Effect of pollution severity on electric field distribution along a polymeric insulator

To study the effect of pollution level on electric field distribution of polymeric insulators, simulations were carried out using Comsol Multiphysics. The effect of light, medium, heavy and very heavy pollution on the electric field and potential distribution was investigated. Pollution was modelled as a uniform conductive water layer on the insulator surface. Electric field analysis was carried out by changing the conductivity of the pollution layer. Simulation results show that electric field strength is high at the junction of the sheath and shed and minimum at the top of the shed. It was also observed from simulations that electric field stress increases with increasing pollution level. The result of this study will help scientists and engineers in the design and selection of outdoor insulators for different polluted environments.