PERFORMANCE OF 400KV LINE INSULATORS UNDER

POLLUTION

ABSTRACT
In many parts of the world, Insulator contamination has become major impediment to the
uninterrupted supply of electrical power. Outdoor insulators are subjected to nature Polluted
environmental contaminants, which may include sea salt, cement dust, fly ash, birds droppings,
industrial emissions etc. deposit on their surface With the increasing industrialization not only
the degree of pollution but also the type of pollution has an effect on the performance of the
insulators. In the present work. Experimental investigation of the Performance of 400 kV line
ceramic insulators under Pollution is studied. Flashover under dense fog conditions on 400 kV
Kanpur-Obra line has been investigated. For these investigations, four single ceramic insulator
discs of the actual line were made available. Two out of which was used one and other two were
unused (new). One each old and new was of 160 kN and other two was of 120kN mechanical
strength ratings. Different failure modes of the Insulators were investigated. Pollutant Layer on
the insulator was analyzed using X-ray Diffraction meter. It showed that the Pollutant dust layer
on insulators contained a large percentage of NaCl, KOH, and Caso4.2h20. Flashover tests under
different simulated atmospheric conditions were performed. Experimental results revealed that
under Polluted and wet conditions, the flashover voltage falls below 10 kV whereas it was
measured to be more than 60 kV under Polluted and dry conditions. Experimental results did not
have a significant difference for old and new insulators. Capacitance’s of old and new insulators
were measured with the help of Schering Bridge Surface gradient estimation on the three Phases
of the line has been made. The voltage distribution across the insulator string has also been
estimated. Remedies are suggested for reducing flashover on polluted lines. Literature study
revealed non - ceramic insulators are more effective under polluted conditions. Particularly RTV
Silicone coated ceramic insulators have been found very effective under polluted conditions.

SUBMITTED BY
K.SRAVAN KUMAR (15BT5A0207)

INTERENALGUIDE HOD OF EEE

Mr.K.Muniyasamy Mr.A.kurmaiah
Asst.Prof. Assoc.Prof.