Análise comparativa entre isoladores elétricos vítreos, cerâmicos e poliméricos em linhas de transmissão de energia elétrica

Abstract

In the vast majority of cases, when consumers think of an electrical power system, the importance that electrical insulators play in the process of transmission and distribution of energy is often overlooked. However, chains of electrical insulators are extremely important in this process, not only for insulating the electrical conductors from the ground but also for supporting them mechanically in transmission towers. However, such insulators, depending on the material and how they were made, suffer partial or total breakage of their parts, by vandalism or natural phenomena, with that their electrical voltage capabilities are reduced to a point that cause problems into the electrical system. Therefore, the use of polymeric insulators in transmission and distribution systems has been increasingly widespread due to their advantages over insulators made of glass and ceramics. Therefore, this work presents the analysis, characteristics and comparisons about the replacement of ceramic and glassy materials by polymeric and composite electrical insulators. In addition, comparisons are made between porcelain and polymeric insulators, where polymeric insulators have their cores formed by composites and, thus, have a lower weight, diameter, at the same time that they can withstand higher nominal mechanical loads. The methodology used in this work was summarized in the literature review and in the analysis of practical experiences in the field and in the laboratory about the differences in the behavior of insulators under intense pollution, moisture and snow. At the time when tempered glass disc insulators were replaced by polymeric ones in the transmission line Xingó-Angelim II in northeastern Brazil, the problem of interruption in the supply of energy to consumers in that region was solved, as well as the weight of the installed insulator chain was reduced by 4 times, thus facilitating future repairs and maintenance on the transmission line. As well as, in situations of intense snow, the installation of electrical insulators positioned horizontally was recommended, as this way the deposit of snow on the surface of the insulator is hampered.