Effect of icing on insulators on surface leakage currents

Insulators are the basic equipment that mechanically carries conductors and electrically isolates them in electrical distribution and transmission lines. Insulator failure is a direct threat to the continuity and safety of power transmission lines. Statistically, failures caused by insulators account for the highest proportion of power system failures. Icing is a common occurrence given the rugged geography and continental climate of our country. Icing and subsequent insulator failures cause power outages in regions with intense winter conditions and cause great damage to the country's economy. Although studies on icing in insulators have been ongoing for many years, a method that will fully solve the issue has not yet been found. In this study, leakage currents were examined by icing different types of insulators in a laboratory environment. For ice-free, light icing and icing situations, alternating voltage with mains frequency was applied to the insulators, data were obtained with the help of Labview program and leakage currents of porcelain, glass and silicone insulators before and after icing were compared. The relationship between the leakage current was established by measuring the ambient temperature and humidity values of the insulator. In addition, the insulators were frosted at different conductivity values, and the effect of conductivity on leakage current and insulator types was investigated.