Condition Assessment of Insulation Systems Through Electric Field Mapping Using Electro-Optic Sensors

The performance of outdoor insulators directly affects the reliability of power supply. However, their insulation performance is highly dependent on the environmental factors such as pollution. Evaluating the extent of pollution on insulators is essential for maintaining high power quality standards. This study explores a novel approach to assess the severity of pollution and its impact on insulation integrity of composite insulators, utilizing Electro-Optic (EO) sensor technology for electric field mapping. Given the challenges associated with collecting and analyzing such data during power line inspections, this research seeks to evaluate the feasibility of EO sensor-based diagnostics for preventive maintenance. The objective is to identify and map variations in electric field associated with pollution-induced insulation degradation. Furthermore, this study investigates the distribution of two components of the electric field under different contamination scenarios, taking into account the position of the sensor and the applied voltage. The results demonstrate a significant influence of the pollution deposition on the measured electric field values, highlighting the efficiency of the EO sensor in accurately assessing insulation condition. These findings provide valuable insights for implementing targeted maintenance strategies, ultimately enhancing the longevity and reliability of high-voltage equipment and fortifying resilience within the energy sector.