Analysis of 33kV Insulators in Highly Polluted Areas in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study considered an Analysis of 33kV Insulators in Highly Polluted Areas in Rivers State, Nigeria. This study assessed the effects of pollution at four different locations in Rivers State (Obio Akpor, Port Harcourt, Okirika, and Eleme LGA). The 33 kV insulation of the above substation was tested for contamination after 18 months of exposure to a contaminated wet environment. Modern networks are modeled and simulated in LabVIEW. After the analysis, the results were compared to the pollution guide by the International Electric Commission (IEC). The results show that contaminants deposited on insulators become conductive electrolytes when wetted by rain or fog. As a result, the spilt liquid flows into the insulator's outer layer, reducing the insulator's dielectric strength. Leakage current accumulates on the surface of the insulator due to the decrease in the dielectric strength of the insulator; as voltage increases, leakage current increases. Salinity has a significant effect on electrical conductivity. The highest discharge voltage was 85.2 kV, measured at Okrika in April 2021, and the lowest, 76.2 kV, was measured at Port Harcourt. The minimum and maximum leakage current is 3 mA to 10 mA. Impurities deposited on the surface of insulators become conductive electrolytes when wet by rain. As a result, the surface leakage current increases, and the dielectric strength of the insulator decreases. Exposure to salts during experimental evaluation is displayed over an average 18-month period. It took several hours to dry the surface and test it. Insulators (porcelain) were tested during the tests to obtain the most accurate results possible in the planned tests. 1 litre of fresh water and 500 ml of the test solution from the last conductivity test were used to clean both effluents.