POTENTIAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF METAL-OXIDE SURGE ARRESTERS UNDER VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL-CONDITIONS

A semianalytical 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 or 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 conditions, and snow-covering ones, whose major characteristics are shown.