Development of a Simple Experimental Setup for the Study of the Formation of Dry Bands on Composite Insulators

This paper introduces a new geometry for the study of dry band formation. Firstly, thermoelectric simulation 69 kV uniformly polluted composite insulator was performed. The results obtained show that thermal stress is greater at rod surface where current density maximum. In order to experimentally reproduce constriction lines on surface, which cause formation, development simple geometric setup, then tested experimentally, proposed. For this purpose, an ESDD value corresponding high level pollution used each sample, and samples were placed in climate chamber constant 90% relative humidity ambient temperature 20 °C. Low-voltage tests permitted determination wetting duration, corresponds maximum conductance layer. values agree with 10–40 min duration recommended IEC 60507. Moreover, performed higher voltage demonstrated efficiency proposed setup simulate complex process formation reproducible way terms leakage behavior. method can be easily by electrical industry develop material next generation overhead line insulators without requiring costly HV equipment.