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Main >> Applications >> Sample problems >> Capacitive voltage divider

Capacitive voltage divider

QuickField simulation example

Capacitive voltage divider is used to reduce the voltage level to a measurable value. It consists of a high voltage electrode, a grounded electrode and a terminal that is connected to a voltmeter. Voltage divider can be used for DC, AC and transient voltage measurements. The maximum allowed voltage is 400 kV. Our task is to calculate the electric field stress distribution and the voltage at the output terminal. Divider features rotation symmetry, so it can be represented by the 2D axisymmetric model.

Problem Type
Axisymmetric problem of electrostatics.

Geometry
Capacitive voltage divider Capacitive voltage divider is user to reduce the voltage level to a measurable value. UHMWPE PVC HV 95 mm Ø12.7 mm Ø130 mm To voltmeter Grounded electrode Melinex, 0.5 mm

Given
Relative permittivity of media: Melinex 3.2, PVC 4, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) 2.3.
Peak voltage is 400 kV.

Task
Calculate the electric field stress distribution and voltage on the output terminal of the capacitive divider when 400kV pulse is applied.

Solution
Since we are interested only in the peak value of the electric field stress, we can simulate the electrostatic problem instead of the transient electric problem.
Floating conductor boundary condition is assigned to the voltmeter terminal.

Results
Electric field stress at the electrode tip is 58 kV/mm, which is below the maximal allowable stress value of 70 kV/mm [1].
Voltmeter terminal electric potential is 1.0 kV, which is within the acceptable range of the voltmeter (1.8 kV) [1].
Capacitive displacement sensor

Reference
[1] Shah, R.R.D. & Cliffe, Robert & Senior, Peter & Novac, B.M. & Smith, Ivor. (2001). An ultrafast probe for high-voltage pulsed measurements. Fuel Cells Bulletin. 1020 - 1023 vol.2. 10.1109/PPPS.2001.1001716.