EPRI - HVDC Insulator Studies: Part I Field Test at the Sylmar HVDC Converter Station

This paper is the first of a series reporting on a combined field-laboratory study to determine the process of and factors influencing the contamination flashover of HVDC insulators. This paper summarizes the findings from two years of salient data obtained from monitoring at an on-line insulator test facility located at the Sylmar Converter Station of the Pacific Intertie HVDC System. Contaminants are identified and their rate of accumulation determined. Empirical equations are derived to predict accumulation. Weather parameters are measured and correlated with leakage current.