Electric Field Simulation Around Contaminated SIR Insulators Using MATLAB

Abstract

High voltage insulators are mainly used to support transmission lines. This paper focuses on simulating the electric field along the surface of contaminated Silicone Rubber (SIR) insulators. The electric field (EF) distribution is important to determine the EF stress occurring on the insulator surface. So, the EF distribution is analyzed using a FEM tool in MATLAB under various conditions. Two types of insulators, straight and alternate sheds, were considered. Results showed that higher EF stresses occurs on the trunk portions of both straight shed and alternate shed types. Also, the results showed higher EF magnitude on the straight shed compared to the alternate shed, under both clean and contamination conditions.