Electrical Characteristic Assessment of Nomex Paper for Distribution Transformers

This paper describes the electrical characteristics of Nomex paper employed as an insulating material for distribution transformers. The relative permittivities (dielectric constants) and tan$\delta$ (dielectric dissipation factors) were measured as dielectric characteristics and the partial discharge inception voltages (PDIVs) and breakdown voltages were also measured as electrical strength characteristics of Nomex paper. As a result, the permittivity and tan $\delta$ of Nomex paper demonstrated both temperature and frequency dependency. Of particular note, the permittivity of 0.18 mm Nomex paper was 2.4 according to the ASTM condition, The PDIVs and breakdown voltages were almost linearly increased with the thickness of Nomex paper. Furthermore, its electrical strength was superior to conventional Kraft paper.