Influence of load-shedding and night on SiR insulator environmental aging under AC test voltages

Abstract Insulators play a critical role in healthy transmission under the influence of operational stresses (OSs). OSs include environmental (ultraviolet-radiations, seasonal heat and humidity variations, pollution (inert active), etc.) electrical (electric field distribution, corona, etc.). can deteriorate insulators, jeopardizing transmission. In this experimental study, four silicon rubber (SiR) insulators with different concentrations micro nano-silica fillers are tested specially designed fabricated compact chamber for 1920 h OSs, un-scheduled load shedding, night factors more realistic deterioration characteristics. Insulators' potential hydrophobicity, leakage current characteristics considered. Experimental results reveal affected insulators' profile due to hydrophobicity loss electric distribution variations. Moreover, SiR regained insulation heavier inner molecule replacement dissipated degraded outer lower weight insulating molecules. This property provides reusability opportunity power system networks, unlike traditional insulators.