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Polymer surge arresters come in different types depending on the materials of their internal elements and the application they serve. These include medium voltage surge arresters, high voltage polymer surge arresters, distribution line surge arresters, station-type surge arresters, and combined surge arresters.
Medium voltage surge arresters typically operate in the range of 1-36 kV. For example, polymer surge arresters' MV applications are found in industries and commercial facilities where medium-voltage power distribution systems are used.
These surge arresters are deployed in electrical networks for protecting the equipment from voltage spikes. They are mainly used in industrial plants or commercial buildings with medium-voltage power supply systems, such as manufacturing facilities or large office buildings.
High voltage polymer surge arresters are designed to operate at voltages higher than 36 kV and usually at 100-800 kV. They are used in power generation and transmission systems to control transient overvoltages in electrical grids.
High voltage systems, such as those found in power plants and large substations, are susceptible to lightning strikes and switching transients, making the need for high voltage surge arresters essential.
Distribution line surge arresters are designed to protect power distribution networks operating at 1-36 kV. These surge arresters are installed on overhead distribution lines, both rural and urban, to prevent overvoltages from impacting the lines and connected equipment.
By being installed directly on the lines, these arresters can provide protection over long distances and in outdoor environments.
Station-type polymer surge arresters are mainly used in substations and switchyards. They protect high voltage equipment like transformers, circuit breakers, and switchgear from surges that can be caused by lightning or other events.
These arresters are designed to handle the high energy levels of surges in these critical areas of electrical infrastructure.
Combined surge arresters integrate both normal and common-mode protection. They are used in applications where both phase-to-earth and phase-to-phase surges need to be controlled simultaneously.
For instance, in a power plant, combined arresters can protect all aspects of the electrical system from various surge types, simplifying installation and reducing the number of devices needed for protection.
Polymer surge arresters protect generators and excitation systems from voltage spikes caused by switching operations, load fluctuations, or external disturbances like lightning strikes. By clamping these surges, Polymer surge arresters prevent damage to sensitive control systems and ensure the smooth operation of power plants.
Transformers are key components in many electrical systems, and surge arresters prevent insulation damage by limiting voltage surges during installation, operation, and maintenance. In high-voltage areas, arresters protect transformers from surges while, in low-voltage distribution networks, medium-voltage polymer surge arresters safeguard small distribution transformers.
Transmission lines carry large amounts of electrical power over long distances, making them vulnerable to surges. Arresters are installed along these lines to protect against voltage spikes induced by lightning or switching operations, preventing damage to insulators, conductors, and tower-mounted equipment.
In distribution networks, arresters protect pole-mounted equipment like fuses, reclosers, and small transformers. They ensure the reliable operation of power distribution in urban and rural areas.
Large industrial complexes managing chemical processes, refineries, or manufacturing plants rely on surge arresters to protect their internal electrical systems from transient overvoltages. Arresters installed at critical points in electrical substations ensure that machinery, control systems, and other sensitive industrial electronics are not damaged by sudden voltage spikes.
Polymer surge arresters are designed to protect switchgear and circuit breakers in high-voltage and medium-voltage substations. During switching operations, voltage transients can damage nearby equipment, but surge arresters limit these surges to protect circuit breakers and other switchgear components.
Polymer surge arresters protect the inverter and other associated electronics while integrating renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro into the electrical grid. By preventing voltage spikes during changes in generation or grid conditions, they ensure the safety and reliability of e-waiting systems.
Voltage Rating
Polymer surge arresters are designed for application in high-voltage power systems. Their voltage levels often reach up to 1 MV. This makes them suitable for protecting electrical systems in power generation and transmission. Their high voltage rating ensures that they can effectively withstand and limit electrical surges without breaking down.
Energy Absorption Capacity
Polymer surge arresters have high energy absorption capacity. Usually measured in kilojoules, the arresters can absorb significant energy as a result of transient overvoltages without sustaining damage. This feature helps protect power systems from prolonged exposure to electrical surges.
Operating Temperature Range
The polymer materials used for the surge arresters are designed to withstand extreme operating temperatures. This slight variation is in a range of -40° to 90° Celsius. Withstand the temperatures enables the surge arrester to perform effectively even under rigorous environmental and operational conditions. It also ensures they maintain performance in both very cold and very hot conditions.
Impulse Current Capacity
Impulse current capacity allows Polymer surge arresters to handle short-duration, high-amplitude currents like those induced by lightning strikes. They can carry several kiloamperes of impulse current without failing to protect the infrastructure from the electrical imbalances induced by such phenomena.
Insulation Strength
The polymer housing for these surge arresters is engineered with high dielectric strength. It provides adequate insulation between the live components and the ground. This feature ensures that the arrester does not unintentionally conduct current during normal operating conditions and only diverts excess surge energy when needed.
Material Quality
The materials used to manufacture polymer surge arresters directly impact the device's performance and reliability. High-quality arresters use advanced polymers specifically formulated to resist UV radiation, pollution, and thermal aging. The surge arresters' internal components are often made from high-conductivity metal oxides or other arrestor materials.
Manufacturing Standards
Polymer surge arresters should be certified to meet international standards like IEC 60099-4 or IEEE C62.11. Adherence to these standards ensures that the arrester's design, testing, and performance fall within established quality parameters. Arresters manufactured in high-quality environments with stringent quality control measures tend to have lower defect rates.
Electrical Characteristics
Key requirements include a rated voltage and a rated current carrying capacity equal to or higher than those found in the application for which the arrester is intended. The nonlinear resistors have a high nonlinearity factor, which helps limit overvoltages effectively, while the energy absorption capacity should be as high as possible.
Proper Grounding
Polymer surge arresters must be properly grounded to function correctly and safely. It should maintain a low-resistance connection to the earth so that any surge energy can be safely diverted into the ground.
Regular Inspections
Polymer materials can degrade due to excessive UV radiation, heat, or chemical exposure. Regular visual and physical inspections help identify potential signs of wear or damage.
Monitoring System Parameters
Continuous or periodic system parameter surveillance, such as voltage and current, is one way to ensure that surge arresters operate within the recommended range. Deviations often lead to surge arresters overstressing or underperforming, putting them at risk of failing.
Environment Conditions
Cold temperatures can lead to cracking of the material, whereas hot temperatures can lead to premature material degradation. Portable cooling or heating systems may surround the surge arresters to maintain the optimal environment for the surge arresters.
A1. The main purpose of a polymer surge arrester is to protect electrical systems from overvoltages caused by lightning strikes, switching operations, and transient phenomena. It does this by diverting excessive electrical energy to the ground.
A2. Surge arresters should be replaced immediately upon seeing they have reached their maximum energy discharge capacity. Replacing them upon witnessing physical deterioration and damage or electrical system performance issues is advisable.
A3. Polymer surge arresters are practically maintenance-free; regular inspections and monitoring are needed to ensure the arrester is functioning optimally. Other maintenance works include cleaning the outer polymer sheath of contaminants.
A4. Yes, like other electronic devices, polymer surge arresters may contain hazardous materials like lead, cadmium, or certain brominated flame retardants. These substances could be released when the surge arresters are incinerated or disposed of inappropriately.
A5. The first thing to do when disposing of polymer surge arresters is to consult local regulations on electronic waste. After that, take the surge arresters to designated electronic recycling centers that handle hazardous materials.
