New DuPont™ Kapton® Polyimide Film Addresses the Impact of Faster Voltage Rise (dv/dt) on Motor Insulation
Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 12, 2020 – DuPont Interconnect Solutions, a unit of DuPont Electronics & Imaging, today announced the results of a recent research study that show Kapton® Corona Resistant polyimide film provides an eight-fold improvement over standard polyimide films for insulating the conductors found in high-performance traction motors designed for the e-mobility market. The new Kapton® product is part of the new corona-resistant wire insulation offerings from DuPont.
Although not from the ABB study, here is an example of hair-pin formed wires wrapped with DuPont™ Kapton® polyimide film insulation.
The recent research project was funded by the Swedish Energy Agency and led by ABB Sweden, a global leader in the design and production of electrical drives, generators, and integrated digital powertrain solutions. Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden also participated in the research and evaluation project.
The study evaluated the impact of increased electrical stresses caused by high switching frequency converters providing signals with a faster rise of voltage with respect to time (dv/dt) on the conductor insulation materials used in today’s advanced traction motors. The conductor insulation was also exposed, in test conditions, to high temperatures (150 to 180°C) and high voltages (3.0 and 3.5 kV).
According to Dr. Shafigh Nategh, research project leader for ABB, the Kapton® Corona Resistant film outperformed all other candidate materials tested. “We concluded that Kapton® Corona Resistant polyimide films may be considered as proper candidates for the traction motors supplied by high switching frequency converters which are designed and produced for the electrification market,” said Dr. Nategh. “The comparison between non-corona resistant Kapton® FN and the 25 percent thinner corona resistant Kapton® Corona Resistant materials showed that Kapton® Corona Resistant film increased the average life-time of the insulation by about 8 times.”
“The research findings help DuPont better understand the impact of increased switching frequency from inverters on a new generation of corona-resistant Kapton® polyimide film wire insulation,” said Shawn Filliben, Technical Service Senior Consultant for DuPont™ Kapton® films. “This new technology will enable designers to have higher performing thin insulation to compete with historical enamel solutions, and a thinner insulation material will provide an additional degree of design freedom for those looking to create smaller, more reliable motors.”
Dr. Nategh will present the final findings of the ABB/Swedish Energy Agency/Chalmers University study on the reliability and performance of Kapton® Corona Resistant polyimide film at the IEEE Workshop on Electrical Machine Design, Control and Diagnostics (WEMDCD) 8-9 April 2021, in Modena, Italy.
For more than 30 years, DuPont™ Kapton® polyimide films have been successfully insulating conductors to meet evolving needs in a variety of industries, including aerospace and rail applications. Kapton® films have demonstrated improved service and operational efficiencies as compared to conventional insulation materials.
For more information about the full range of DuPont™ Kapton® polyimide film offerings, visit https://www.dupont.com/electronics-industrials/kapton-polyimide-film.html.
About ABB
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 110,000 talented employees in over 100 countries.
About DuPont Electronics & Imaging
DuPont Electronics & Imaging is a global supplier of materials and technologies serving the semiconductor, advanced chip packaging, circuit board, electronic and industrial finishing, display, and digital and flexographic printing industries. From advanced technology centers worldwide, teams of talented research scientists and application experts work closely with customers, providing solutions, products and technical service to enable next-generation technologies. More information about DuPont Electronics & Imaging can be found on our electronic solutions and image solutions websites.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and wellness, food and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.
We’re here to help.
We love to talk about how our electronics solutions can build business, commercialize products,
and solve the challenges of our time.