Research focus and goals
Research themes within High Voltage engineering raise from the progress of Smart Grids, which has led to new requirements and possibilities in e.g. high voltage insulation systems, high voltage measurement technology and component diagnostics. Currently the main focus of the research group in on the two first mentioned areas. All the research work is done in close cooperation with Finnish and European industry and Universities. As the group governs the only remaining independent HV laboratory in Finland, one task defined for the group is to share this infrastructure also for the industry by offering research and testing services especially for the Finnish industry.
The main scientific focus of the group is on thorough understanding of the short and long-term performance of high voltage insulation systems - one of the main areas of HV engineering. This covers not only the various phenomena occurring inside the individual insulating materials of the system but also the phenomena at the interfaces and electrodes, often strongly affecting the final performance of the insulation system. As the reliability and lifetime of HV electric power apparatus is mostly defined by the performance of their insulation systems and as the designed lifetime of these devices is typically very long (typically in the range of 30-40 years) with really high reliability requirements, the importance of the research field is evident. The research themes within high voltage measurement technology are related to the increased needs for accurate measurement and calibration capabilities of various voltage forms even at highest voltages. In addition, the group is active in the areas of diagnostics of HV devices, over voltage protection and accelerated ageing and life testing of HV insulation materials, components and systems.
Research groups leaded by Senior Scientist Kari Lahti.