Potential Control Inside Switch Device Using FEM and Stochastic Optimization Algorithm

This paper describes the impact of selected insulation elements and the surrounding material, on the magnitude and distribution of electrical potential in a switch device. The procedure is based on finite element method numerical analysis and stochastic optimization algorithm of differential evolution (DE). The optimal selection of mutually independent insulation materials has an impact on the control of potential and, consequently, on dielectric strengths, both inside the bushing and in other switchgear elements. Two different methods are used for an extension of the multiobjective optimization of the problem. The entire modeling procedure also includes optimization of the bushing's geometrical shape.