Analysis of Icing Effects on Polymer Post Insulators: Numerical and Experimental Approach

Abstract

 Icing on insulators is a significant issue in cold climates, especially during winter. This can cause reduced electrical conductivity, increased leakage current, and mechanical stress on the insulator. Moreover, ice accumulation can lead to flashovers and power outages, jeopardizing electrical system reliability. Ice formation on insulator surfaces often results in a non-uniform distribution of electric field intensity, creating localized areas of elevated field strength and increasing the risk of flashover or failure. Understanding icing effects on insulators is crucial. Advanced numerical simulations, such as finite element analysis, enable visualization and quantification of electric field variations due to icing. This method helps identify high-risk areas with elevated electric field intensity, essential for assessing flashover or failure risks. By incorporating icing effects into numerical models, valuable insights can be gained for developing preventive measures and maintenance schedules, ensuring reliable operation in cold climates. This study uses finite element analysis to examine electric field intensity in critical regions of post-insulators under various icing scenarios, including different ice thicknesses. This comprehensive approach identifies critical areas with peak electric field intensity. Additionally, experimental evaluations will be conducted to validate numerical findings and enhance understanding of icing implications on insulators.