Potential distributions of metal oxide surge arresters under various environmental conditions

A semi-analytical approach is proposed for potential distribution of metal-oxide surge arresters under normal condition. Conventional approaches like the finite-element method are also applicable. The authors suggest that the proposed method is more appropriate for a general approach; an analysis in combination with lumped constants of R, L and C is possible. Environmental conditions like pollution of snow-covering on the surface of insulators may disturb the potential distribution at normal condition. Potential distributions were experimentally measured in an artificial pollution test, naturally polluted and snow-covering conditions, whose major characteristics are shown