Prediction of Suspension Insulator Condition Using Harmonics Ratio Based Method

Abstract

Suspension insulators play a vital role in the power system network. However, Different types of pollutants easily contaminate an insulator deployed in an open environment. A conductive channel can form over the suspension insulator's surface due to an increase in contamination level, leading to a current flow between the transmission line system and the supporting structures. As pollution and humidity levels rise, the extent of the leakage current grows. This phenomenon may cause flashover and even failure of the power system network. As a result, the amount of contamination on the porcelain insulator disc must be determined in order to keep the power system steady and smooth. In this context, an 11kV porcelain disc insulator is used in the present work. Thereafter, the Harmonics Ratio Method is applied on the measured leakage current profiles to obtain helpful information regarding insulator surface contamination.