IEEE DEIS Monthly Webinar on:
Advancements in Insulating Materials for High-Voltage Applications: Trends, Challenges, and AI-Driven Innovations
Presented by
Prof. Archana Sharma
Dr.SPM International Institute of Information Technology, Naya Raipur, India
August 18, 2025, at 1:30 pm CET/4pm IST
Abstract: Recent advancements in insulating materials for high-voltage applications, particularly in DC, AC and sub-microsecond pulse power technology, focus on enhancing reliability and mitigating aging effects. Insulation systems, classified into gas, liquid, solid, and vacuum types, serve as critical components in power systems, electrical machines, and particle accelerators. Each type has limitations driving research toward novel solutions and hybrid insulation. Even now, there is no better substitute than DM water (dielectric constant~ 80) in pulsed system, Polypropylene films in capacitors for high current applications and Ba/Sr Titanate are being used for decades in low current ceramic capacitors. Key trends include developing advanced aging mitigation techniques like self-healing dielectrics and nanomaterial-infused coatings, which reduce partial discharge effects and improve system longevity. AI & Machine Learning play a transformative role in predictive maintenance, fault detection, and optimization of insulation material properties. Wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies contribute to insulation reliability through high breakdown strength and thermal stability. Future research should focus on multi-functional insulation systems integrating real-time monitoring, self-repairing capabilities, and adaptive dielectric properties to meet increasing demands of high-frequency and high-power systems like accelerators and communications.
Bio: Prof. Archana Sharma, an Electrical Engineering graduate from REC (NIT) Bhopal in 1987, joined BARC and pursued her Master’s and PhD from IISc, Bangalore. She served as Director of the Beam Technology Dev’t Group at BARC until September 30, 2024, and is now a Distinguished Professor at IIIT Naya Raipur. Prof. Sharma is a fellow of INAE, NASc, IEI, and IETE(UK), and has received numerous awards, including the Homi Bhabha Science and Technology Award and the Murali M. Chugani Award from IPA in November 2024. She was recognized among the top 75 women in STEM by PSA, GoI, and the British High Commission Delhi in 2022. As a senior Professor at HBNI, she supervised 20 MTech and 17 PhD theses, and held key academic positions. Under her leadership, 25 technology transfers were completed. In 2023, she became the first female Distinguished Scientist in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Her research focuses on electromagnetics, pulsed power, laser, plasma, and particle accelerators for nuclear & societal applications.
Registration is required:
https://ieeemeetings.webex.com/weblink/register/r298166460f329d6eb3865da02de3eeb9