Impact of Pollution on the Performance of High-Voltage Insulators under Alternating Current

The study investigates the impact of pollution severity on the performance of the disc porcelain high-voltage insulator, focusing on the real model under alternative current conditions. Artificial pollution was applied to specific zones of the insulator to simulate real-world conditions. The flashover voltage and leakage current were measured to evaluate the influence of pollution severity. Results showed that as the leakage current of the pollution layer increased, the flashover voltage decreased, indicating reduced insulator rigidity. The leakage current increased with higher applied voltages and pollution severity, highlighting a critical mode where the current surged abruptly under severe conditions. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of pollution on high-voltage insulators, emphasizing the need for effective management to ensure reliable operation.