Reforming time measurement of hydrophobic and hydrophilic insulator surface via centroid tracking

Abstract

Flashover between insulator surfaces is the most serious issue impacting power system stability related to power failures. It is caused by insulator surface degradation, which causes a flashover loss in insulation efficiency due to a change in the hydrophobicity class (HC) described in IEC TS 62073. The surface tension method is one of the measurement techniques used in this study. This study aimed to research an algorithm for transitioning from conventional measurement methods to a suggested approach for classifying surface tension based on the reforming time that applies to the centroid tracking technique. This research provides manual input for the automated image processing method. The main method is centroid tracking segmentation in a wet area (CTSWA). The comparative timing between adjacent manual frames was examined, yielding results known as ground truth (GT), and our approach (CTSWA) was demonstrated. Most results had a reforming time variance of less than 3% compared to GT. The use of the studied method yields three benefits, including automatic reforming time verification, which can produce acceptable results from more sensitive and reliable insulator inspections. It can also be applied to preventive maintenance planning (PM). Additionally, it reduces the limitations of human decision-making.