Selection of porcelain cap and pin insulator components for transmission lines in high altitude and exposure to ice and snow Sakthivelu Subramanian1, Minhas Harleen1 1Grasim Industries Ltd (Unit: Aditya Birla Insulators), India Online published on 16 May, 2023. Abstract Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir in India is one of the highest inhabitation and difficult terrains in the-world. A project was envisaged for implementing 220/66kV transmission system. The transmission lines of this project need to be built at a height of around 3,000-4,000 meters above sea level. At high altitude, changes-in air pressure, temperature and humidity will exert influence on performance of insulators. Therefore, it is imperative to know the effects of the atmospheric conditions on the specific components, otherwise it may result-in premature aging, reduction of operation performance or even failure. This paper describes the important characteristics that need to be considered for various components of insulator for applications in high altitude and environmental exposure to ice and snow. This selection process is very important for better performance of power system in cold, hostile climates that experience ice and snow conditions. The important characteristics that were considered in this pare are: (1) The adverse ambient temperature ranges of +35°C to -45°C in the region, which may affect the thermal shock resistance of porcelain body in long run, is one of the major factors that affects the long term-performance of insulators. The microstructural phase analysis was used on a High Alumina body, to ensure increased mechanical and electrical performances when subjected to freezing conditions. (2) The grade of metals used for cap, pin & security clips to mitigate the adverse effects that low temperatures-cause on these components. (3) The cement properties are very important for performance of porcelain insulators that are exposed to ice and snow. (4) Improvement in design of porcelain insulator by optimization of design parameters. The insulators supplied to this transmission line were performing satisfactorily for more than three years. Top Keywords Porcelain Insulator, High Altitude, Icing, Fog, Snow, High Voltage, Transmission Line. Top |