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Power Transformers: Electrical Bushings Are Essential Components For A Wide Range of Electrical
Power Transformers: Electrical Bushings Are Essential Components For A Wide Range of Electrical
Electrical bushings can be broadly divided into two major categories depending upon
how they are built and assembled:
Whilst the traditional porcelain insulator offers mechanical sturdiness and a long
service life, the application of silicon rubber is becoming increasingly popular due to
its lower cost, ease of handling, and its surface hydrophobicity (which reduces the
risk of pollution related flashovers). Due to dielectric strength limitations, the use of
bulk type bushings is restricted to system voltages of 72 kV and below.
Condenser Bushings
The material of the external insulator is invariably porcelain for OIP condensers and
silicon rubber for RIP condensers, both serving the same purpose of limiting the flow
of leakage current and preventing external flashovers. OIP condenser bushings
are also fitted with a spring-loaded expansion chamber to allow for oil volume
fluctuations (expansion/contraction) due to varying temperature (a conservator tank
on a power transformer performs a similar purpose).
Oil Impregnated Condenser Bushing
Condition Assessment
The test tap is connected to the outermost condenser foil and is used to perform two
important benchmark measurements. These measurements are capacitance
(C) and dissipation factor (tanδ); both tests are used to determine a bushing’s
insulation condition.
Any increase in C and/or tanδ values indicates insulation deterioration, moisture
ingress, and/or short circuiting of condenser foils. Insulation
resistance tests, partial discharge measurements,
and thermographic inspections, are also useful aids when assessing a bushing’s
condition.
Applications
In the power engineering industry, the most common applications for bushings are:
Design Requirements
The design of any type of electrical bushing takes into account the following
requirements and aspects:
Additional Resources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushing_(electrical)
https://www.inmr.com/bushing-technology-review-designs-tendencies
https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/purpose-and-maintenance-of-transformer-
bushings
https://studyelectrical.com/2015/09/electrical-bushings-types-and-purpose-
classification-construction.html