Investigation on shed icicle characteristics and induced surface discharges along a suspension insulator string during ice accretion. Issue 5 (24th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Yong; Farzaneh, Masoud; Du, Boxue
• Is Part Of: IET generation, transmission & distribution. Volume 11:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 1265
• Page End: 1269
• Publication Date: 2017-01-24
• Subjects: ice -- surface discharges -- insulators -- air gaps; shed icicle characteristics -- induced surface discharges -- suspension insulator string -- ice accretion -- dynamic process -- high‐speed camera -- insulator performance -- electric field strength -- air breakdown strength -- ice accumulation -- air gaps -- insulator shed surface; Electric power production -- Periodicals; Electric power transmission -- Periodicals; Electric power distribution -- Periodicals; 621.3105
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-gtd.2016.1238
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8687

Abstract

Abstract : This investigation focuses on the dynamic process of ice accretion and induced surface discharges along a suspension insulator string in relation with the icicle characteristics in icing conditions. Using a high‐speed camera to record the insulator performance, the growth parameters of icicles at different shed edges were calculated and the characteristics of surface discharges were analysed with regards to the lapse time of ice accretion. It was found that the electric field strength can be quickly enhanced to the threshold value of air breakdown strength at the initial stage of ice accumulation, resulting in weak and unstable discharges at the air gaps between the icicles and the insulator shed surface. As the icicle kept elongating toward ice bridging, the discharges became stronger and more stable. The obtained results will be helpful to improve the operating safety of suspension insulators of power networks subjected to icing.