Recent Research Progress of Solid Engineering Dielectrics in China

Following the introduction of economic reform, China has experienced a rapid development over last three decades. This has exerted a huge demand on energy. The electric power industry has continued to grow rapidly to meet this demand. This has been done through the expansion of transmission and distribution networks, in phase with the rapid development of installed generating capacity. The construction of extra high voltage (EHV) and high voltage (HV) transmission facilities has increased rapidly in recent years. Intensive research programs have been set up to overcome various problems. Insulation systems have to be improved and new materials have to be developed to meet challenges. This paper intends to introduce the recent progress of solid dielectrics research in China. A variety of topics are covered and special attention is paid on the following contents: space charge measurement and its application, multi-stress aging of dielectrics, varistor ceramics, capacitor ceramics, nanometer composite dielectrics, optical fiber and bio-dielectrics.