Abstract
The crossarm is an important component of transmission towers, providing insulation for transmission lines at different voltage ratings. Recently, composite crossarms were widely used as a composite tower component and were found to be the most favorable choice for replacing old wooden crossarms. Owing to the satisfactory pilot operation and multiple sets of testing, fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite crossarms have been used in Malaysia in both 132 and 275 kV transmission lines since the late 1990′s. Since then, some modifications have been proposed to improve the mechanical performance of the crossarm, in order to ensure the reliability of its performance. In this investigation, the effect of a proposed improvement, achieved by installing a brace for the crossarm, was investigated numerically. A simulation study was conducted, with a consideration of the lightning impulse voltage (LIV) and swing angle exhibited by the crossarm. The potential and electric field (E-Field) distribution were analyzed and are presented in this paper. It was found that the potential distribution and E-Field strength for the crossarm and the surrounding air were greatly affected by the installation of the brace.
Highlights
Nowadays, composite crossarms are widely used on transmission lines
During the peak moment of the lightning impulse voltage, the crossarm is exposed to the largest voltage and suffers the highest electrical stresses
10.6%, respectively; The brace installation and insulator swing greatly influenced the maximum electric field (E-Field) found on both the fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) surface and across the air
Summary
The development of composite insulation was made possible thanks to the success of fiberglass production and composite crossarms based on it in the field. 275 kV transmission lines are being replaced by the proposed FRP crossarm. FRP, FRP, as as aacomposite composite material, material, is is recognized recognized for for its its light light weight, weight, strong, strong, and and robust robust properties Despite these advantages, FRP is vulnerable to ageing and degradation, which can can be be related related to to environmental and electrical stresses [3]. The magnitude of the electrical field on insulating materials such as FRP should be at at aa minimum minimum to to avoid avoid tracking tracking and and erosion erosion due due to to partial partial discharges. The electric electric field field distribution distribution of crossarm can can only only be be evaluated evaluated numerically, for example, example, by using the Finite
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