Electrical validation of a new arrangement of composite insulators for series compensation platforms

Analysis was performed to evaluate the electrical impact of replacing long rod composite insulators in a series compensation platform structure with short rod insulators attached together with a metallic plate. Electric field analysis and system simulations have been performed to investigate the electric field intensity and voltage level at the metallic plate attachment in steady-state and during transients. Results indicated that for transmission line platform up to 500 kV, corona will not be generated at the metallic plate attachment and hence a corona ring will not be required. Moreover if the air clearance of the metallic plate attachment from the ground is sufficient to withstand 50% of the platform insulation level, flashover to ground will be prevented. This new arrangement is expected to contribute in reducing the complexity and components cost of the platform structure along with the cost of service maintenance.