Simulation of Electrical Performance of Algae Contaminated Silicone Rubber

Abstract

Algae grow extensively on the silicone rubber insulators in Sichuan province, affecting the external insulation performance of the composite insulating material surface, increasing the risk of pollution flashover of the insulator, and threatening the power system operation stability. Studying the growth regularity of algae contamination and the influence of external insulation performance have great significance to the composite insulators operation and maintenance. Simulating the voltage, electric field, and heat loss of the silicone rubber material surface covered by algae, it is found that the algae could cause an electric field distortion on the insulator surface, making temperature rise. It is proposed that the algae affect the conductivity and flashover characteristics of the outer insulating surface. At the same time, it is proposed that apoptotic algae cells still have electrical conductivity, which proves that the means of killing and incomplete removal cannot completely eliminate the influence of green algae on the insulators electrical properties.