Mathematical model to predict flashover voltages of polluted polymeric insulators intended for UHV DC

In power systems, ceramic insulators have been used over a very long period as outdoor insulation. However, in recent decades polymeric insulators are finding increasing applications, particularly at the higher system voltages due to their superior performance under polluted conditions and light weight. This paper describes the development of a theoretical model to predict DC flashover voltages of polluted polymeric insulators. The model has been verified with the published experimental results and agreement is found to be within about 10%.