Silicone rubber composite insulators have been widely adopted in power transmission systems due to their lightweight nature, excellent hydrophobicity, and superior anti-fouling performance. However, in high-temperature and high-humidity (HTHH) environments—typical of tropical coastal regions—these insulators undergo accelerated aging that significantly compromises their mechanical, electrical, and interfacial properties. This article provides a comprehensive review of the aging mechanisms of silicone rubber composite insulators under HTHH conditions and summarizes contemporary lifetime prediction methodologies, including physics-based models, statistical approaches, and machine learning techniques. The findings aim to support reliability assessment and maintenance decision-making for power grid operators in challenging climatic regions.
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Composite insulators are widely used in power grids worldwide due to their light weight, high mechanical strength, and excellent pollution flashover performance. The long-term reliability of these insulators is primarily determined by the performance of their core component: the silicone rubber sheds. This article delves into the two main aging issues of composite insulators: the loss of hydrophobicity in silicone rubber material and the mechanical fracture of the sheds/core rod. It provides a detailed analysis of the underlying mechanisms, including chemical aging, physical aging, electrical stress erosion, and mechanical stress fatigue. Based on this analysis, comprehensive prevention and mitigation strategies are proposed, encompassing material modification, online monitoring, and maintenance, offering technical insights for ensuring the safety and stability of power systems.
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IntroductionComposite insulators, critical for power grid external insulation, face irreversible aging under coupled stresses (UV, pollution, humidity).
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IntroductionWith the rapid development of UHV power grids, composite insulators are gradually replacing traditional porcelain insulators due to their lightweight design and superior pollution flashover resistance.
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