Application considerations for gapped silicon-carbide arresters installed on utility high voltage systems part II: Energy consumption

There has been increased global interest recently in identifying opportunities to conserve energy by reducing consumption, both in the residential and commercial areas. One such energy savings opportunity, in the utility environment, relates to the large number of gapped Station and Intermediate Class silicon-carbide (SiC) arresters still installed on utility high voltage systems. These gapped SiC arresters represented state-of-the-art protection during the 30+ years that they were installed (1950s thru 1980s). Application considerations regarding these gapped SiC arresters versus modern gapless metal oxide (MOV) arresters were presented previously in reference[1], which focused primarily on protection and durability concerns. The intent of this paper is to extend this initial effort and focus on energy consumption issues and energy savings opportunities associated with replacement of these high voltage gapped SiC with MOV arresters.