Ageing Factors of Insulation Materials with a Focus on Moisture-Induced Degradation in Automotive Applications

Sammanfattning

This study explores the impact of different ageing factors on the condition and reliability of insulation materials of electric machines in automobile applications. Insulation degradation is an inevitable process that affects the core functioning of an electric motor and its longevity. Hence, the research involves designing a test and performing a series of experiments in controlled environments to simulate worst case scenarios of real word conditions, with a focus on humidity and temperature variation in order to observe their impact on the insulation. It is estimated that high relative humidity under varying temperature conditions will degrade the insulation materials and the cooling oil of the electric machine irreversibly. These results provide a valuable insight into what ageing factor is dominant in the real world and help us improve our current testing methods in order to improve insulation performance to provide durable and efficient electric machines.