Kerr Electro-Optic Effect-Based Methodology for Measuring and Analyzing Electric Field Distribution in Oil-Immersed Capacitors

In the current design and verification processes of insulation structures for high-voltage oil-immersed capacitors, there is a heavy reliance on electric field simulation calculations using idealized models that lack empirical validation of spatial electric fields. This study employs the Kerr electro-optic effect to establish a non-contact optical remote sensing system for measuring the spatial electric field distribution in the insulating liquid dielectric (benzyltoluene) between the capacitor’s element and the case under various temperatures and main insulation distances. The findings reveal that the measured spatial electric field stress can be up to 15% higher than the simulated values. The electric field stress measured in the Y1 direction (up toward the capacitor top) is comparable to that measured in the Y2 direction (down toward the capacitor end). Furthermore, when varying the main insulation distance, the electric field stress consistently shows a negative correlation with increasing measurement distance. Specifically, at a main insulation distance of 1.5 mm, the electric field stress is 1.81 times that at 5.5 mm. As the temperature rises, the spatial electric field stress increases gradually, and the electric field distribution becomes more uneven at higher temperatures. At 80 °C, the field stress is approximately 1.57 times that at 20 °C, with the measured field stress at 80 °C being 19% higher than the simulated value. Finally, this paper undertakes a comprehensive theoretical analysis and experimental validation to elucidate the discrepancies between simulated and measured spatial electric fields. Leveraging these insights, it proposes advanced optimization strategies for the insulation structures of capacitor elements. The outcomes of this study furnish substantial technical and theoretical support, significantly enhancing the design, verification, and optimization processes for insulation in oil-immersed capacitors.