Experimental Study of the Flashover Process and the Leakage Current on the Surface of High Voltage Insulator Under AC Voltage

Understanding flashover voltage and leakage current is crucial for evaluating and ensuring the performance, reliability, and safety of high-voltage insulators in electrical networks. Investigating the flashover process and leakage current is significant because it helps to understand the behavior of insulators under different conditions, such as desert pollution. The objective of our study is to create a circular model that accurately simulates the real functioning of a 1512 L high-voltage insulator. This particular insulator is widely utilized by the algerian power and gas company (SONELGAZ), contributing significantly to the comprehension of its operational principles. In our current work, we aim to investigate the effect of conductivity and the distribution of discontinuous contamination on insulator behavior and its response within an intentionally contaminated experimental model. Additionally, we aim to incorporate previous insights regarding the severity of contamination at specific locations. Our ongoing research relies on observations and various measurements obtained from flashover voltages and leakage currents. Through this model, researchers can comprehensively evaluate insulator performance under diverse conditions, facilitating a deeper understanding of their behavior. The analysis of the results obtained from numerous tests conducted in the high-voltage laboratory of the University of Biskra, Algeria, forms the basis of our study.