BUSHING DESIGN

The basic principle in all bushing design is relatively straightforward: it consists of a

cylindrical conductor surrounded by an insulating solid cylinder that is mechanically fixed
to the earthed barrier. The distribution of electric field inside such a construction, however,
is highly non-uniform in terms of both axial and radial components. The highest stress
concentration appears at the so-called triple junction between the earthed wall, the
insulating cylinder and the gaseous or liuid medium outside the bushing body. This
locali!ed high concentration of stress can trigger the onset of partial discharges.
These discharges are often referred to as gliding discharges since they have a strong
capacitive coupling to the bushings internal conductor and therefore proceed along the
insulating cylinders surface. They can lead to trac"ing along the bushing and even result
in flash over.
#nitiation of gliding discharges as well as their subseuent development becomes easier
when the unit capacitance of the insulation $i.e. across its thic"ness% is greater. Therefore,
the voltage level for their ignition and propagation $virtually eual to flash over voltage% is
determined by this parameter. This stands in contrast to other types of discharges, where
the typical controlling parameter is electrode separation distance.
&ecause of such considerations, the best way to increase a bushings flash over withstand
voltage is by improving the electric field distribution along its surface. This can be achieved
in a number of ways although, in the case of higher voltage levels, the most effective
means is through capacitive control for '( applications and resistive control for )(
applications.
(apacitive control is based on inserting metallic screens
into the solid insulation of the bushing, essentially forming
a system of in series connected capacitors whose
magnitude depends on their geometrical arrangement.
*erhaps the most freuently used and effective solution is
when series capacitances are maintained at eual levels.
The impact of modifying field distribution in this way is
illustrated in +igure ,.
#nserting metallic screens during manufacture of a bushing
can be demanding and at times labor-intensive, although
modern condenser core winding euipment has made this
tas" increasingly automated. #n the case of paper insulated
bushings, metallic foils are inserted between the different
paper layers.
(hoosing the appropriate radius and length of these screens then allows for the series
capacitance desired. -ptimal resistive control of electric field distribution in the case of )(
bushings usually involves covering the critical region near the electrode with semi-
conducting layers. The aim here is to increase resistance with increasing distance from the
earthed electrode.