New DC insulator design for use in the desert environment

Design modifications of HV insulator shapes leading to more suitable potential gradient distribution are presented. The modifications reduce electric stress on each insulator unit by producing a uniform potential distribution along the insulator string and also bring about reduction and/or redistribution of contamination deposition. The design philosophy adopted is based on the assumption from that by optimizing each individual component of an insulator, the composite design will be optimal. Theoretical and experimental set criteria and guidelines for the optimal component design are discussed, taking into consideration electrodes, skirt and body configuration, leakage path and spacing, and the dielectric material used