Work

Electric Field Improvement and Insulation Performance Enhancement of a Compact 40.5 kV Eco-Friendly Gas-Insulated Switchgear

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: With the ongoing trend of miniaturization and intelligent power transmission equipment, the compact design of environmentally friendly gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) has emerged as a critical technical challenge. This study presents a detailed case study of a 40.5 kV dry air-insulated switchgear under specific dimensional constraints. Specifically, the cabinet width was reduced from 1000 mm to 800 mm, significantly narrowing the phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground clearances. A high-fidelity three-dimensional electric field model was established using the finite element method to evaluate the dielectric stress distribution within the enclosure. Numerical results indicate pronounced electric field concentrations at critical regions—including copper busbar joints, disconnector contacts, and the inlet bushing shielding rings—where local intensities exceeded the insulation safety threshold. To mitigate these issues, integrated design refinement strategies were evaluated, encompassing the structural modification of shielding rings, the application of silicone rubber coatings, and insulation reinforcement via heat-shrinkable tubing. Comparative analysis and experimental results demonstrate that the refined configuration effectively suppressed the peak electric field intensity. Finally, the design was validated through comprehensive dielectric tests, including a 215 kV lightning impulse withstand voltage test. This work may offer useful engineering references and quantitative data for the ultra-compact design of eco-friendly switchgear under similar constraints.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en19122868

Authors: Dongyun Dai, Yuhao Zhang, Yimin You, Zehong Lin, Xiangzhong Liao

Institution: Xiamen University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: High voltage insulation and dielectric phenomena

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137