Optimization of a post-type spacer in a gas insulated system under three-dimensional conditions

This paper describes the optimization of a post-type spacer in a gas insulated system. The electric field calculation and the optimization have been performed in three-dimensional conditions. We have utilized the boundary element method to calculate the electric field distributions and the Marquardt method to improve the profile of the spacer so as to minimize the maximal electric field on the spacer surface. The optimization has been performed for spacers with cylindrical column, circular, and elliptical cross-sections, respectively. We have varied additional parameters, such as the permittivity of a spacer and the radius ratio of an inner conductor and a sheath. For elliptical cross-section spacers, the optimization has reduced the maximal value of the total field strength up to 35%, and the maximal value of the tangential field strength up to 56% compared with the respective maximal field without a spacer.