Wind Deflection Characteristics of Suspension Insulator Strings for 500kV Transmission Lines Based on Realistic 3D Models

Wind deflection flashover incidents on 500kV transmission lines pose a serious threat to the safe and reliable operation of the power system. Based on 3D realistic model, the impact of fluctuating wind on suspension insulator strings of transmission lines is investigated under different wind spectra in this paper. A finite element model of a 500kV tower-insulator string is established according to LiDAR point cloud data. Gravity load and wind load on the insulator string are analyzed. The influences of three kinds of typical fluctuating wind spectra on the wind deflection of insulator strings are discussed, including the Davenport spectrum, Harris spectrum, and Kaimal spectrum. Higher wind speeds correspond to reduced minimum electrical clearances between the insulator strings and the tower. The Harris wind spectrum shows larger wind speed fluctuations and greater displacement of insulator string. This study provides references for the operation and maintenance of transmission lines.