Applicability of Dimensional Analysis for the Prediction of Pollution Performance of Insulators: An Experimental Study

What is it about?

In this research work, dimensional analysis is used to determine the maximum withstand pollution severity level (represented as volume conductivity) of an insulator as a function of its profile parameters and applied voltage. In order to validate the derived dimensional equation, the maximum withstand severity tests have been carried out on 15 different profiles of cap and pin insulators for 220 kV and 400 kV systems by salt fog test method. The developed dimensional equation is used as a predictive model to determine maximum withstand severity of insulator by assuming corrective constants. By analysing the mean square error and root mean square error, the proposed model is found to be in agreement with experimental results.

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Why is it important?

The article proposes a homogeneity condition satisfying dimensional equation which predicts the pollution performance of the insulator strings from its profile parameters. The validity of the derived dimensional equation is verified by carrying out experimental studies at 220 kV and 400 kV system voltages on different profiles of insulators. The output of this research work will be helpful for the testing and design engineers in outdoor insulation studies.

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