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Understanding performance of transmission and distribution insulators at very low temperature conditions

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Abstract

Polymeric or silicone rubber insulators are extensively used for high-voltage transmission by electrical utilities due to advantageous features like lightweight, better contamination performance, etc. The performance of silicone rubber insulators exposed to low temperature conditions with continuous application of electric stress is of utmost importance as these insulators are being used under such climatic conditions in the country. In the present work, long-term experimental investigations have been conducted for 1000 h at 0 °C and for 1500 h at − 20 °C with application of electrical stress to simulate near-field conditions. A special experimental arrangement has been established for the investigations. Leakage current was monitored at regular intervals, and further material evaluation techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), mechanical strength measurements, etc., were conducted before and after the experimentation to verify the surface degradation on the polymer insulators. Some interesting results obtained during the experimentation for normal and polluted conditions along with the analysis carried out are presented.

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Acknowledgements

Authors are grateful to SERB-DST, Govt of India, for financial assistance under SERB No: EEQ/2016/000030 and also thankful to Mr. Kiran of M/s Goldstone Insulators, Hyderabad, India, for the help and encouragement.

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  1. High Voltage Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India

    Sounak Nandi, B. Reddy Subba & Dinesh Sharma

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  1. Sounak Nandi
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  2. B. Reddy Subba
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  3. Dinesh Sharma
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Correspondence to B. Reddy Subba.

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Nandi, S., Subba, B.R. & Sharma, D. Understanding performance of transmission and distribution insulators at very low temperature conditions. Electr Eng 102, 2255–2268 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00202-020-01019-1

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