Enhancing Insulator Performance Using Field Reduction Electrodes:Simulation Analysis and Experimental Investigation of HV Disc Insulators

The insulator is a pivotal element in the electrical transmission system. It is also used in all electrical and electronic equipment to prevent electric current from passing through itself. In transmission lines, it separates the electric conductor from the overhead towers. To improve the performance of insulators, surface flashover should be reduced using a field reduction electrode. The objective of the present work is to minimize insulator flashover caused by faults or external factors at an early stage. In this study, a comparative analysis of the performance of High-Voltage (HV) disc insulator strings made of porcelain and polymer, with and without a Field Reduction Electrode (FRE), was conducted. Based on theoretical and practical values, it is evident that the withstand capacity, flashover resistance, and lifespan of the insulator can be enhanced by the proposed FRE methodology. The software simulation and characteristic study were conducted using ANSYS software also the effectiveness of the design structure was experimentally verified.