Development of a ±660 kV DC transmission line arrester

In order to improve the lightning withstand level of ±660 kV DC transmission line in China, the authors had begun to develop the ±660 kV DC line arrester since 2014, which was developed successfully in 2016. The structure, technical parameters, protection performance, and installation of line arrester are analysed in detail. The arrester adopts the structure of polymer housing with an external series air gap and a four-section body. The technical parameters and protection performance are designed and calculated according to the relevant standards. The results show that the arrester has good electrical and mechanical performances, and it meets the requirement of insulation coordination. Pillar insulator supporting installation is used in the arrester application. Up to now, the ±660 kV DC line arrester has been used in the ±660 kV DC transmission line in China, which works safely and reliably over a long time. The successful operation can accumulate operating experience and provide a basis for the large-scale application of the line arrester on the ±660 kV DC transmission line in the future.