Influence of temperature variation on characteristics of ZnO elements

Zinc oxide (ZnO) surge arresters with series gap are equipped to protect the electricity failure for power distribution systems. Although the ZnO surge arresters might have enough performances to protect the electricity failure when they were installed, the performance may decrease with the increase of the number of operation times and the time elapsed after the installation. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of temperature variation on characteristics of ZnO elements. We first heated ZnO elements up to temperatures of 350 K, 400 K, 450 K, and 500 K, and then characteristics of V-t and 50% flashover voltage were examined. Next, in order to obtain V-I characteristic, the impulse current with 4/10 mus-8kA was applied at each temperature. Finally, V-t characteristic and 50% flashover voltage for each temperature were evaluated, again. The results showed that temperature had an influence on V-I characteristics of ZnO surge arrester. Finally, V-t characteristics and 50% flashover voltages for each temperature were evaluated, again. The results showed that temperature had an influence on V-I characteristics of ZnO surge arrester.