FEM Model Approach and Numerical Analysis of the Surface Current on High Voltage Insulators

Within the scope of this work, a finite element method (FEM) model approach and numerical investigations of surface currents on solid insulations are presented. For this purpose, different models are developed to represent the current flows and distributions on the surface of clean and polluted insulators, as well as the influence of water droplets on solid insulators with regard to the electrical current density distribution. The results of the simulations show that increased surface currents occur when the insulator is covered with a pollution layer or a film of water. Based on the evaluation, it is concluded that the numerical simulation is suitable for the investigation of the insulating behavior under consideration of the surface currents.