Testing of Selected Surge Protection Devices in the Context of the Possibility of Ensuring the Reliability of Power Grids

Abstract

The paper aims to analyze the parameters of prototypes of new overvoltage protection devices for power grids—a multi-chamber insulator arrester (MCA) and a long flashover arrester (LFA). The article presents the research results on determining the actual MCA and LFA impact characteristics. Moreover, the results were compared to assess the effectiveness of the overvoltage protection devices. The research results presented in this article will supplement missing information about the devices. They will make it possible to evaluate the possibility of using overvoltage protection devices for a new type of spark gap based on a multi-segment system in high-voltage networks of a specific country. The analysis of its properties against the background of atmospheric overvoltages and their impact on high voltage lines will be carried out by assessing the effectiveness of the tested overvoltage protection device in laboratory conditions. The tests will also be carried out by applying standardized lightning and switching surges to the tested device to map the overvoltage processes on the power grid elements. Two different generators will be used for this purpose. The proposed research will also allow learning about the influence of structural elements on the operation of the tested devices.