Simulation of the electric field of a polymer bushing in the Ansys Maxwell software environment

Abstract

The article analyses the software tools for modelling the maps of the electric field strength of insulators. The need to address this issue is dictated by the fact that the uneven electric field on the insulators increases the probability of partial discharges that destroy the insulating layer, so it is very important to optimize the electric field strength on the insulator. The design features of bushings and features of partial discharges in them are considered. The distribution of electric field strength in a polymer pass-through operating in an AC network without contaminants is considered. The results of modelling the electric field of insulators in the software environment Ansys Maxwell, which is based on the simulation of the finite element method, are presented. Points in the construction of a 35 kV bushing polymer insulator have been identified, where the highest level of electric field strength is concentrated. A method of influencing the area under study in the area of the flange connection to the ground plate is proposed. This defines the use of a conductive cover placed between the flange and the place of connection to the polymeric insulating layer, which significantly improves the overall electric field strength distribution on the surface of the bushing polymer insulator and makes it competitive compared to the most commonly used porcelain bushings, by increasing the electrical strength of the structure. According to the results of research, a means of optimizing the electric field of the pass-through polymer insulator is proposed, which allows to increase its electric resistance and reduce the electric field strength in the area of flange contact with the mounting surface, which in turn prevents premature partial discharges in the insulating bodies.