The Effect of Conductivity on Surface Leakage Currents on Iced-Covered Insulators

Abstract

Insulators on power transmission systems today are vital to ensuring the reliable and effective operation of high-voltage lines. However, it is inevitable that insulators will encounter problems such as contamination and icing due to natural environmental conditions and environmental factors. Pollution layers and ice buildup that have developed on insulator surfaces have a detrimental impact on insulation performance, increase surface leakage currents, and result in power line failures or interruptions. This article focuses on understanding the phenomena of contamination and icing in insulators, evaluating their effects, and investigating methods that can be taken to prevent or reduce these problems. For this purpose, solutions with different conductivity values were sprayed on the insulators in the laboratory environment, and ice covering the insulator surface was provided. Leakage currents were investigated by applying an alternating voltage with mains frequency to the insulators. Data were obtained with the help of the LabVIEW program, and the relationship of leakage currents of porcelain, glass, and silicone insulators with conductivity was compared.