Experimental study and mathematical modelling of flashover on extra-high voltage insulators covered with ice

摘要

Using a test method developed at the high-voltage laboratory of the NSERC/Hydro-Quebec/UQAC Industrial Chair on Atmospheric Icing of Power Network Equipment (CIGELE), the relation between the minimum flashover voltage V_(MF) and the insulator dry arcing distance for standard porcelain station post insulators, as typically used in Hydro-Quebec substations, was investigated under icing conditions. The experimental results show that, under wet-grown ice, known as the most dangerous type of ice for power transmission systems, the V_(MF) increases nonhnearly with an increase in insulator length. Based on these results, an improved mathematical model for predicting the critical flashover voltage versus length of ice-covered insulators is presented. This model is helpful for understanding the flashover phenomenon on ice-covered insulators and presents a powerful tool for choosing the proper length of outdoor insulators in cold climate regions.