HIGH VOLTAGE INSULATORS

By
Debojyoti Mukherjee
 Desirable characteristics of
insulating materials

Homogenity: to ensure that the dielectric constant is the same
throughout so that the electric field strength gradient is as
constant as possible.

Air pockets: if there are any air pockets, there could be corona
or localized arcing. The implications range from rapid insulation
failure, to gradual, long term degradation. Thus, it’s a good idea
to include a method for removing air from any encapsulant.

Derating diaelectric strength: The amount of derating
depends upon the shapes of the conductors (the “sharp points”
issue), the insulator thickness, and the insulator homogeneity
Popular HV insulation methods

Air

Ceramic & glass

Epoxy

Two-part sillicone

Oil

Perfluronated liquids
 Air


It has relatively poor
dielectric
strength(3kV/mm)
hence distances must
be greater for a given
geometry
 Ceramic & Glass

This type of insulators are
generally seen in HV overhead
lines.

Overhead insulators are made
from porcelain, glass and
composite polymer materials.

Porcelain has diaelectric strength
of about 4-10kV/mm glass has
slightly higher strength but it
attracts condensation and irregular
shapes are difficult to manufacture.
 Porcelain

Standard disc units are used to give required flexibility to OHTL

 Porcelain vs Glass
Porcelain Glass

More hydrophobic

Lesser weight( 24% less
than porcelain)

Less corrosive 
Microcracks is easier to
detect in toughned glass

Very difficult to detect 
Low frequency(wet) is
microcracks 11% higher than
porcelain

Porcelain is stronger
and can handle
dynamic loads
 Epoxy

While epoxy has good thermal characteristics and
excellent adhesion, if not used properly during the
manufacturing process, it can ruin components in
a high voltage assembly. Stresses during the
potting process can damage components.

Thermal stresses during equipment operation can
also damage components due to unequal thermal
expansion and contraction. In addition, the epoxy
curing process can be highly exothermic and parts
can be damaged by heat generated during curing.

The other implication is that failure analyses are
severely limited, making it difficult to learn from
any problems that crop up

Epoxy modules are unrepairable, so if there is a
failure, the assembly must be discarded

Dielectric strength of indoor epoxy raisin is about
30-40kV/mm and for outdoor 20-35kV/mm
 Two-part sillicone

Weighs 65-90% less than ceramic

Shatter prof and practically
unbreakable

Surface hydrophobicity is
maintained throughout the lifetime of
the insulator by high resistance to
moisture and fast regeneration.

Sutability for polluted environments
and salty atmospheres

Unique self cleaning & superior anti
tracking properties
 oil

Oil is in widespread use in part due to its relatively low
cost and thermal characteristics.

Considerations include the need to have a sealed
housing with a provision for expansion and contraction.

The problem of using oil is it can easily become
contaminated by arcing and with the buildup of foreign
materials. In addition, it can be messy to work with oil.

Breakdown strength of oil can be 71kV/mm (from
container)
oil
 Perfluronated liquids


They are clear, colorless, odorless and have a
viscosity similar to water.

Concerns include the need to have a sealed
housing with a provision for expansion and
contraction.

It is expensive, and evaporation is an issue.
 References

https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/7-most-known-high-voltage-insulation-
methods

50 Years in the Development of Insulating Liquids-- IEEE Electrical Insulation
Magazine · October 2013

http://www.shreeradheindustries.com/Advantages.html