High Power Microwave Breakdown of C4F7N (Novec 4710) Gas Mixtures

The quest for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to sulfur hexafluoride (SF$6$) as an insulating gas in high voltage applications has prompted extensive research efforts in recent years. Among the promising alternatives, C$4$F$7$N has emerged as a potential candidate due to its superior insulation and dielectric properties. While previous research concerning breakdown characteristics of C$4$F$7$N has been mainly focused on long-timescale DC and 60 Hz AC conditions, this thesis aims to investigate the breakdown behavior of C$4$F$7$N under high power microwave (HPM) conditions and establish a correlation with SF$6$. The breakdown strength of gas mixtures comprised of 5%, 10%, and 20% C$4$F$7$N in a N$2$ or CO$2$ background were examined under pulsed, microsecond HPM conditions at room temperature, spanning a pressure range of 16 psia to 32 psia (110.3 kPa to 220.6 kPa). This thesis provides comprehensive background information on HPM breakdown, outlines the development of the Texas Tech traveling-wave ring resonator, and presents an analysis of the dielectric strength of C$4$F$7$N based admixtures within the experimental system.

Embargo status: Restricted until 09/2173. To request the author grant access, click on the PDF link to the left.