Discharge Growth Measurements for Failure Detection in H.V Insulators

Abstract

Insulation system in high voltage power equipment plays a significant role for the reliability of the electric power system. As a result, it is necessary to assess its performance to prevent any sudden interruption in the power system. High voltage transmission lines are commonly referred to as the backbone of electrical power systems due to their spatial distribution and large power capacity. Outdoor insulators are the most effective component of the electric power transmission and distribution systems subjected to various defects under operating and environmental conditions. They are to be installed in the overhead transmission lines to serve two important tasks: first, to isolate the electricity represented in conductor from the grounded tower structure and second, to be as mechanical support for the conductor. In order to perform their functions successfully, they should have good electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. Failure of a single insulator can lead to an outage of the power network. As a result, it is necessary to check their condition regularly to achieve a maximum possible reliability for the system, to prevent any sudden interruption in the power system, to decrease the power loss and to evaluate the maintenance priorities needed to insulators. Defective discs of ceramic insulators essentially contain partial discharge (PD) activities; i.e., the presence of PD activities may characterize the insulator’s poor condition. Partial Discharge detection and measurement is considered the most significant phenomena to be subjected in the performance assessment of insulation diagnostics. Partial discharge is a loc