communication among those who are concerned with dielectric phenomena and measurements and with electrical insulating materials, including their behavior as it affects their use in electrical and electronic apparatus. The Magazine is specifically concerned with publishing articles on the development and characterization of the dielectric, chemical, mechanical, and environmental properties of all vacuum, gaseous, liquid, and solid electrical insulation and with utilization of these materials in circuits and systems under conditions of use. The Magazine is not an alternative to the IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation for traditional academic research or review papers. Content The feature articles are oriented toward the engineer and technologist concerned with the use and application of electrical insulating materials and systems. Although the subject of an article is not rigidly defined, the style is. Articles must be written in a tutorial or review style, rather than as conference or transactions papers, so that anyone interested in electrical insulation and dielectric phenomena can appreciate and learn about a particular area with which they may not be entirely familiar. If the style of the submission does not fit, then it may be rejected. In general, the length of an article is limited to 8 pages. Authors are required to submit an abstract to the Editor in Chief to ensure relevance of a paper topic before submission of a full paper. The Magazine articles can express opinions; however, they must be clearly identified as opinion rather than well-documented fact. Commercial subjects can be discussed as long as the article is not perceived as a commercial pitch. In addition to the technical articles, the Magazine carries features such as new products, industry news, meeting and conference dates, regional news, etc. The Magazine is a vehicle for Society news and, in particular, news regarding the Society-sponsored conferences. Contributions are sought for all sections of the Magazine. The writing style and requirements vary somewhat for each of the sections. See one of the current issues of the Magazine for the style of the presentation. Contributions of technical abstracts/articles and all other sections should be sent to: Feipeng Wang, Editor in Chief [email protected] Connect to IEEE–no matter where you are–with the IEEE App. TAP. CONNECT. NETWORK. SHARE. March / April — Vol. 39, No. 2 FEATURED ARTICLES 7 Technological Development of a Composite Insulator for High Voltage Transmission Line Monitoring Tarso V. Ferreira, Gabriel S. Bolacell, Mauro A. da Rosa, Edson G. da Costa, George R. S. Lira, Jose F. Pissolato, Filipe L. M. Andrade, Regelii S. A. Ferreira, Estácio T. Wanderley Neto, and Roberto P. Francisco This article presents an instrumented polymeric insulator with sensors applied to monitor high voltage transmission lines. Practical developments are presented from the laboratory stage until the real transmission line tests. 17 Review on Recent Development in Insulation Research Under Short-Pulse Conditions Liang Zhao, Jian Cang Su, Rui Li, Bo Zeng, and Jie Cheng This article summarizes the recent developments of insulation research under short-pulse conditions at the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology in China, which include four aspects: (1) solid insulation under nanosecond pulses, (2) vacuum insulation under microsecond pulses, (3) insulation design methods, and (4) long-lifetime insulation structures. 29 Nondestructive Terahertz and Millimeter Wave Imaging for Underfilm Corrosion N. Fuse, Y. Hori, T. Takahashi, and M. Mizuno Corrosion hidden under opaque anticorrosion coatings is hazardous for outdoor installations. This type of corrosion can be visualized using radio waves, which are familiar to electrical engineers with field case experience. 37 Looking at the Bigger Picture with Hulya Kirkici Elizabeth Aragao The author goes through Hulya Kirkici’s early career journey colored by both physicists and electrical engineers and her involvement with our society. DEPARTMENTS 3 Editorial - Antonios Tzimas 5 From the Editor - Feipeng Wang 40 News From Japan - Yoshimichi Ohki 43 Stories From China - Lv Zepeng 47 Young Professionals - Servane Haller 49 Book Reviews - John J. Shea 52 Meetings Calendar - Frank Hegeler 55 Bulletin Board • Summer School report • ICHVE 2022 report • CATCON 2022 report • TEC Update Cover: DEIS Summer School class of 2022, Monmouth, Wales, UK. IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine Executive Committee President: B. Stewart (University of Strathclyde, UK) Past President: P. Gaberson (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) Vice-President (Admin.): D. Fabiani (University of Bologna, Italy) Vice-President (Tech.): A. Kumada (University of Tokyo, Japan) Secretary: A. Mellinger (Central Michigan University, USA) Treasurer: Simon Rowland (University of Manchester, UK) Editor: Feipeng Wang, Editor in Chief (Chongqing University, China) Contributing Editors: News from Japan: Yoshimichi Ohki Stories from China: LV Zepeng Meetings Calendar: Frank Hegeler Book Reviews: Nihal Kularatna Editorial Board: Tony Lujia Chen, Hua Li, Peter Morshuis, Greg Stone, Simon Sutton, Antonios Tzimas, Alun Vaughan, Feipeng Wang, Gordon Wilson, Mark Winkeler Publications Committee: Raji Sundararajan (Chair), Andrea Cavallini, Eric David, Len Dissado, Davide Fabiani, Hulya Kirkici, Akiko Kumada, Brian Stewart, Feipeng Wang, Kai Wu Editorial by Antonios Tzimas, Editor Emeritus Serving as the editor in chief of this magazine the past year has indeed been a rewarding experience. I received over 30 manuscripts from over 100 authors across the globe discussing electrical insulation challenges. It has been a pleasure working with the editorial board to enhance the magazine with the introduction of a new column “Stories from China”; a new article series on “A day in the life of a ______ laboratory”; and a feature concerning “Transportation Electrification,” where articles continue to be invited! Furthermore, this year a new article series has started that introduces our members and focuses on their careers and the role of DEIS... Farewell notes: Book Reviews Column Experience by John J. Shea (stepping down after 25 years and over 1,000 book reviews; succeeded by Prof. Nihal Kularatna). Editorial Board Experience by Ivanka Atanasova-Hoehlein (Siemens, serving 2019–2022). From the Editor by Feipeng Wang, Editor in Chief Transition of editor-in-chief duties from Antonios Tzimas to Feipeng Wang. Introduction to the contents of the March/April 2023 issue, highlighting the featured articles on instrumented composite insulators (TECCON II project), short-pulse insulation research from NINT, nondestructive MMW/THz corrosion imaging, and the member profile on Prof. Hulya Kirkici, along with department updates. Technological Development of a Composite Insulator for High Voltage Transmission Line Monitoring Tarso V. Ferreira, Gabriel S. Bolacell, Mauro A. da Rosa, Edson G. da Costa, George R. S. Lira, Jose F. Pissolato, Filipe L. M. Andrade, Regelii S. A. Ferreira, Estácio T. Wanderley Neto, and Roberto P. Francisco Abstract/Introduction: This article presents an instrumented polymeric insulator with sensors applied to monitor high voltage transmission lines. Practical developments are presented from the laboratory stage until the real transmission line tests (elevating from TRL 4 to TRL 7). Key Topics Covered: - The TECCON II Project structure and optical sensors embedded within the polymeric insulator (Faraday effect for current, Fiber Bragg Grating for tension and temperature). - Electrical, Mechanical, and Material Tests (load-time test, adhesion test, flammability, dielectric strength 10.5-12.1 kV/mm, tracking and erosion). - Tests in Relevant Environment (optical fiber continuity, leakage current at 230 kV, fast-front impulse current transients up to 21 kA). - Field deployment on the 230 kV Lages–Abdon Batista transmission line (Brazilian Interconnected System), validating real-time steady-state current and transient switching measurements. Review on Recent Development in Insulation Research Under Short-Pulse Conditions Liang Zhao, Jian Cang Su, Rui Li, Bo Zeng, and Jie Cheng (Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an, China) Summary of Topics: 1. Solid Dielectric Breakdown and Insulation: Thickness effect of solid dielectrics (minus power relation deduced theoretically from electron multipactor theory, EBD(d) = E1 * d^(-a)), mathematical model for conductive electrical tree growth (dl/dt = al^2 - bl + c), and relation of lifetime formula and size effect via relative variance delta. 2. Long-Gap Vacuum Breakdown and Insulation: Coaxial and parallel-plate electrode configurations under microsecond pulses (Eb(g,A) = kco / (g^(1/3) * A^(1/6))), pulse width scaling, and clump theory mechanism confirmation. 3. Insulation Design Method: Unified electric field scaling formula for five basic discharge forms (E * t^(1/alpha) * Omega^(1/beta) = k), multi-physical-field lifetime evaluation formula under electric and mechanical stress, and composite insulation design method. 4. Design of Long-Lifetime Insulation Structures: Compact multi-wire-layered (MWL) secondary winding for Tesla transformers and multifunctional coaxial HV vacuum insulator with over 1 million pulses lifetime. Nondestructive Terahertz and Millimeter Wave Imaging for Underfilm Corrosion N. Fuse, Y. Hori, T. Takahashi, and M. Mizuno Summary: Evaluation of underfilm corrosion on painted steel transmission towers using non-contact electromagnetic imaging. Discusses standard coating systems in Japan, optical transparency of epoxy paints in far-infrared and THz bands, time-of-flight THz pulse imaging to measure rust thickness (110 um), and 33.1 GHz millimeter wave (MMW) imaging using a portable module equipped with a semispherical silicone lens-antenna system to eliminate diffusion and detect hidden rust patches. Looking at the Bigger Picture with Hulya Kirkici by Elizabeth Aragao Profile of Prof. Hulya Kirkici (Chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of South Alabama, IEEE Fellow, former DEIS President 2009–2010). Traces her career from her education in Turkey to laser research in the US, contributions to high frequency/high field space power systems insulation at Auburn University and NASA, plasma ignition at US Air Force Research Lab, and her dedicated service and mentorship within IEEE DEIS. News From Japan by Yoshimichi Ohki Development of Ultralow-Loss and Low-Crosstalk Four-Core Communication Fiber by a Japanese research consortium (KDDI Research, Tohoku University, Sumitomo Electric, Furukawa Electric, NEC, Optoquest). Features uncoupled 4-core optical fiber with a standard 125 um cladding diameter, achieving ultra-low transmission loss of 0.155 dB/km and intercore crosstalk below -60 dB/100 km, enabling multi-petabit/s capacity for transoceanic submarine cable systems. Stories From China by Lv Zepeng 3D Printing for Advanced Electrical Insulation: Recent Progress in China. Highlights recent innovations in: 1. Materials: Fluorocarbon acrylate modified UV resin with enhanced breakdown strength, bioinspired nacre-like Al2O3 composites with 14x increased thermal conductivity. 2. Fabrication techniques: Active-mixing fused deposition modeling (AM-FDM) and multi-material printing for dielectrically graded insulation (DGI) spacers. 3. Applications: 10-kV DGI switch cabinet support insulators commissioned in Anji, Zhejiang, and fast-prototyped polycarbonate support insulators for emergency field repairs. Young Professionals by Servane Haller Designing a Medium-Voltage, Solid-State, Medium-Frequency Transformer: From Specifications to Prototype, and All the Steps In Between at SuperGrid Institute (Villeurbanne, France). Highlights multidisciplinary collaboration among young researchers (Alexis Fouineau, Sophie Iglesias, Hugo Reynes, Nicolas Deveaux, Pierre Bertrand, Martin Guillet) in designing solid-state insulation, complex resin casting molds, and 11 kV dielectric testing. Book Reviews by John J. Shea: 1. The Physics of Organic Electronics—From Molecules to Crystals and Polymers (L. Alcacer) 2. DC Microgrids—Advances, Challenges, and Applications (N. Gupta, M.S. Bhaskar, S. Padmanaban, and D. Almakhles, Eds.) 3. Innovative Processes and Material in Additive Manufacturing (S. Singh, C. Prakash, and S. Ramakrishna, Eds.) 4. Advances in Energy Storage—Latest Developments from R&D to the Market (A. Hauer, Ed.) 5. Wireless Communication Network Technology and Evolution (S.W. Wang, Y. Cai, Y. Xu, and Y. Cai) 6. Signals, Instrumentation, Control, and Machine Learning (J. Bentsman) Meetings Calendar compiled by Frank Hegeler: Listing of DEIS fully sponsored and technically sponsored conferences for 2023–2024, including ICEMPE 2023 (Shanghai, China), EIC 2023 (Quebec City, Canada), ICDL 2023 (Worcester, MA, USA), ISE 2023 (Linz, Austria), CEIDP 2023 Centennial Edition (East Rutherford, NJ, USA), IPMHVC 2024 (Indianapolis, IN, USA), INSUCON 2023 (Birmingham, UK), and ISDEIV 2023 (Okinawa, Japan). Bulletin Board: - Report on the 2022 IEEE DEIS Summer School on EHVDC Transmission in Monmouth, Wales (Aug 21–25, 2022) with working group proposals on XLPE aging, active cooling channels, PP/EPDM cable joint aging, and field enhancement factor/space charge models. - Call for interest: 2023 Summer School on EHVDC Transmission in Monmouth, Wales (Aug 21–26, 2023). - Conference Reports: ICHVE 2022 (Chongqing, China) and IEEE CATCON 2022 (NIT Durgapur, India). - Announcement: IEEE to form a Technical Council on Transportation Electrification (TEC), effective January 1, 2024. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation (TDEI) Table of Contents for December 2022, Volume 29, Number 6. Listing peer-reviewed papers across Part A (Fundamentals), Part B (Applications), Dielectric Letters, and Reviewer Acknowledgments. - IEEE Collabratec community platform announcement (p. 74). - Author's Guide for IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine Technical Articles: Submission requirements, peer-review criteria, formatting, style, and citation rules (p. 75). - TechRxiv preprint server announcement (p. 76).