A COASTAL INSULATOR POLLUTION TEST STATION FOR THE EVALUATION OF THE RELATIVE AGEING PERFORMANCE OF POWER LINE INSULATORS UNDER AC AND DC VOLTAGE

摘要

This research is part of an ongoing programme of the investigation of the ageing performance of power line insulators. Previous work focused on the comparison of the ageing performance of different insulator materials, using the inclined plane and tracking wheel tests under AC and DC (both polarities) voltage. In this project a test station has been built at the site of the Koeberg Insulation Test Station (KIPTS) to allow testing at voltages up to 20 kV (rms AC and average DC) of insulators consisting of various materials and having different creepage lengths. The primary objective of this research is the evaluation of the ageing of power line insulators subjected to a severe marine pollution environment. The research will be conducted over a one year period, allowing coverage of all seasons of the year. This paper presents details of the design of the test station, outlines the procedures briefly and presents some preliminary results.