Compatibility of the gas filled surge arresters characteristics

This paper deals with the influence of external factors (temperatures from -200degC to 200degC, radiation by high speed neutrons and thermal neutrons in controlled dosage) and working conditions on the stability of GFSA characteristics. Under well controlled laboratory conditions measurements of DC and pulse breakdown voltages were performed. During these measurements, following parameters were varied: 1) temperature, 2) dosage and energy of the previous neutron radiation and 3) energy and the number of previous breakdown occurrences on a surge arrester (aging). In accordance to these measurements, a software package was developed to enable the determination of analytical expressions for a suitable pulse characteristics. Statistical treatment of obtained results determined the influence of temperature, previous neutron radiation and previous discharges on the stability of GFSA characteristics. Also, by application of the statistical tests (U-test), the level of irreversible changes in GFSA characteristics under experimental conditions was determined. Obtained results are explained theoretically.