Application of nano particles for the modification of high voltage insulators

The use of polymer insulators is expanding in many utilities due to many advantages that they offer; they are not only cheap in the initial cost; also along their useful life the maintenance cost is lower than their counterpart, the ceramic insulators. In this work, a HTV (High Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone base is modified with micro and nano particles and its performance is validated using thermogravimetric analysis, laser ablation, and inclined plane tests starting at 3.0 kV and up to 8.0 kV. In order to compare the behavior of the nano particle modified composite, two commercial "ready to use" HTV silicone formulations are tested in the inclined plane test, and their eroded mass and number of failed samples are compared. The tracking and erosion tests are done according to ASTM D-2303 standard; although, for voltages higher than 6.0 kV an increased flow rate is used due to similar samples\´ damage measured in eroded mass. The eroded mass of the modified nanofilled silicone composite is lower than the "ready to use" HTV silicone formulations. With the implementation of these composites more resistant to electrical discharges, excessive maintenance in the polymer insulation could be avoided, thereby reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of the insulation. The developed composite could be used as insulating housing for diverse electrical equipment such as arresters, bushings, etc.