Determination of Gas-Filled Surge Arresters Lifetime

In this paper, the functional aging of gas-filled surge arresters (GFSAs) is addressed. Aging is determined by the features of the lifetime. Statistical samples of the random variables of breakdown time and breakdown voltage have been recorded. Experiments on the model of a GFSA were carried out in controlled laboratory conditions. The parameters of the experiment were: 1) gas type; 2) gas pressure; 3) interelectrode distance; 4) electrode material; and 5) treatment method of the electrode surface. The results indicate that the GFSA shows slower functional aging provided that: 1) the operating point is to the right of the Paschen minimum in the area of breakdown initiation with streamers mechanism; 2) the pressure is lower, i.e., at a constant pd value (product of pressure and interelectrode distance); 3) the electrode material has a higher melting point and thermal conductivity; and 4) the electrodes have a built-in topography. In addition, it was established that aging of the GFSA does not depend on the noble gas type. Finally, the production of a GFSA with optimal characteristics in terms of functional stability is proposed.