Influence of load-shedding and night on SiR insulator environmental aging under AC test voltages

Abstract

Insulators play a critical role in healthy transmission under the influence of operational stresses (OSs). OSs include environmental stresses (ultraviolet-radiations, seasonal heat and humidity variations, and pollution (inert and active), etc.) and electrical stresses (electric field distribution, corona, etc.). OSs can deteriorate insulators, jeopardizing the healthy transmission. In this experimental study, four silicon rubber (SiR) insulators with different concentrations of micro and nano-silica fillers are tested in a specially designed and fabricated compact environmental chamber for 1920 h under OSs, un-scheduled load shedding, and night factors for more realistic field insulators deterioration characteristics. Insulators' potential distribution, electrical field distribution, hydrophobicity, and leakage current characteristics are considered. Experimental results reveal OSs affected insulators' leakage current profile due to hydrophobicity loss and electric field distribution variations. Moreover, SiR insulators under OSs regained insulation characteristics due to heavier inner molecule replacement to the dissipated and degraded outer lower weight insulating molecules. This property provides a reusability opportunity for SiR insulators in power system networks, unlike traditional insulators.

Defects Impact on PV System GHG Mitigation Potential and Climate Change

“…PV systems mainly comprised of PV panels, and inverters have manufacturing limitations defined by the manufacturer on the respective component's datasheet [25]. Moreover, component performance declines over time due to the aging effect [6]. Additionally, the PV system based on geographical location may suffer from yield limitations.…”

“…Environmental stresses include ultraviolet radiations, inert and active pollution, rain, snow, etc. [6]. These factors reduce the PV system's performance [7].…”