Abstract
Reliable performance of a Zinc Oxide surge arrester is highly dependent on its energy absorption capability. This paper presents two simple but promising approaches for enhancement of this property: one with an alternative sintering orientation and the other with the changed geometry of arrester discs to provide higher surface to volume (S/V) ratio. Several sintering orientations including the control (or conventional) process were tried and assessed. Some of these attempts have demonstrated quite superior results which might be linked to lower level of contamination during sintering. Study conducted to observe the effect of the higher surface to volume (S/V) ratio through geometrical modification of the discs from cylindrical to hexagonal shape has also demonstrated improved outcome. Average energy absorption capability for the hexagonal discs was found to increase markedly which might be attributable to faster heat dissipation aided by higher S/V ratio preventing the discs from premature failure. Thus by combining the appropriate sintering orientation and the change in geometrical shape for higher (S/V) ratio, substantial enhancement of the arrester block capability is achievable which would be eventually helpful for improved protection of electrical system.
Highlights
Zinc oxide arresters are electronic ceramic devices, the primary function of which is to protect the electrical systems by sensing and limiting transient surges [1]
The findings on the influence of surface to volume (S/V) ratio in enhancing the energy absorption capability can be taken into consideration in designing the geometry of the device for improved functional reliability. Through this investigative study on sintering orientation and change of disc geometry leading to higher S/V ratio, some interesting results are obtained
The horizontal sintering technique is deemed to be significantly beneficial in terms of improved process capability as well as reduced cost for the processing of arrester blocks
Summary
Zinc oxide arresters are electronic ceramic devices, the primary function of which is to protect the electrical systems by sensing and limiting transient surges [1]. This metal-oxide varistor technology is widely applied now-a-days for voltage stabilization or transient surge suppression in electronic circuits and electrical power systems [2,3,4,5]. In addition to some finishing operations, varistor manufacture basically follows the route of conventional ceramic processing. Compared to the long history of ceramic materials, use of electronic ceramic as transient over-voltage suppression device is a recent development [6]
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