High voltage engineering and systems

The development of the futur energy network is conditioned by the mastery of the major technical problems related to the transmission of increasingly large quantities of electrical energy to consumption centers which may be located thousands of kilometers away. The main way to increase the power to be transported and reduce losses is to increase the transmission voltage. This increase in voltage depends on the insulation systems of the components used and their resistance to various constraints, particularly electrical. The objective of this course is to provide the necessary bases for understanding the dielectric breakdown of materials under high voltage stresses, and the rules for the dimensioning of more reliable systems.

1. HVAC and HVDC energy networks and components ; new constraints and challenges of futur electrical networks ; environmental impact of materials.
2. Dielectric materials: Polarization, conduction, relaxation, losses.
3. Plasma and gas discharges: From micro-discharge to lightning.
4. Dielectric strength of solid and liquid materials: Breakdown ; partial discharge ; aging ; new materials.
5. Design of high voltage components (transformers, gas insulaed switchgear, cables...).