Influence of Umbrella Structure on the Arc Path and Insulating Properties of Contaminated Insulators under AC Voltage
Song Zhibo1, Yang Hao1, Shen Wei2, Xiao Kangtai1, Xue Jianpeng1
1. School of Electronics and information Xi’an Polytechnic University Xi’an 710048 China; 2. Electric Power Research Insitute State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Co. Ltd Xi’an 710100 China
Abstract：Insulators play a crucial role in power systems as they provide support and insulation for power lines. While insulators are generally resistant to internal breakdown, they are more susceptible to flashovers on their external surfaces. In areas with heavy pollution, the presence of a water film on the insulator’s surface increases the likelihood of pollution flashover. Increasing the creepage distance is the most effective method for enhancing the flashover voltage of insulators. However, increasing the creepage distance within a limited space can complicate the insulator’s structure. Some insulators feature more umbrella ribs internally, which creates a complex and narrow space that facilitates arc propagation through jumping. Interestingly, larger creepage distances can lead to a decrease in the insulator’s flashover voltage. To investigate this phenomenon, the paper focuses on analyzing the path of arc propagation, statistical probability distribution, and the relationship between arc length and flashover voltage. Firstly, a glass insulator test model was designed to replicate the actual insulator structure. The test model took into consideration three key structural parameters of the insulator: umbrella extension, umbrella spacing, and maximum umbrella rib length. Glass panels were used as a substitute for the real insulator’s umbrella skirts and ribs. By adjusting the length and width of the glass panels, it was possible to create test models that mimicked different insulator structures accurately. Secondly, a test platform for arc path shooting was constructed. The arc path shooting platform comprised a pressurized platform designed to meet the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) flashover test standard and a high-speed camera. The insulator test model was subjected to multiple flashover tests, which involved smearing and voltage application following the procedures outlined in the IEC standards. Finally, the high-speed camera was carefully positioned to align with the vertical plane between the insulator umbrellas. This enabled the camera to capture the path of the arc as it propagated across the insulator. The recorded images were subsequently processed using image processing techniques, and the arc paths were precisely segmented using mesh segmentation algorithms. This method facilitated the efficient and accurate acquisition of a substantial volume of arc path data, enabling the generation of comprehensive arc path summary charts. By employing this approach, the researchers were able to gather a significant amount of data on the arc propagation patterns across the insulator. This allowed for detailed analysis and evaluation of the influence of different structural parameters on insulation performance. Two coefficient representations are proposed to evaluate insulator structures. These coefficients include the depth coefficient of the inter-umbrella space depth, which is calculated by dividing the umbrella spacing by the umbrella extension, and the maximum umbrella rib structure coefficient, obtained by dividing the umbrella rib length by the umbrella spacing.The findings of the study indicate that the arc paths between insulator umbrellas mainly fall into two categories: cling-surface arcs and air-jump arcs. The probability of these different arc path formations is influenced by the structural parameters of the insulator. Based on the research results, it is recommended to maintain an inter-umbrella space depth coefficient (umbrella spacing/umbrella extension) within the range of 0.8~1.2. A smaller coefficient leads to a higher probability of air-jump arc development, whereas a larger coefficient implies under-utilization of the available space. Further more, the study suggests a reference range of 0.4~0.5 for the maximum umbrella rib structure coefficient (umbrella rib length/umbrella spacing). When this coefficient exceeds the recommended range, the creepage distance is not optimally utilized, resulting in reduced flashover voltage. The paper highlights that positioning the maximum umbrella rib at the edge of the umbrella skirt results in lower flashover voltage compared to when it is placed inside the skirt.
宋治波, 杨昊, 申巍, 肖康泰, 薛建鹏. 交流电压下伞型结构对染污绝缘子电弧路径及绝缘性能的影响[J]. 电工技术学报, 2024, 39(13): 4116-4126.
Song Zhibo, Yang Hao, Shen Wei, Xiao Kangtai, Xue Jianpeng. Influence of Umbrella Structure on the Arc Path and Insulating Properties of Contaminated Insulators under AC Voltage. Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, 2024, 39(13): 4116-4126.
[1] 王黎明, 李剑超, 梅红伟, 等. 雾霾条件下支柱绝缘子的闪络特性[J]. 高电压技术, 2019, 45(2): 433-439. Wang Liming, Li Jianchao, Mei Hongwei, et al.Flashover characteristics of post insulators under fog and haze conditions[J]. High Voltage Engineering, 2019, 45(2): 433-439. [2] 沈政委, 孙华东, 仲悟之, 等. 基于关键事件的高比例新能源电力系统故障连锁演化规律分析[J]. 电力系统自动化, 2022, 46(24): 57-65. Shen Zhengwei, Sun Huadong, Zhong Wuzhi, et al.Key event based analysis of evolution law of cascading failures in power system with high proportion of renewable energy[J]. Automation of Electric Power Systems, 2022, 46(24): 57-65. [3] 黄新波, 曹雯. 输电线路灾害机理研究进展[J]. 西安工程大学学报, 2017, 31(5): 589-605. Huang Xinbo, Cao Wen.Review of the disaster mechanism of transmission lines[J]. Journal of Xi’an Polytechnic University, 2017, 31(5): 589-605. [4] 李亚伟, 杨昊, 张乔根, 等. 基于上下表面电弧特性的交流绝缘子污秽闪络电压计算[J]. 中国电机工程学报, 2014, 34(30): 5442-5450. Li Yawei, Yang Hao, Zhang Qiaogen, et al.Modeling of AC arc discharge on insulators in consideration of arc characteristic differences between partial arcs on top and bottom wet-polluted dielectric surfaces[J]. Proceedings of the CSEE, 2014, 34(30): 5442-5450. [5] 张贵新, 李大雨, 王天宇. 交流电压下气固界面电荷积聚与放电特性研究进展[J]. 电工技术学报, 2022, 37(15): 3876-3887. Zhang Guixin, Li Dayu, Wang Tianyu.Progress in researching charge accumulation and discharge characteristics at gas-solid interface under AC voltage[J]. Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, 2022, 37(15): 3876-3887. [6] 张楚岩, 张福增, 陈昌龙, 等. 高海拔地区直流特高压大尺寸复合外绝缘污闪特性研究[J]. 电工技术学报, 2012, 27(12): 20-28. Zhang Chuyan, Zhang Fuzeng, Chen Changlong, et al.Research on pollution flashover characteristics of large-size composite outdoor insulation for UHV DC in high altitude area[J]. Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, 2012, 27(12): 20-28. [7] 江渺, 姜昀芃, 卢明, 等. 复合绝缘子表面自然积污颗粒的粒径分布规律及机理研究[J]. 高压电器, 2021, 57(12): 17-24. Jiang Miao, Jiang Yunpeng, Lu Ming, et al.Study on particle size distribution and mechanism of natural contaminated particles on the surface of composite insulator[J]. High Voltage Apparatus, 2021, 57(12): 17-24. [8] 赵全香, 李红艳, 韩振, 等. 绝缘子污秽检测方法综述[J]. 电气开关, 2012, 50(4): 96-98. Zhao Quanxiang, Li Hongyan, Han Zhen, et al.A summary of insulator pollution detection method[J]. Electric Switchgear, 2012, 50(4): 96-98. [9] Obenaus F.Fremdschichtueberschlag and kriechwegl-aenge[J]. Deutsche Elektrotechnik, 1958, 12(4): 135-136. [10] 刘士利, 李卫东, 李振新, 等. 水带对憎水性表面交流闪络特性与电场分布的影响[J]. 电工技术学报, 2022, 37(21): 5570-5577. Liu Shili, Li Weidong, Li Zhenxin, et al.Influence of water band on AC flashover characteristics and electric field distribution of hydrophobic surface[J]. Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, 2022, 37(21): 5570-5577. [11] Sundararajan R, Gorur R S.Effect of insulator profiles on DC flashover voltage under polluted conditions. A study using a dynamic arc model[J]. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, 1994, 1(1): 124-132. [12] Guan Zhicheng, Huang Chaofeng.Discharge performance of different models at low pressure air[C]// Proceedings of 1994 4th International Conference on Properties and Applications of Dielectric Materials (ICPADM), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 1994: 463-466. [13] 吴光亚, 钱之银, 肖勇, 等. 防污闪技术的现状与发展趋势[J]. 电力设备, 2005(3): 5-9. Wu Guangya, Qian Zhiyin, Xiao Yong, et al.Present situation and development tendency of anti - pollution flashover[J]. Electrical Equipment, 2005(3): 5-9. [14] 梅尔赫列夫, 索洛莫尼克. 大气污秽地区线路与变电所的绝缘[M]. 张重午, 译. 北京: 电力工业出版社, 1981. [15] Kimoto I, Fujimura T, Naito K. Performance of insulators for direct current transmisson line under polluted condition[J]. IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, 1973, PAS-92(3): 943-949. [16] Kawamura T, Seta T, Tanabe S.Performance of large bushing shells for UHV transmission system under polluted conditions[J]. CIGRE Session Paper, 1988, 33(3): 311-316. [17] Fazelian M, Wu C Y, Cheng T C, et al.A study on the profile of HVDC insulators-DC flashover performance[J]. IEEE Transactions on Electrical Insulation, 1989, 24(1): 119-125. [18] 张仁豫. 绝缘污秽放电[M]. 北京: 水利电力, 1994. [19] International Electrotechnical Commission.Insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage above 1000 V—ceramic or glass insulator units for AC systems—characteristics of insulator units of the cap and pin type: IEC 60305—2021[S]. IEC, 2021. [20] 国家质量监督检验检疫总局, 中国国家标准化管理委员会. 交流系统用高压绝缘子的人工污秽试验: GB/T 4585—2004[S]. 北京: 中国标准出版社, 2005. [21] 张楚岩, 张福增, 李锐海, 等. 绝缘子人工污秽试验加压方式的比较[J]. 高电压技术, 2013, 39(1): 44-53. Zhang Chuyan, Zhang Fuzeng, Li Ruihai, et al.Comparison of on-load voltage methods in artificial contamination test for insulators[J]. High Voltage Engineering, 2013, 39(1): 44-53. [22] 李健. 染污绝缘表面电弧发展机理及时变模型的研究[D]. 北京: 清华大学, 2013. Li Jian.Study of the mechanism of arc propagation over a pol-luted insulation surface and the time-varying model[D]. Beijing: Tsinghua University, 2013 [23] 杨昊. 交流电压下湿污绝缘表面闪络过程研究[D]. 西安: 西安交通大学, 2016. Yang Hao.Study on the Flashover Process over the wet con-taminated surface under AC high voltage[D]. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, 2016. [24] 高晋, 郭思华, 韩兴波, 等. 绝缘子表面三维覆冰特性的影响因素[J]. 电工技术学报, 2021, 36(14): 3072-3080. Gao Jin, Guo Sihua, Han Xingbo, et al.Influence factors of three-dimensional icing characteristics on insulators[J]. Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, 2021, 36(14): 3072-3080. [25] 黄鑫娟, 周洁敏, 刘伯扬. 自适应混合高斯背景模型的运动目标检测方法[J]. 计算机应用, 2010, 30(1): 71-74. Huang Xinjuan, Zhou Jiemin, Liu Boyang.Moving objects detection approach based on adaptive mixture Gaussian background model[J]. Journal of Computer Applications, 2010, 30(1): 71-74. [26] 武建文, 王毅, 王季梅. 真空电弧电子扩散过程及电弧半径的研究[J]. 高压电器, 1997, 33(3): 8-11, 21. Wu Jianwen, Wang Yi, Wang Jimei.A study on electron dissipation process and arc radius in vacuum arc[J]. High Voltage Apparatus, 1997, 33(3): 8-11, 21. [27] 董华军, 温超阳, 孙鹏, 等. 基于正交实验新型真空灭弧室触头磁场仿真与参数优化设计[J]. 电工技术学报, 2022, 37(21): 5598-5606. Dong Huajun, Wen Chaoyang, Sun Peng, et al.Simulation and optimization of the contact magnetic field of a new type of vacuum interrupter based on orthogonal experiment[J]. Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, 2022, 37(21): 5598-5606. [28] 郭富胜. 污秽绝缘沿面直流放电流注特性及电弧发展的能量平衡模型研究[D]. 重庆: 重庆大学, 2012. Guo Fusheng.Study on the streamer characteristics along the polluted insulation surface and the development arc energy balance model under DC voltage[D]. Chongqing: Chongqing University, 2012. [29] Rizk F A M. Mathematical models for pollution flashover[J]. Electra, 1981, 78: 71-103. [30] 黄亚飞, 蒋兴良, 杨国林, 等. 不同配置形式倒T型布置绝缘子串直流冰闪特性研究[J]. 电工技术学报, 2021, 36(24): 5294-5303. Huang Yafei, Jiang Xingliang, Yang Guolin, et al.DC flashover characteristics of the iced-covered inverted T-type insulator strings with different configuration[J]. Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, 2021, 36(24): 5294-5303. [31] 范超, 张血琴, 郭裕钧, 等. 绝缘材料表面污秽颗粒积聚规律研究[J]. 高压电器, 2022, 58(11): 212-220. Fan Chao, Zhang Xueqin, Guo Yujun, et al.Study on accumulation of contamination particles on surface of insulating materials[J]. High Voltage Apparatus, 2022, 58(11): 212-220.
2024, Vol. 39 
