2011 International Symposium on Lightning Protection (XI SIPDA), Fortaleza, Brazil, October 3-7, 2011

Development of Multi-Chamber Insulator-

Arresters for Lightning Protection of 220 kv
Overhead Transmission Lines
G. V. Podporkin, E. Yu. Enkin, E. S. Kalakutsky, V. E. Pilshikov and A. D. Sivaev
R&D department
Streamer Electric Company
St. Petersburg, Russia
georgij.podporkin@streamer.ru

Abstract - Reported are results of integrated research of

electrical, mechanical and climatic characteristics of multi-

1
chamber insulators-arresters (MCIA) and MCIA strings
(MCIAS) for lightning protection of 220 kV overhead power lines
without shielding wire.
3
Keywords-overhead power lines, lightning protection, insulator,
arrester, multi-chamber system
5
I. INTRODUCTION
4
Over recent years so called arc-quenching multi-chamber
systems (MCS) have been developed, succeeding in production 5 2
of new 10 to 35 kV multi-chamber arresters (MCA), as well as
D QRYHO GHYLFH WHUPHG µPXOWL-chamber insulator-DUUHVWHU¶ a)
(MCIA) (Fig. 1) which combines properties and functions of
both arrester and insulator [1,2].
At a lower overall cost and with a better lightning
performance, a line thus protected features a noticeably lower
number of lightning failures, cuts damage from undersupply of
energy, and lowers maintenance costs. Installation of an MCS
confers arrester properties to insulators without any
deterioration of their insulating capacity. For this reason,
application of MCIA on overhead lines makes shield wires
redundant, while the height, weight, and cost of poles or towers
goes down. Application of MCIAs makes it possible to ensure
lightning protection of overhead lines of any voltage ratings:
the higher the line voltage, the larger is the number of units in a
string and thus the higher are the rated voltage and the arc-
quenching capacity of a string of insulator-arresters.
b)
Federal Grid Company, which is the sole owner of all
overhead power lines rated 220 kV and above in Russia, is
interested in the MCIA technology and organized a 220 kV line
R&D program. Reported below are the operating principle of
MCIA strings, as well as the principal results of 220 kV
MCIAS tests.
II. MULTI-CHAMBER SYSTEM
The base of an MCIA is a multi-chamber system (MCS) which
comprises a large number of electrodes mounted on a silicon
rubber length. Holes drilled between the electrodes and passing
through the rod act as miniature gas discharge chambers.
978-1-4577-1897-7/11/$26.00 ©2011 IEEE
Figure 1. Arc quenching tests of MCIAɚgeneral view; b) quenching of
follow current in impulse.
1 ± upper supply electrode; 2 ± lower supply electrode; 3 - multi-chamber
system (MCS), 4 - MCS taps, 5 ± air spark gaps.
When a lightning overvoltage impulse is applied to the arrester
it breaks down gaps between electrodes. Discharges between
electrodes take place inside chambers of a very small volume;
the resulting high pressure drives spark discharge channels
between electrodes to the surface of the insulating body and
hence outside, into the air around the arrester. A blow-out
action and an elongation of inter-electrode channels lead to an
increase of total resistance of all channels, i. e. that of the
arrester, which limits the lightning overvoltage impulse current.
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 As the lightning overvoltage impulse ends, only power TABLE I. LIST OF TESTS AND STUDIES NEEDED FOR 220 KV MCIAS.
frequency voltage remains applied to the arrester. Studies have ʋ Tests
shown [1] that spark discharge quenching can take place in two 1. Flashover characteristics at lightning and switching impulses
instances: 1) when 50 Hz follow current crosses zero (this type 2. Flashover characteristics at operational voltage at clean, wet
and polluted conditions
of discharge quenching is further referred to as zero
3. Flashover characteristics at operational voltage and ice
quenching); 2) when the instantaneous value of lightning 4. Power follow current quenching
overvoltage impulse drops to a level equal to or larger than the 5. Lightning charge transfer capability
instantaneous value of power frequency voltage, i. e. lightning 6. Radio interference
overvoltage current gets quenched with no follow current in the 7. Climatic tests
grid (this type of discharge quenching is further referred to as 8. Mechanical tests
impulse quenching).
conventional strings with the same number of U120AD
The mechanism of spark discharge quenching in MCSs is insulators that are used as the basic units of MCIA. A general
similar to that of arc discharge quenching in a tube expulsion view of an MCIAS is shown in Fig. 2.
arrester. A substantial difference is that an arc keeps burning
LQVLGHDWXEHDUUHVWHUIDLUO\ORQJXSWRPVLHȝV
It burns out the walls of the gas-generating tube so that thermal
breakdown gases blow the discharge channel out. With zero
quenching occurring in a MCS, the arc starts in workstation-
quenching chambers and ends when most of it gets blown out.
The chamber material does not generate gases; the blowout
happens owing to expansion of the discharge channel alone, so
erosion of the chamber walls is negligible.
Impulse quenching lasting only a few microseconds - or a
few dozens of microseconds at most - involves next to no
erosion even after numerous firings of MCS [1].
III. 220 KV MCIAS R&D
Before 220 kV MCIAS were given operational tests they
had to pass a package of tests and studies to check their
stability and resistance to electrical, mechanical and climatic
impacts. Table 1 lists all the tests and studies needed. In order
to carry out the tests, Streamer Company used services of
Russian leading research institutes, as well as assistance of
Southern Urals Hardware and Insulator Factory, manufacturer
of U120AD insulators that are used as the core of insulator-
arresters. MCIA strings are planned to be used, among other
applications, in heavy icing areas where use of shield wires is
made difficult by heavy ice loads.
MCIAS can make shield wires unnecessary after making
sure that ice cover does not damage insulating properties of
MCIAS under normal operating conditions at power frequency
voltage. Because of no appropriate laboratory available in
Russia the icing tests were carried out at Swedish Transmission
Research Institute (STRI).
A. Studies of flashover performance of MCIAS at lightning
overvoltage impulses
The studies were carried out at Russian National
Electrotechnical Institute (VEI) at 1.2/50 ȝV lightning
overvoltage impulses. Studied were both MCIASs and
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Supply electrodes between the conductor and the lowermost
MCIA and those between the grounded hardware and the
uppermost MCIA are solid metal, while the air spark gap
electrodes installed on multi-chamber systems (MCS) of
insulators, hereinafter referred to as taps, are made as MCS
components.
In order to assure normal operation of MCS by making
discharges develop over its surface, rather than over insuODWRUV¶
glass components, it was necessary to provide for a fixed
SRVLWLRQRIQHLJKERULQJXQLWV¶WDSVVWULFWO\RSSRVLWHHDFKRWKHU
(see Fig. 2). To this end a special lock was designed, which
prevents loose movement of insulators in MCIAS.
Given in Table 2 are principal results of lightning
overvoltage impulse tests for MCIAS with 14 MCIAs and
strings with 14 conventional insulators.
1
3
5
3
4
5
2
Figure 2. 220 kV multi-chamber insulators-arrester string (MCIAS).
1 ± upper supply electrode; 2 ± lower supply electrode; 3 - multi-chamber
system (MCS), 4 - MCS taps, 5 ± air spark gaps.
 TABLE II. 50% FLASHOVER VOLTAGES U50 AND STANDARD TABLE III. 50% FLASHOVER VOLTAGES U50 AND STANDARD
DEVIATIONS ı IN MCIAS AND INSULATOR STRINGS AT LIGHTNING DEVIATIONS ı IN MCIAS AND INSULATOR STRINGS AT POWER FREQUENCY
OVERVOLTAGE IMPULSES. VOLTAGES (F = 50 HZ).
MCIAS Insulator string MCIAS Insulator string
State Polarity U50* ı* U50* ı* State Uav. ı Uav. ı
kV % kV % kVeff % kVeff %
+ 555 4,9 1170 3,2 Dry 390 4,5 790 0,9
Dry Wet, clean 375 4,3 475 2,0
- 470 5,2 1190 4,6 Wet, polluted 230 - 240 -

Wet + 900 4,4 1160 2,6

- 760 7,9 1130 2,6
50% flashover voltages of dry MCIAS were found to be about
two times as low as those of 14-unit strings of U120AD
insulators, both at negative and positive polarity.
It is of interest to note that wet flashover voltages of MCIAS
were found to be substantially higher than dry ones, which can
be explained by a smoother voltage distribution over MCIAS
with water penetrating discharge chambers of MCSs. Still, wet
flashover voltages of MCIAS are 20 to 30% lower than those
of an insulator string. Shown in Fig. 3 are voltage-time curves
(VTC) for strings of 220 kV MCIAS and 14-unit strings of
U120AD insulators. Comparison shows VTC of the MCIAS to
be much below that of the insulator string, while VTC of both
GHSHQGEXWOLWWOHRQWKHYROWDJHLPSXOVH¶VSRODULW\
Additional tests of MCIAS were carried out at Siberian
Power Research Institute using voltage impulses with a fairly
high rate of voltage increase of 4 MV/MCS. Similar to all the
tests described above, here again 220 kV MCIAS performed as
specified, regardless of impulse polarity in both dry and wet
state, the discharge formation route running strictly along the
chain of multi-chamber systems (MCS) and spark air gaps.
As seen from Table 3, dry and wet flashover voltages of
MCIAS are lower than those of insulator string because a
discharge in MCIAS develops over MCS. However, they
substantially above the maximum operational phase voltage
rating for 220 kV lines (Uph. max=146 kV) and thus meet
requirements of Regulations on Electric Installations.
Under wet polluted conditions, flashover voltages of a
string of U120AD insulators and MCIAS are about identical,
which means that MCS does not practically lower breakdown
strength of a string. Both an insulator string and an MCIAS
meet requirements of Chapter 1.9 of Regulations on Electric
Installations (Russian standard) as regards breakdown strength
of wet polluted insulation in Pollution Degree-2 areas (at
specific surface conductivity of pollutant layer Ȥ ȝS).
C. Studies of flashover performance of MCIAS at power
frequency voltage under ice load conditions
The studies have shown that MCS does not lower
breakdown strength of an insulator string with a 30 mm thick
ice coat at water conductivity of 100 ȝS/cm (see Fig. 5). On the
average, flashover voltages for MCIAS and insulator string are
quite close (236 and 230 kV, respectively) and essentially
above the maximum operational phase voltage rating Uph.
max=146 kV.

B. Studies of flashover performance of MCIAS at power

frequency voltage at dry, wet and polluted states
Here again tested were both MCIAS and conventional
strings with 14 U120AD insulators, those used as the basis of
MCIA. In both dry and wet tests of MCIAS, the flashover path
ran over MCS (Fig. 4ɚ, while in polluted state tests the path
bypassed MCS (Fig. 4, ɛ). Test results are shown in Table 3.

ɚ b)
Figure 4. Photos obtained in power frequency voltage tests of a string of
Figure 3. Voltage-time curves of a 14 U120AD unit string and a MCIAS. 220 kV multi-chamber insulator-arresters in wet (a) and polluted (Ȥ -
13,7 ȝ6(b) states.

162
 I Rɦ Rɦ
Rɦ Rɦ
Lɦ Lɦ Lɦ Lɦ
ileft 2 ileft 1 iright 2
iright 1
Lt Lt Lt Lt

Rf Rf ɚ) Rf Rf
tower 2l tower 1l tower 1r tower 2r
ileft 2 ileft 1 iright 1 iright 2
Zs l2 l1 l1 l2 Zs
Zs

is .1r

is .2r
Rɦ Rɦ Rɦ Rɦ

is .2l

is .1l
Lɦ Lɦ I Lɦ Lɦ
Lt Lt e =IlZl Lt Lt
Rf Rf Rf Rf
ɚ b) b)
Figure 5. Power frequency voltage tests of MCIAS at ice loads: Figure 6NHWFKRIN9OLQHVHFWLRQɚDQGFLUFXLWUHSUHVHQWDWLRQb) for
ɚMCIAS at 30 mm thick ice coat; b) initial stage of MCIAS flashover.
D. Studies of AC follow-up current quenching
1) Calculated estimation of current impulse across MCIAS
220 kV lines without a shield wire must stand direct
lightning strokes (DLS) on a tower and on line conductors. The
latter case of a DLS on a conductor is the heavier variant for
MCIAS in terms of follow-up current quenching because, at
common 10 to 100 Ohm values of footing resistance, current
impulses across MCIAS are substantially heavier than those
associated with a DLS on a tower. That is why the design
current impulse across MCIAS must be estimated for the
conductor DLS.
Lightning current values range from 2 to 300 averaging
around 30 kA, with 95% of lightning currents being below 100
kA. In this study the rated current was taken to be 100 kA. It
will be recalled that the term ³OLJKWQLQJ FXUUHQW Il´ is
understood to be the maximum impulse current at a lightning
stroke on a reliably grounded structure. Actual current across
MCIAS is substantially lower.
At a lightning stroke on a conductor, the lightning current is
divided into two surges that run left and right from the stroke
point (see Fig. 6). On their way each of the current surges
passes conductor sections with different surge impedance
values and, after an MCIAS gets actuated, meets the MCIAS¶V
inductive reactance and ohmic resistance, as well as inductive
reactance RI WKH WRZHU¶V ERG\ DQG ohmic resistance of the
WRZHU¶V footing electrode.
Calculations using the circuit representation in Fig. 6,
showed that, at a lightning current Il=100 kA voltage on towers
1l and 2l closest to the lightning stroke point, as well as on
towers 1r and 2r, exceeds 500 kV, i. e. is above the MCIAS¶V
flashover voltage, thus actuating their MCIAS. Current across
the MCIAS 1l, as well as 1r, exceeds that across MCIAS 2l and
2r. Maximum current ranges from 25 to 35 kA depending on
the footing
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calculation of impulse current across MCIAS:
ɟ± equivalent electromotive force; zl± surge impedance of lightning channel;
¨O1 ± distributed-parameter line section; RM ± ohmic resistance of MCIAS at
actuation; LM ± inductance of MCIAS at actuation; Lt ± WRZHU¶VLQGXFWDQFH; Rf
± IRRWLQJ¶VUHVLVWDQFH; ¨O2 ± distributed-parameter line section corresponding
WRVSDQ¶VKDOI-length; zs± surge impedance of conductor with allowance for
streamer corona.
resistance of the towers and on ohmic resistance of MCIAS at
actuation.
2) Experimental study of follow-up current quenching
The study was carried out at Streamer and High Voltage
Apparatus Research Institute companies following the
procedure reported in [1]. The circuit diagram of both test
facilities companies was basically similar using two primary
units (Fig. 7), viz. an AC voltage generator simulating grid
voltage, and an impulse generator representing voltage impulse
and lightning overvoltage current.
Each MCIA was tested by AC voltage, which was
superimposed by a lightning overvoltage impulse. Current and
voltage oscillograph records were taken; in addition, high-
speed video records made it possible to see process
development and to determine if follow-up current was or was
not quenched in each particular case.
Figure 7. Circuit diagram of test facility used for study of follow-up current
quenching.
 TABLE IV. PARAMETERS OF TEST CURRENTS AND VOLTAGES USED AT string of two MCIA units does so at 22 kV. Both these and
STREAMER AND NIIVA COMPANIES TO QUENCH FOLLOW-UP CURRENT.
earlier studies demonstrate a linear dependence between the
Company NIIVA Streamer quenching voltage and number of MCS chambers. Thus
Parameters of Maximum 2 30 available test findings for single and double MCIAs can
lightning current, kA
impulse Time to half-drop 50 55
extrapolated to a string of 14 MCIAs: such a fourteen-unit
generator of current MCIAS may be believed to be efficient in quenching of follow-
LPSXOVHȝV up current at grid voltage of Uɝɚɲ ɯ  kV, which is
above the maximum permissible phase voltage of Uph. max=146
kV of a 220 kV line. In other words, a single MCIAS will be
Maximum 600 250 capable of quenching reliably follow-up current of a 220 kV
impulse voltage,
grid.
kV
E. Tests of MCIA for lightning discharge withstand capability
The tests were carried out at Streamer Company on the test
Parameters of Maximum 10 22
50 Hz voltage effective voltage,
facility used for follow-up current quenching studies (see Fig.
generator kV 7). A single MCIA is used in studies the tests. The grid voltage
Maximum 10 2,5 generator is set to 22 kV and used for tests acc. to the
effective current, procedure described in Section 3.4. The setting leads to a
kA
quenching failure accompanied by a heavy current flowing
across the MCS. The AC current generator is set to a single-
Parameters of test currents and voltages used at Streamer cycle current flow across the MCIA. The test makes it possible
and High Voltage Apparatus Research Institute (NIIVA) are to determine the MCS's capability to withstand the thermal
shown in Table 4. A single MCIA was used in NIIVA tests, impact of a lightning charge. The total charge Q1 flowing
while Streamer Company tested both single MCIA and strings across the MCS during a test is the sum of the impulse current
of two units (see Fig. 8). charge Qimp and the charges at the negative and positive half-
cycles of follow-up current, i. e. Q1 = Q1imp+Q1- + Q1+ . Values
ɚ were shown by measurements to be
of the constituent charges
as follows:
Q1imp = 0.5 C (the charge coming from 8/20 ȝV 30 kA
impulse current);
Q1- = 8 C (the charge coming from 4 ms, 2920 kA first half-
cycle follow-up current);
Q1+ =7.5 C (the charge coming from 5 ms, 2700 A second
half-cycle follow-up current).
Thus Q1 = Q1imp+Q1- + Q1+ = 0.5 + 8 + 7.5 = 16 C.
The test was repeated twice. The MCS-passing charges Q1
and Q2 of the first and second tests were summed (QȈ =
ɚ Q1+Q2). Two closely spaced applications assured passage of a
charge of about 32 C. ɛ
Determined next was the capability of the test MCIA to
quench follow-up current at 11 kV grid voltage. During this
test impulse quenching with no follow-up current also
occurred. Thus the MCIA was proved to meet specifications
with adequate performance after flow of a charge over 30 C.

F. Radio interference level of MCIAS

The RI level of MCIAS-220 and a string of 14 U120AD
insulators rated at 220 kV was shown by measurements to be
49.5 and 49 dB, respectively, i.e. within the permissible
regulatory value of 55 dB at the standard power frequency
b) voltage of 160 kV.
Figure 8. Follow-up current quenching tests of two-0&,$0&,$6ɚgeneral
view; b) follow-up current quenching by a Iɦ N$IJ ȝV impulse.
G. Tests for resistance to environmental factors
It was shown by the tests that a single MCIA quenches
The multi-chamber insulator-arrester of the MCIA-U
reliably a follow-up current at an 11 kV grid voltage, while a
120AD version was shown by the tests to comply with

164
requirements of the Russian National standard GOST 15150-69
and those of the draft specifications Ɍɍ 3414-005-45533350-
11 as regards resistance to environmental factors, including
variations of ambient temperature, air humidity, onset and
thawing of hoarfrost, and solar radiation.

H. Vibration strength tests

As revealed by measurement of resonant properties of the
insulator-arrester, with the vibration test load applied along its
axis, no resonance frequencies Fɪɟɡ.were detected over a 5 to
500 Hz range. The results led to choosing the ninth degree of
fixity acc. to Para. 2.4 of GOST 20.57.406-81. Vibration
strength tests were carried out on three samples over a 5 to 500
Hz range at a 50 m/Vð acceleration, with a total duration of tests a)
in the above-stated direction being three hours for each sample.
No mechanical damage was found on completion of the tests.
As revealed by measurement of resonant properties of the
insulator-arrester, with the vibration test load applied
perpendicularly to its axis, resonance frequencies Fɪɟɡ.were
detected at 100 Hz, with mechanical Q up to 11. Accordingly,
the sixth degree of fixity was chosen acc. to Para. 2.4 of GOST
20.57.406-81. Vibration strength tests were carried out on three
samples over a 5 to 80 Hz range at a 50 m/Vð acceleration, with
a total duration of tests in the above-stated direction being
three hours for each sample. No mechanical damage was found
on completion of the tests.

I. Tests of MCIA for compliance with IEC requirements

7KH 0DQXIDFWXUHU¶V WHVWV KDYH VKRZQ WKDW 8$' JODVV
cap-and-pin insulators coupled with MCS, i.e. MCIA, meet
IEC 60383-1, IEC ɢIEC 60437 requirements.
IV. CONCLUSIONS
The reported 220 kV MCIAS has suɫɫessfully passed the
specified package of electrical, mechanical and climatic tests
and studies as shown in Table 1. A first batch of 4500 MCIA
units was installed in February 2011 on 100 towers of a 220 kV
overhead line between the Tsimlyanskaya hydraulic power
plant and the city of Shakhty in Southern Russia (see Fig. 9).
b)
Figure 9. 220 kV overhead line between the Tsimlyanskaya hydraulic
power plant and the city of Shakhty equipped with strings of multi-chamber
insulator-arresters (MCIAS):
a)- mounting; b) ± general view.
REFERENCES
[1] G. V. Podporkin, E. Yu. Enkin, E. S. Kalakutsky, V.E. Pilshikov, A. D.
6LYDHY ³2YHUKHDG lines lightning protection by multi-chamber arresters
and insulator-arresters ", IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, vol. 26,
No. 1, January 2011, pp.214-221.
[2] G. V. PodpoUNLQ´High voltage insulator and overhead power line using
the insulator", PCT/RU2009/000142 application date 26 March 2009.

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