Performance of High-Voltage Polymeric Insulators Under Simulated Environmental Conditions in Desert Areas of Southern Libya

One of the primary aims for any type of electrical utility is the minimization of active power losses. In terms of cost and reliability, high-voltage (HV) polymeric insulators are used worldwide. This study considered the performance and reliability of insulators under accelerated aging conditions with the simulation of the environmental conditions of southern Libya. These issues with insulators have been a major problem for power utilities in southern Libya for many years. In order to check the HV performance, the International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) Standard-61109 was used to age the two insulators. Other samples were maintained under the accelerated aging conditions, i.e., the inland temperature and the actual ultraviolet radiation intensity; the two thermoelectric stresses and UV radiations were applied on the polymeric insulators, aged as per the IEC standard and modified IEC standards, simulating the desert of Libya. The experimental data revealed that the thermoplastic insulators and their dielectric response under the tested thermoelectric cum ultraviolet-irradiations performed better than the silicone rubber insulators. Hence, the assessment of the data provided vital information regarding the stability and performance of these composite insulators which allows for an informed decision about the best materials for the application.