FEI3338 Characterisation of Dielectric Materials and Insulation Systems 10.0 credits

Basic properties of importance for electrical characterization: dielectric response, conduction, charge-distribution, partial discharge, and breakdown strength. Sustainable insulation materials and the higher demands on insulation from increased electrification and renewable energy. Solid materials are the main focus, but systems with gas or liquid are also relevant particularly when in combination with solid dielectrics. Common and state-of-art measurement principles for the material properties. External parameters, repeatability, variance. Error sources and error propagation. Uncertainty assessment and expression. Experimental methods to reduce uncertainty; trade-offs between different choices.

After taking this course the student must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Describe in detail the setup and principle of a common measurement method for each of two material or system properties, including indicative quantitative assessment of factors affecting uncertainty. 
• For a specified type of material characterisation: identify and quantitatively assess error sources and their mitigation; make and justify an estimate of uncertainty.
• Suggest and contrast ways to improve a specified measurement system . 
• Define and discuss ways in which the path to sustainability of power systems affects the need for new and improved insulation systems.
• Apply the analysis and estimation skills from the common part of the course in an individual project within the student's research, and present this accessibly in oral and written form.

Completed master-level education in electrical engineering, physics or material science, or equivalent experience. Students are typically expected to be doctoral students in subjects within the general areas of high voltage engineering or material science.

Fundamentals of high voltage engineering, corresponding to EI3232.  Circuit analysis, basic field-theory, and programming e.g. for Matlab scripts; the usual background of a PhD student within high-voltage engineering should fulfil these general prerequisites. Other relevant courses about the physical phenomena that we are measuring are recommended as further background, e.g. EI3230 Physics of Dielectric Insulating Materials.

Course material will be specified further for each round of the course. It is based on several books and many further resources of published articles and manuals and the course's own notes and assignments.

• EXA1 - Examination, 10.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

The common part of the course is examined based on several assignments and on a final written examination. The specialization is examined based on the final report and on the presentation and discussion at seminars. The subject of the specialization is defined by the student, and must be approved by the examiner before work is started on this part of the course.

All the four parts of examination must be approved in order to pass the course: assignments, written examination, presentations and final report.

Nathaniel Taylor

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.