Classification of Insulators Based on Different Materials
Insulator is a special insulation control. It is installed between conductors of different potentials or between conductors and grounded electrical components. It can withstand voltage and mechanical stress in overhead transmission lines. Insulators are widely used in the electric power field, transmission lines, power plants, substation busbars and various electrical equipment all require the support and connection of insulators. Insulators are generally made of insulating parts and metal accessories by crimped, or glued with adhesive, or mechanically clamped. According to different materials, insulators can be divided into three categories: porcelain insulators, glass insulators and composite insulators. In the past, porcelain insulators were commonly used in high-voltage transmission lines (generally designed to operate for more than 40 years). In recent years, glass insulators and composite insulators have also been widely used.
Porcelain insulators: There is a long history of manufacturing porcelain insulators in China. A large number of small and medium-sized enterprises emerged in the early 1990s. However, due to factors such as backward technology and low automation, the quality is generally not high. With the survival of the fittest among domestic porcelain insulator enterprises and the continuous improvement of production processes, the production level of porcelain insulators has been greatly improved, the technology is relatively mature, and the material performance of porcelain insulators has reached the international advanced level. However, due to the purification of raw materials, the stability of porcelain insulator products needs to be improved.
Composite insulators: Chinese power grid began to use imported composite insulators in the early 1980s. Composite insulators are increasingly used in all aspects of our country’s power grid operations. However, since the composite material itself is relatively easy to age, research on its service life requires longer follow-up observations.
Glass insulators: Chinese power grid development was at its peak after 2000 year. Glass insulators are generally recognized by power grid operating companies for their excellent properties such as no hidden deterioration defects, high residual mechanical strength after zero-value self-explosion, no aging, and long service life. But production equipment required to produce glass insulators is complex, requires large investment, and the production technology is highly difficult.
Application: Different insulator materials are suitable for different environments and applications. Porcelain insulators are suitable for seaside and riverside areas with high humidity and high pollution, while glass fiber reinforced plastic insulators are suitable for urban distribution networks, wind power, solar power stations and other fields. Silicon Rubber insulators are suitable for transmission lines in areas with serious pollution, complex environments, high altitudes, and cold temperatures.
To sum up, insulators made of different materials have their own characteristics and show different performances in different application scenarios. When choosing insulator materials, users need to make choices based on specific circumstances.
