Life estimation of DC insulation systems in the presence of voltage-polarity inversions

A phenomenological model to estimate life of insulation systems subjected to DC stress with or without polarity inversions is presented. The model is obtained applying Miner's law to life deriving from the decomposition of the supply stress in a DC voltage plus impulse voltages. The latter accounts for accelerated aging due to inversion. The model is validated resorting to life tests with and without inversions, carried out on polyethylene materials for cable application.