Modeling and simulation for flashover location determination on 150 kV insulator string

Abstract

The 150 kV Payakumbuh-Koto Panjang transmission line in West Sumatra is located in an area with high lightning activity. Based on Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) data (2017-2023), the average number of lightning days per year (IKL: isokeraunic level) reaches 165-173 days/year, and 79% of the transmission towers are located in hilly and rocky areas. This causes contamination of the insulator, which can reduce its performance and cause flashovers in the insulator circuit. However, in the field, finding flash points in insulators is still a challenge. Therefore, simulation must be used as a tool to determine the location of flashover in an insulator circuit that is affected by temperature and humidity. Simulation by modeling flashover provides an effective solution for determining the location of flashover in insulator circuits, which is the novelty of this research. This research compares laboratory test results with manual calculations modeled using Visual Basic 6. The research results show that temperature and humidity have a significant influence on determining the flashover voltage value on the insulator. The flashover locations during the test are the same as the calculated flashover locations, as shown by these simulations and modeling.