Impact of sand dust pollution on the engineering design criteria of high voltage air insulated networks

Abstract

Outdoor air insulated, high voltage transmission and distribution networks are frequently exposed to atmospheric pollution in the form of sand and dust storms which can affect the breakdown and prebreakdown characteristics and insulation performance of air gaps. This paper summarizes the findingks of an extensive study carried out to determine the effect of sand/dust contamination on the high voltage impulse breakdown characteristics of different types of air gaps. Analysis of the results of this study highlight the influence of airborne and surface adhering sand/dust contamination on the engineering, design criteria to specify clearances of overhead lines and station equipment, design and performance of protective rod gaps and the accuracy of high voltage measurements using sphere gaps.