84

CHAPTER 5

DK MODEL EXTENDED TO A
CONDENSER TYPE BUSHING

5.1 INTRODUCTION

In the previous two chapters the development of a model that

catered to the study of pollution phenomena in bushings was described. It
was shown that the DK model was satisfactory in replicating the effects
associated with non-condenser bushings. However, as is well known, utility
practice recommends the use of condenser type bushings for higher voltages.
It would be convenient to develop a model to cater to studies on such
bushings too. This chapter is concerned with such a motive.

5.2 THEORY OF CONDENSER BUSHINGS

The use of condenser bushings in high voltage power apparatus

such as power transformers is well established. The principal advantages of
the use of such bushings lie in the control of axial and radial stresses and
also results in more compact dimensions. For the sake of completeness, the
principle of controlling axial and radial stresses is briefly described (Alston
1968).

5.2.1 Non-condenser bushing

A bushing is a simple cylinder of insulating material made of

porcelain, glass etc. The Figure 5.1, shows a bushing with a radial clearance
 8S

Figure 5.2 Voltage distribution in simple bushing

(Alston 1968*
 86

‘a’ and axial clearance ‘b’ to suit the electric strengths of the insulating
material and the surrounding media. These clearances will depend on the
voltage distribution which is shown in the Figure 5.2. It can be noticed that
the voltage is not evenly distributed along the length of the bushing. Hence
with increase in the voltage level the dimensions required will become so
large that they are not practicable.

5.2.2 Condenser bushing

This difficulty is overcome by the condenser bushing whose

principle is illustrated in the Figure 5.3. Here the insulation between the
conductor and the outer edge of the wall is divided into a number of
capacitors by concentric conducting cylinders. The comparative voltage
distributions in a condenser and a non-condenser bushing are shown in the
Figures 5.4(a) and 5.4(b). Though other forms of grading exist (a series of
concentric barriers of higher dielectric constant than oil suitably arranged
in a porcelain shell filled with oil), the condenser construction gives much
more compact designs than any other construction. Synthetic resin bonded
paper (s.r.b.p) and oil impregnated paper (o.i.p) bushings are more common.

5.3 CALCULATION OF CAPACITIVE GRADING

In this section some principles of the capacitive grading design of

bushings are presented (Alston 1968, & Kind et al 1985). The principle of
capacitive grading is at first glance independent of the type of the insulating
material. But here also the relation between the inception voltage at a sharp
electrode edge and the thickness of the insulating material underneath it,
shown in the Figure 5.4(b), must be noted. The insulation of a bushing is
stressed both radially and axially. Here the boundary surface between the
insulating material and the surrounding medium should be considered as
a critical area. The radial component Er of the electric field strength can
cause breakdown of the insulating material, while the axial component Ea
 87

100% 100%

Figure 5.4 Potential distribution in cylinderical bushings

(a) without intermediate electrodes.
(b) without intermediate electrodes (capacitor
bushing.)
( Kind et al 1985 )
 88

can, under certain circumstances, lead to surface discharges along the

boundary surface (Kind et al 1985).

There are two types of design in the capacitive grading. In the first
type equal axial spacing is maintained. This results in equal partial
capacitances which in turn implies equal axial voltages. Equal radial
spacing is the concept in the second type of design. It is desirable to retain
equal axial grading than equal radial grading (Alston 1968). The radial
grading will be maximum either at the high voltage conductor or the earth
layer.

5.3.1 A physical model for a condenser bushing

As described in the previous section, a condenser bushing is

capable of maintaining a close control over the potential distribution along
the surface of the bushing and within it. As far as pollution phenomena are
concerned, it is evident that the initial distribution along the surface of the
bushing would be governed by the nature of the grading. The case of
uniform axial grading is particularly relevant in that it represents the
maximum improvement over a non-graded bushing. It is sought to represent
such a bushing by incorporating external capacitors across a non-condenser
bushing.

Consider the simple bushing shown in the Figure 5.4(a). The

potential at points A, B and C are determined by the 90, 50 and 40 percent
equi-potential contours. It is clear that the axial grading is substantially
non-uniform.

On the other hand, with grading elements arranged to achieve

uniform axial strengths, the potential distribution is as shown in the Figure
5.4(b).
 89

It is thus clear that if a plain bushing as in the Figure 5.1 were

available some external elements have to be used to achieve a potential
distribution as shown in the Figure 5.4(b). This is possible by connecting
capacitors externally.

It can be appreciated that the bushing is a symmetrical structure

and that the potential along any circular element about the vertical axis
would be the same. As such, the potential would not be affected even if a
thin metallic ring were placed on the surface of the bushing (symmetrical
about the vertical axis). Similarly a number of such rings could be placed on
the surface at various locations along the axis. If capacitors are placed
across each of these metallic rings, it should stand to reason that the
potential of the rings will be determined by the value of the capacitors. For
the case of uniform axial grading equal capacitances that span the rings
form the high voltage electrode to the earth would be the appropriate choice.
Similarly, intentional non-uniformity of the capacitance values could lead
to controlled non-uniformity of the initial potential distribution.

In effect, a plain bushing with appropriate metallic rings at various

locations, symmetrical to the vertical axis, and capacitances connected
across them would provide a potential distribution equivalent to a uniformly
graded axial condenser bushing. Experiments were done to validate this
concept.

5.3.2 Calculation of the capacitors to be connected

Theoretically the value of the capacitance is determined from a

network model of the bushing shown in the Figure 5.5. Each of the
capacitors across the rings is made equal to the value of the capacitance of
the bushing Cs. The larger the number of external capacitors, the closer
would be the approximation. After experimentation, four or five capacitances
 90

Figure 5.5 Condenser bushing with capacitances

(all dimantions aratnmm)

Figure 5.6 Capacitance of vertical cylinders

(Sarma and Cavallius 1975)
 91

were to found to regenerate the potential accurately. Further experiments

were done in the presence of pollution.

The values of the capacitances to be connected were obtained using

a procedure described by Sarma and Cavallius (1975). For this purpose the
bushing was simulated as a cylindrical structure with equal diameter along
its length. It was divided into five sections whose lengths correspond to the
distance between the shed tips in the bushing under consideration. Sarma
and Cavallius (1975) developed expressions for the approximate calculation
of capacitances for various structures. The Figure 5.6 gives the capacitance
of the vertical cylinder. The equation for the calculation of the capacitance
is given below.

Cp = 7i e0 a [ * + In (1 + *) ] (5.1)
p 4A A

where a diametre of the cylinder,

c length of the cylinder,
e0 permittivity of free space
8.825 * 1012 (Farads/m).
and, the smallest distance between the object and the ground.

The non-condenser bushing used for experimentation in the

previous two chapters was used here also and it was simulated as a
condenser bushing by connecting capacitors externally between the adjacent
shed tips. For this purpose the bushing and the model were divided into four
sections as shown in the Figure 5.7. In Tables 5.1 and 5.2 the dimensions
of various parameters for the present structure and the capacitances to be
connected between each section of the bushing and the model are given.
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(a) 33 kV Bushing (b) DK Model

Figure 5.7 Sectional division of the bushing and the DK model

 93

Table 5.1 : Capacitance between the sections in the bushing

Section number a (mm) c (mm) A(mm) Cp (pF)

Section 1 75.0 85.0 0.05 795

Section 2 75.0 85.0 0.05 795

Section 3 75.0 90.0 0.05 795

Section 4 75.0 85.0 0.05 795

Table 5.2 : Capacitance between the sections in the model

Section number a (mm) c (mm) A (mm) Cn (pF)

Section 1 37.5 42.5 0.025 420
Section 2 37.5 42.5 0.025 420
Section 3 37.5 45.0 0.025 420
Section 4 37.5 42.5 0.025 420

It can be noticed that the capacitors to be connected between

adjacent sections are nearly constant. These capacitors were connected
between the shed tips of adjacent sections.

5.4 EXPERIMENTAL SET UP

In the previous section the capacitors to be connected between the

adjacent shed tips were calculated. It was also observed that connecting
metallic rings at various points symmetrical to the vertical axis does not
alter the performance of the bushing. Experiments were conduced to verify
this observation.
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5.4.1 Bushing and model with metallic rings

In the present case copper strips were pasted at the shed tips of
the bushing and the DK model. Their performance was verified by doing
IPD studies, dry band formation studies and flashover tests. IPD studies
indicated that the bushing and the model performance with and without the
copper rings was the same. There was no appreciable difference in the dry
band formation studies as well. Flashover tests were conducted for the fully
wet, fully dry and the three dry bands described earlier for AC and DC (both
positive and negative polarities) energisations. In Tables 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6
and 5.7 the experimental observations made for the flashover studies, when
a gradually increasing voltage was applied, are reported. Here also, as was
done in section 4.6.1, scaled flashover voltages are presented for better
comparison.

Table 5.3 : Voltage gradually increased - fully dry conditions

Bushing flashover Model flashover

S. No. voltages voltages
AC DC+ DC- AC DC+ DC-
1 155 141 100 200 170 120
2 148 138 105 196 180 120
3 152 135 100 190 166 120
4 144 140 102 192 170 130
5 148 135 105 190 180 120

Table 5.4 : Voltage gradually increased - dry band 1

Bushing flashover Model flashover

S. No. voltages voltages
AC DC+ DC- AC DC+ DC-
1 130 110 100 150 140 100
2 130 105 90 140 140 110
3 125 110 95 150 130 110
4 130 105 95 150 130 100
5 130 110 100 150 140 110
 95

Table 5.5 : Voltage gradually increased - dry band 2

Bushing flashover Model flashover

S. No. voltages voltages
AC DC+ DC- AC DC+ DC-
1 80 70 60 90 80 60
2 80 75 60 80 90 70
3 85 75 55 90 84 60
4 75 75 60 90 82 62
5 80 75 60 90 84 66

Table 5.6 : Voltage gradually increased - dry band 3

Bushing flashover Model flashover

S. No. voltages voltages
AC DC+ DC- AC DC+ DC-
1 50 42 35 54 50 36
2 50 44 34 50 46 42
3 55 46 37 58 50 40
4 52 42 36 56 44 46
5 52 43 36 50 50 48

Table 5.7 : Voltage gradually increased - fully wet conditions

Bushing flashover Model flashover

S. No. voltages voltages
AC DC+ DC- AC DC+ DC-
1 60 55 43 70 70 50
2 55 58 45 80 66 50
3 56 55 45 78 68 46
4 58 58 41 78 72 52
5 55 55 40 80 68 50
 96

A close observation of the Tables 4.12 to 4.16 and Tables 5.3 to 5.7
clearly indicate that the flashover performance of the bushing and the model
did not alter much when they were pasted with the metallic rings.
Capacitors were now connected between the adjacent shed tips as calculated
earlier and further experimentation was carried out.

5.4.2 Bushing and model with capacitor connections

The bushing and the DK model were connected with the capacitors
as shown in the Figures 5.8(a) and 5.8(b). For the purpose of
experimentation capacitors of 20 nF, 2 kV were used. Hence in the bushing,
between each section, 25 capacitors were connected in series. In case of the
model about 50 capacitors were connected in series between each section.
Initially potential distribution experiments were carriedout to ensure that
the potential distribution on the surface is uniform. Experimental set up is
same as the one described in section 2.3.1. Tables 5.8 and 5.9 gives the IPD
information on the bushing and the model for DC (positive polarity) and AC
energisations. The potentials were measured at the mid-points of the shed
tips.

Table 5.8 : Potentials on bushing and its model with

capacitors (Source - DC)

Item vH V, v2 v3 v4 v5 VL
Bushing data 100 80 60 40 20 10 00
Model data 100 81 59 40 20 10 00
Percentage error 0.0 -1.3 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
 97

Figure 5.7 Sectional division of the bushing and the DK model

 98

Table 5.9 : Potentials on bushing and its model with

capacitors (Source - AC)

Item v„ V, v2 V8 v4 v5 VL
Bushing data 100 80 60 40 20 10 00
Model data 100 80 61 39 21 10 00
Percentage error 0.0 0.0 -1.7 -2.5 -5.0 0.0 0.0

It can be noticed that the voltage distribution on the bushing is

totally uniform and on the model is fairly uniform. Further dry band
formation tests were carried out. There does not appear to be any major
difference in the dry band formations with or without capacitors.

5.5 FLASHOVER TESTS

Flashover tests were done in a similar way described in section 4.6.

The three dry bands taken for the artificial creation of the non-uniform
wetting of the bushing were maintained here also. Experiments were done
with DC+, DC- and AC energisations with gradually increasing voltage in
the first type and constant voltage in the second type of voltage application,
till a total flashover took place. Tables 5.10 to 5.14 give the experimental
observations of the total flashover voltage when a gradually increasing
voltage was applied, for the various percentages of wetting of the bushing
and the model.
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Table 5.10 : Voltage gradually increased - fully dry conditions

Bushing flashover Model flashover

S. No. voltages voltages
AC DC+ DC- AC DC+ DC-
1 165 155 115 240 230 170
2 160 160 110 250 230 160
3 165 160 110 240 220 160
4 165 155 115 230 220 170
5 160 150 115 250 230 160

Table 5.11 : Voltage gradually increased - dry band 1

Bushing flashover Model flashover

S. No. voltages voltages
AC DC+ DC- AC DC+ DC-
1 145 135 110 210 180 140
2 150 135 110 200 180 130
3 140 130 105 200 190 130
4 140 135 115 210 170 140
5 140 130 110 200 180 150

Table 5.12 : Voltage gradually increased - dry band 2

Bushing flashover Model flashover

S. No. voltages voltages
AC DC+ DC- AC DC+ DC-
1 100 90 75 140 120 90
2 90 85 73 130 130 90
3 95 95 75 130 124 80
4 95 90 70 130 126 90
5 100 85 70 150 120 86
 100

Table 5.13 : Voltage gradually increased - dry band 3

Bushing flashover Model flashover

S. No. voltages voltages
AC DC+ DC- AC DC+ DC-
1 60 62 45 80 80 50
2 65 65 44 90 70 50
3 65 60 40 80 70 48
4 62 61 45 84 84 60
5 61 60 45 90 70 50

Table 5.14 : Voltage gradually increased - fully wet conditions

Bushing flashover Model flashover

S. No. voltages voltages
AC DC+ DC- AC DC+ DC-
1 80 75 54 110 90 70
2 85 78 55 100 100 70
3 85 75 50 100 90 80
4 80 70 51 110 92 60
5 85 70 50 106 98 70

It can be noticed that there is an increase in the flashover voltages

with capacitor connections. It is also observed that if the dry band length is
more than 30 percent of the total creepage length, almost the same voltage
as that required under fully dry conditions will be necessary for a flashover
to occur. It is also observed that the model is closely following the bushing
in these studies.

Next experiments were carriedout when a fixed voltage was applied

and maintained till a flashover occurs or for 30 minutes which ever was
earlier. Though test times of one hour were followed for tests on actual
HVDC wall bushings (Schneider et al 1991), taking the dimensions of the
 101

model and the bushing in the present context 30 minutes time was felt
sufficient. These studies were done for AC, DC+ and DC- energisatins.
Tables 5.15 to 5.17 give the experimental observations. For ease of
comparison between the observations with or without capacitors the voltages
applied on the bushing and the model, explained in section 4.6.2, (60kV and
30kV respectively) were applied here also.

Table 5.15 : Fixed voltage applied - (AC) energisation

Bushing Data Model Data

Time to Time to
S.No Voltage Voltage
flashover (Sec.) flashover (Sec.)
(kV) (kV)
DB1 DB2 DB3 DB1 DB2 DB3
1 60 600 400 35 30 650 250 35
2 60 650 450 30 30 650 275 30
3 60 700 375 35 30 600 200 35
4 60 650 350 25 30 500 250 25
5 60 550 400 30 30 650 270 20

Table 5.16 : Fixed voltage applied - (DC+) energisation

Bushing Data Model Data

Time to Time to
S.No Voltage Voltage
flashover (Sec.) flashover (Sec.)
(kV) (kV)
DB1 DB2 DB3 DB1 DB2 DB3
1 60 600 250 20 30 550 225 25
2 60 650 200 25 30 600 150 20
3 60 600 250 25 30 450 250 25
4 60 500 200 35 30 525 200 15
5 60 600 150 25 30 470 250 15
 102

Table 5.17 : Fixed voltage applied - (DC-) energisation

Bushing Data Model Data

Time to Time to
S.No Voltage Voltage
flashover (Sec.) flashover (Sec.)
(kV) (kV)
DB1 DB2 DB3 DB1 DB2 DB3
1 60 550 225 15 30 450 150 15
2 60 450 250 15 30 400 200 15
3 60 570 200 15 30 425 150 10
4 60 500 175 10 30 400 175 15
5 60 470 225 20 30 375 150 20

There was an increase in the time to flashover when capacitors

were connected. The trend is the same in the model as well. These
experiments prove the close correspondence between the model and the
bushing in the flashover studies. It was also noticed that if the dry band
exceeds 35 percent of the total creepage length, no flashover on the bushing
or the model is possible.

5.6 CONCLUSION
In this chapter the DK model, which was developed initially for a
non-condenser bushing, was extended to a condenser bushing. For this
purpose a non-condenser bushing was simulated as a condenser bushing by
connecting capacitors externally between the shed tips. A similar process
was carriedout for the model also. Initial potential distribution and dry band
studies proved the validity of the approach adopted. Flashover tests showed
that the model with external capacitor connections was following the
bushing which was also connected with capacitors externally. In the
flashover tests under non-uniform wetting conditions it was observed that
if the length of the dry band from the ground end is more than 35 percent
of the total creepage length, no flashover is possible. This is in line with the
observations made elsewhere (Schneider et al 1991).

The Didactically Kindred model is verified for its applicability to

HVDC wall bushing studies in the next chapter by way of surface resistance
measurements under rainy conditions.