Electric Field Simulation of Typical Defects in the Epoxy/Paper Composites Insulated Tubular Bus

Abstract

Many failures had occurred in operation of insulated tubular bus because of the poor product quality, and its primary reason was that some defects were led into the insulation system in the production, then the local electric field would increase and then result in partial discharge, which could accelerate the aging and even breakdown of the materials. In this research, a 1/4 three-dimensional model was established according to the actual structure of insulated tubular bus, and the simulation results obtained from static electric field and quasi-static electric field were compared. Besides, the electric field distribution of insulated tubular bus with typical defects was simulated based on ANSYS software. These three defects were air void, moisture and damage of semi-conducting layer. The simulation results showed that the electric field distribution of insulated tubular bus with typical defects was more suitable with quasi-static electric field simulating. The maximum electric field value was different with different defects, and dependent on the location and size of defects.