World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology

International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering

Vol:10, No:7, 2016

Electric Field Analysis and Experimental Evaluation

of 400 kV Silicone Composite Insulator
M. Nageswara Rao, N. Sumathi, V. S. N. K. Chaitanya

 ways to protect it and to provide maximum electrical

Abstract—In electrical power system, high voltage insulators are insulation between the attachment ends [3].
necessary for consistent performance. All insulators are exposed to
different mechanical and electrical stresses. Mechanical stresses
occur due to various loads such as wind load, hardware and
International Science Index, Electronics and Communication Engineering Vol:10, No:7, 2016 waset.org/Publication/10006035

conductors weight. Electrical stresses are due to over voltages and

operating voltages. The performance analysis of polymer insulators is
an essential, as most of the electrical utility companies are employing
polymer insulators for new and updated transmission lines. In this
paper, electric field is analyzed for 400 kV silicone (SiR) composite
insulator by COULOMB 3D software based on boundary element Fig. 1 Polymer Insulator [3]
method. The field results are compared with EPRI reference values.
Our results proved that values at critical regions are very less
compared to EPRI reference values. And also experimentally 400 kV For better performance of the high voltage insulators, the
single V suspension string is evaluated as per IEC standards. analysis of electric field and potential distribution along the
insulator is must. In the past, laboratory experiments were
Keywords—Electric field analysis, silicone composite insulator, performed to calculate the electric field along insulators due to
boundary element method, RIV, Corona. the lack of efficient computational techniques. At present,
there are various methods of electric field calculations. They
I. INTRODUCTION can be categorized into experimental field analysis methods,

I NSULATORS play a vital role in electrical power systems

such as transmission lines, sub-stations and distribution
systems. Insulators have gone through a rapid change in their
analytical methods and numerical analysis methods [1], [2].
These methods have their own advantages and disadvantages;
therefore, it is advisable to choose a suitable method as per the
design and the type of material used for manufacturing it. requirements of the analysis. Analytical methods are suitable
Failures after installation are minimized by these changes. In for simple geometries. With the computing power available
the early days, insulators are made of glass and ceramic today, numerical methods can provide accurate electric field
materials. During course of development process, polymeric calculations along high voltage equipment.
insulators (SiR) are developed and proposed due to its Numerical methods are highly recommended for initial
advantages compared to ceramic and glass insulators, such as design stages of composite insulators used in EHV and UHV
hydrophobicity property, light weight, better pollution systems in order to avoid the high cost of running laboratory
performances and easy handling, maintenance free, and tests. It is divided into various methods. Among all these
considerably low of cost etc., Because of all these attributes, it methods, Charge Simulation Method (CSM) is implemented
is becoming more popular all over the world and common by He and Gorur [1] to analyze electric field for 500 kV
glass and ceramic insulators are replaced by polymer HVDC insulator under dry and wet conditions and results are
insulators [1], [2]. compared with AC insulator. These results help in optimizing
Polymeric insulators are designed by three important the grading ring and corona ring. Finite Element Method
components. They are core, weather sheds and metal fittings [FEM] is used by Li et al. [2] to compute electric field analysis
as shown in Fig. 1. The core consists of axially aligned glass for 500 kV AC transmission lines. Electric field and potential
fibers bonded together by means of an organic resin. The end distribution along the surface of the polymer (SiR) insulator
fittings are attached to core by crimping to develop the with and without water droplet is simulated by FEM [3]. It is
required mechanical strength. The weather sheds are used for proved that contaminations have no effect on potential
protection of the core from moisture, UV rays, acid rains, distribution along the insulator surface. Electric field
pollution contaminations [3]. It is made from polymer distributions are dependent on contamination conditions. Long
materials (SiR) that have been compounded for outdoor rod insulators are modeled by Comsol multi-physics and FEM
electrical applications. It is applied over the core in various is used [4] to identify the maximum electric field stress exists
on the insulator.
In this paper, COULOMB 3D software package is used
based on the concept of Boundary Element Method [BEM].
M. Nageswara Rao, N. Sumathi, and V.S.N.K. Chaitanya are Assistant
Professors with the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, This is based on boundary integral equations and the principle
UCEK, JNT University, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India (e-mail: of weighted residuals. Calculations for the potential function
nagjntuk@gmail.com, eeesuma@gmail.com, chaitu824@gmail.com).

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 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering
Vol:10, No:7, 2016

are made by calculating an equivalent source which sustains The numerical analysis is carried out on a 3.16 GHz
the required electric field at a given point. It is mandatory for processor, 4 GB RAM. Relevant material properties are
the function to satisfy the boundary conditions. The most assigned for different parts of the model. Table II lists basic
important feature of BEM is that it requires discretization of properties like relative permittivity and thermal conductivity
surfaces rather than volume. This decreases the order of the of the materials used for modeling. Material properties
problem and also gives more accurate results. assigned for the model are shown in Fig. 2.
The radio and television (RI and TVI) interference may
TABLE II
arise due to electrical discharges run on insulators. Corona MATERIAL AND THEIR PROPERTIES USED IN MODELING
discharge on the surface of electrodes, leaky surface and spark Material Relative permittivity Thermal conductivity (Mho/m)
between metal fittings are some of the electrical discharges. Silicone 3 1e-017
Among all these discharges, surface discharges can be Fiber Glass 5 1e-012
prevented by hydrophobic treatment. This not only inhibits Steel 1 1670000
dry-band formation but also gives good voltage grading. The
International Science Index, Electronics and Communication Engineering Vol:10, No:7, 2016 waset.org/Publication/10006035

surface corona may avoid the usual power loss. The above
mentioned discharges are weather dependent. Surface corona
is a fair weather phenomenon; for this reason, insulator corona
inception voltage is always higher than normal voltages.
In this paper, electric field analysis is done for 400 kV
Silicone Composite Insulator by using COULOMB 3D
software based on BEM. Radio Interference Voltage (RIV)
and corona inception and extinction tests are carried out for
400 kV silicone composite insulator for single-V suspension
string as per IEC and IS standards.

II. ELECTRIC FIELD ANALYSIS Fig. 2 Assigning material properties to different parts of Composite
Insulator in COULOMB
A. Boundary Element Method
C. Assigning Boundary Conditions
The software package COULOMB applies the appropriate
inner product for each element, depending on the boundary After assigning material properties, rated line-to-ground
conditions. A major difficulty in the integral equation voltage (i.e., 420/√3=242 kV) is applied to the high voltage
approach is the integration of green function singularity. This end fitting and zero (0 V) volts to the grounded end fitting of
occurs when the observation points coincide with the source the composite insulator. The next step is to define the angular
points being calculated. COULOMB handles this singularity periodic sections. For the ease in construction of the model
by further dividing the singularity and using different and reduction in the computation time, only angular sections
transformations in order to remove them. For the analysis of of the rotational symmetric model are considered. It is
electric field in insulators, Boundary Element Analysis is an essential to specify the section angle and also the number of
efficient method. It gives high accuracy while decreasing the sections required to complete one insulator. The number of
dimensionality of the problem by one. Generally, insulators sections is given by 360° divided by the angle of the section
are rotational symmetric. COULOMB makes use of this considered.
advantage by considering only angular sections of the entire D. Assigning Boundary Elements
geometry for calculations. This reduces the computation time The boundaries in the model need to be discretized into
significantly. There are also means to check the accuracy of individual sections, referred to as boundary elements. The
results. distribution, number and shape of these elements are the key
B. Assigning Material Properties factors that determine the accuracy of the solution. BEM
To design the insulator model, basic dimensions like length generally uses 2D elements for analysis purpose. In this paper,
of the insulator, creepage distance and dry arcing distance are 2D triangular elements were chosen as it is relatively simple to
required. They need to meet with IEC and IS standards. assign 2D triangular elements to any surface when compared
Insulator dimensions are measured as per IEC 61109 [5] and to 2D quadrilateral elements which can be assigned to only
are shown in Table I. four sided surfaces. 2D view and 2D triangular elements of the
insulator model are shown in Fig. 3.
TABLE I The accuracy of the results obtained gets better with
DIMENSIONS OF 400KV SILICONE COMPOSITE INSULATOR increasing the number of the elements assigned. In hindsight,
Voltage Sectional Dry Arcing Creepage Specific this might cause an unreasonable increase in the computation
Rating Length Distance Distance Mechanical
(KV) (mm) (mm) (mm) Load (KN) time. Therefore, a trade-off between accuracy and
420 3335 3060 13020 90 computation time has to be made. Initial runs were carried out
in order to establish the optimum number of 2D triangular
elements keeping both these factors in mind.

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 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering
Vol:10, No:7, 2016

Fig. 3 2D view and 2D Triangular boundary elements assigned along

Silicone Composite Insulator in COULOMB
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E. Electric Field Analysis Results

The following steps are carried out in the process of
computing the electric field distribution:
i. Identification of regions of critical Importance.
ii. Modeling of insulator using BEM.
iii. Analysis of electric fields at critical regions.
i. Identification of Regions of Critical Importance:
Fig. 5 Voltage Distribution along FRP
The regions with maximum electric field inside the different
dielectric materials of the insulator and around the insulator
have to be identified to check the design of the insulator. The
regions of critical importance are:
1. Inside the FRP (fiber reinforced polymer)
2. Inside the SiR (silicone rubber)
3. At triple point junction
4. On surface of SiR
ii. Modeling of Insulator Using BEM
The HV Terminal along with the grading ring is energized
with 242 kV (420 kV/√3) and LV terminal at 0 V. The electric
field is computed using electrostatic 3D COULOMB software.
Insulator model used to analyze Boundary Element Method is
shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 Voltage Distribution along SiR

Electric fields inside FRP and inside SiR are shown in Figs.
7 and 8.

Fig. 4 Insulator used for Boundary Element Analysis (end fittings)

iii. Analysis of Electric Fields at Critical Regions
The voltage distribution and electric field distribution in and
around the insulator is calculated using COULOMB 3D
software. Fig. 5 shows voltage distribution along FRP. Fig. 6
shows voltage distribution along SiR.

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International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering
Vol:10, No:7, 2016
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Fig. 8 Electric field inside SiR

Fig. 7 Electric field inside FRP

Fig. 9 Electric Field at Triple Point Junction

The maximum electric field value occurs at the triple point. critical regions are very less when compared with EPRI
Triple point is a point where, insulating housing material, reference values.
energized end fitting and air are located. When we apply more
TABLE III
voltage, stresses will be higher at that point. Electric field at ELECTRIC FIELD ANALYSIS RESULTS
triple point junction is shown in Fig. 9. Critical Regions of the Observed Values Reference
Electric field on the surface of the SiR is shown in Fig.10. S.No
Insulator (kV/mm) Values (kV/mm)
The field results of maximum electric field Intensities at the a Inside FRP 0.798 3
critical areas (kV/mm) are tabulated in Table III. The results b Inside Silicone Rubber(SiR) 0.84 3
are compared with EPRI reference values [6]-[8]. Allowable c At Triple Point Junction 0.615 1.5
maximum field intensities at critical regions of the insulator d On Surface of SiR 0.302 0.45
are given in EPRI. By using BEM, the field intensities at

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 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
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Vol:10, No:7, 2016

mounted in suspension mode, test sample is energized as per

the circuit shown in Fig. 12.
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Fig. 12 RIV Test Arrangement

ii. Test Procedure
Fig. 10 Electric field on the Surface of SiR
Complete Insulator String along with complete hardware
fittings has a measuring frequency of 1 MHz subjected to 50
III. EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
Hz AC voltage of 305 kV line to ground under dry condition.
A. Test Sample Test is conducted as per IEC 60437 [9]. As per specification
Based on the purpose of testing, the tests to be performed 110% of the test voltage (i.e. 335.5 kV) is maintained for five
on polymeric insulator are classified in to four categories as minutes from this point the voltage is gradually decreased up
design tests, type tests, sample and routine tests. Type tests are to 30% of the test voltage and respective RIV level is noted.
intended to verify the main characteristics of the insulators, And from 30% to 110% of the test voltage is gradually
which depend mainly on the shape and size. increased and RIV level is noted. Final RIV level values are
tabulated taking in the decreasing test voltage gradually from
110% to 30% [9]. Test results are tabulated in Table IV.
TABLE IV
RIV TEST RESULTS
Test Voltage RIV Level
kV (RMS) (µV)
335.5 758
305 691
274.5 631
244 616
213.5 562
183 524
Fig. 11 Single-V Suspension String
152.5 457
122 426
Interference with radio and television (RI and TVI) may
91.5 375
arise when electrical discharges run on insulators and inject
high-frequency currents into associated conductors, which
radiate electromagnetic waves. On insulator string, RIV and Characteristics are drawn between test voltage and RIV
Corona effects will be much higher. In this paper, RIV test and level as shown in Fig. 13. As per standard at 100% of the test
Corona inception and extinction tests are performed on 400 voltage RIV level should not be more than 1000 µV. The test
kV Single-V Suspension string as shown in Fig. 11. Insulator results show that at 305 kV (100%), RIV level is 691 µV.
dimensions are as per Table I. Specific creepage distance of Correction factor is applied as per IEC 60060-1 and 60060-2
the insulator is 31 mm/kV (very heavy polluted). [10]-[11].

B. RIV Test
i. Test Arrangement
Samples are mounted as per Fig. 11. Before starting the test,
all string hardware bolts need to be tightened. In this paper,
twin-moose conductors are used for testing. After string is

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 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering
Vol:10, No:7, 2016

800
UHV composite insulators. Among various numerical electric
700 field analysis techniques, BEM is chosen to carry out this
RIV Level (micro volts)

600 work. Designing included establishing optimum number of

500 boundary element conditions in order to obtain an accurate
400
solution keeping the computation time reasonable. For 400 kV
silicone composite insulator with corona ring at both HV and
300
ground ends, Electric Field Analysis (EFA) is performed by
200
COULOMB 3D software. The corresponding simulated EFA
100 values are less when compared to reference EPRI values. RIV
0 and corona inception and extinction tests are carried out for
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Test Voltage kV (rms)
400 kV silicone composite insulator under single-V
suspension string with twin-moose conductors. RIV level at
Fig. 13 RIV Characteristics 100% of voltage (305 kV) is 691 µV. Corona is not present at
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C. Corona Inception and Extinction Test 266 kV (rms). Corona Inception and extinction voltages are
395 kV (rms) and 384 kV (rms).
i. Test Arrangement
Samples are mounted as per Fig. 11. After string is mounted ACKNOWLEDGMENT
in suspension mode, test sample is connected across voltage We acknowledge our gratitude to Deccan Enterprises
divider as shown in Fig. 14. Limited for their support in completion of this work.

REFERENCES
[1] Jiahong He,Ravi S. Gorur “Charge Simulation Based Electric Field
Analysis of Composite Insulators for HVDC Lines,” IEEE Transactions
on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation.,vol. 21, no. 6, pp.2541-2548,
Dec. 2014.
[2] Jing Li, Zongren Peng, Yong Feng, Xiaoyong Fu, Tianxi Xie “Electric
Field Calculation and Grading Ring Optimization of Composite
Insulator for 500kV AC Transmission Lines,” International Conference
on Solid Dielectrics, Potsdam, Germany., pp.1-4, July. 2010.
[3] B. Marungsri, W. Onchantuek, A. Oonsivilai, T. Kulworawanichpong
“Analysis of Electric Field and Potential Distribution along Surface of
Silicone Rubber Insulators under various contamination conditions using
Finite Element Method,” International Journal of Electrical and
Computer Engineering, pp.156-166, March. 2010.
[4] Rahul Krishnan, Subhajit Samanta, Sudha R&K Govardhan “Electric
Field Analysis of High Voltage Insulators,” International Journal of
Computer Science and Informatics., ISSN:2231-5292, vol. 1, Iss.4,
pp.31-35, 2012.
[5] IEC Standard-61009 “Insulators for Overhead Lines Composite
Fig. 14 Corona Test Arrangement Suspension and Tension Insulators for A.C. Overhead Lines with a
Nominal Voltage Greater Than 1 000 V Definitions, Test Methods and
ii. Test Procedure Acceptance Criteria”, 2008.
The Sample assembly subjected to power frequency [6] Field Guide: “Corona rings for polymer insulators-selection, inspection
voltage. Under dry condition corona is not present at 266 kV and assessment 1008741”, EPRI. Pala Alto, CA, Mar.2005.
[7] Field Guide: “visual inspection of NCI: Ricision 1”, EPRI. Pala Alto,
(rms). As per IS731 corona should not be present on any part CA 1008739, May.2004.
of the sample and string at 266 kV [12]. The test results are [8] Field Guide: “Corona and Arcing Inspection of transmission lines”,
shown in Table V. EPRI. Pala Alto, CA 1001910, Oct.2001.
[9] IEC Standard-60437 “Radio Interference test on High Voltage
Insulators”, 2005.
TABLE V
[10] IEC Standard-60060-1 “High voltage Test Techniques Part-1 General
CORONA TEST RESULTS
Definitions and Test Requirements”, 2010.
Corona inception Corona extinction [11] IEC Standard-60060-2 “High voltage Test Techniques Part-2 Measuring
Voltage kV (rms) Voltage kV (rms) Systems”, 2010.
395 384 [12] IS Standard-731 “Specification for Porcelain Insulators for Overhead
Power Lines With A Nominal Voltage Greater Than 1 000 V”, 2001.

IV. CONCLUSION
This paper is aimed to analyze electric field for 400 kV
silicone composite insulator used in transmission systems with
the aid of BEM by COULOMB 3D software. This method can
be used to investigate the various factors that affect the
electric field and voltage distribution along composite
insulator. This tool is extremely useful in designing EHV and

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