Verification of a VFT measuring method based on the kerr electro-optic effect

• Published in: IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation Vol. 21; no. 3; pp. 1133 - 1142
• Main Authors: Kovacevic, Uros, Milovanovic, Ivica, Vujisic, Milos, Stankovic, Koviljka, Osmokrovic, Predrag
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01-06-2014; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: computer simulation modeling; Electric fields; Finite element analysis; high voltage measurements; Kerr electro-optic effect; Laser beams; liquid dielectrics; Measurement by laser beam; Nonlinear optics; Optical polarization; Optical refraction; tomography; transient electric fields; Voltage measurement
• ISSN: 1070-9878; 1558-4135
• DOI: 10.1109/TDEI.2014.6832258

A method for electric field measurements based on the Kerr electro-optic effect is investigated, along with its applicability in high-voltage engineering. Experimental data on electric field distribution in liquid dielectrics during very fast transient voltage (VFT) occurrences are obtained from direct measurements which utilize the Kerr effect. These data are then compared to the results provided by numerical models of the measurements. Details on the Kerr effect and basic principles of laser tomography are presented, along with a description of the modified arithmetic reconstruction algorithm used. Experimental setup and measurement conditions are validated by calculations based on the finite difference method. Experimental results are presented for both symmetrical and asymmetrical electrode arrangements. Electric field distribution, for the same fast transient voltage conditions as in experiments, is then obtained from specialized software tools developed for modelling high frequency electromagnetic phenomena. Results obtained by numerical modelling show good agreement with experimental data, thereby affirming the accuracy and applicability of the described measurement method.