Development & feasibility study of a modular insulator made of thermoset polymer, to be applied in overhead distribution power lines of medium voltage applicable in several tensions (15, 25 and 34kV), in place of insulators designed to each tension class

• Grant number: 15/22417-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2016
• End date: June 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Electrical Materials
• Principal Investigator: José Mak
• Grantee: José Mak
• Company: B&M Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Ltda. - EPP
• City: Campinas
• Pesquisadores principais: André Luis Pirotello ; José Eduardo Querido
• Associated scholarship(s): 16/17380-9 - Development & feasibility study of a modular insulator made of thermoset polymer, to be applied in overhead distribution power lines of medium voltage applicable in several tensions (15, 25 and 34kV), in place of insulators designed to each tension class, BP.PIPE; 16/17073-9 - Development & feasibility study of a modular insulator made of thermoset polymer, to be applied in overhead distribution power lines of medium voltage applicable in several tensions (15, 25 and 34kV), in place of insulators designed to each tension class, BP.PIPE

Abstract

This project aims the development of a new type of insulator to be used in the overhead distribution power lines of medium voltage, applicable in several tension classes (15 kV, 25 kV and 34 kV), made of reinforced thermoset polymer. The configuration of these insulators will be modular in a way that the required component will be assembled by stacking standard segments until the insulation level required by the overhead power line be reached. The innovation to be achieved in this project will be the use of a new material in the manufacturing of insulators besides of the introduction in the local market of a modular type of insulator, which allows its use in several tension levels, in accordance to its assembly configuration. This feature will improve the standardization level of components, allowing the subsequent reduction in the number of stock items and inventory level used for the service of existing and new power lines. The project will consist of the following steps: 1. theoretical bibliographic research, study of the insulators standards, state of art evaluation for insulators of overhead power lines and concept analysis, patent research and market research of similar products; 2. project new insulator concept definition, shape study and definition, critical points analysis and solution proposals. Mechanical design and drawings of the modular configuration allowing the assembly of several segments in order to comply with the requirements of 15 kV, 24 kV and 34 kV overhead distribution power lines; 3. material selection in addition to the shape of the insulator, this project aims to develop the most suitable material for this application what will consist in the identification of the more appropriate polymeric thermoset composite in the market, identification and analysis of the mechanical and physical properties of the material and manufacturing costs analysis; 4. material tests acquisition of material samples, test proof body confection, mechanical tests and insulation tests execution to verify the material properties; 5. final product analysis after the conclusion of the material tests, design and drawings of the insulator then a computational graphic simulation will be made, either through finite elements study or similar, in order to determine whether the structure of the component will stand the several loads and conditions established by the approval standards for insulators. This simulation will be made taking into account the several configurations required for 15 kV, 24 kV and 34kV. (AU)