Detection of Damaged Distribution Surge Arresters Using an Impulse Generator

Abstract

SUMMARYDistribution surge arresters with an internal series gap have been installed on Japanese distribution lines at high density to reduce lightning‐related overvoltages. In contrast, surge arresters are sometimes damaged by direct lightning strokes, particularly in winter. Measurement of the insulation resistance between the terminals of the surge arrester and measurement of the dc discharge voltage of the surge arrester are generally adopted to detect damaged arresters. However, if metal‐oxide (MO) varistors are damaged and the internal series gap is not damaged, it is difficult to detect damaged arresters by the two conventional methods. Therefore, this paper presents a proposed detection method that can accurately detect damaged arresters. In the proposed method, first, the voltage between the terminals of the surge arrester is measured when the output of an impulse generator is applied to the surge arrester. Second, the damaged arrester is detected by comparison between its voltage waveform and the voltage waveform of the nondamaged arrester. The detection rate of damaged arresters by the proposed method is markedly higher than the rates of detection by the two conventional methods.