New optimization method on electric field distribution of composite insulator

Abstract

Due to the geometry configure of composite insulator, the electric field strength near the two ends of composite insulator is always strong. The high electric field strength can cause the partial discharge on the insulation material and the surface of the metal electrodes, and bring premature aging of the insulator. In this paper, a new optimization method on the electric field distribution of composite insulator is put forward, which is the combined use of composite insulators and several units of glass insulator. Based on the finite element method, a three-dimensional electric field calculation model of insulators in the transmission line is established. Then the optimization conditions of surface potential and electric field distribution of composite insulator with glass insulator installed in the high voltage end of composite insulator at different levels of voltage is studied. The results show that by this method, the electric field distribution near the ends of composite insulators is significantly reduced, which can prevent the partial discharge and the aging of the composite material. Finally, this paper recommends the number of glass insulators which should be installed at the high voltage end of composite insulator at different voltage levels.