energies

Article
Simulation of Contamination Deposition on Typical
Shed Porcelain Insulators
Yukun Lv 1 , Weiping Zhao 1, * ID
, Jingang Li 2 ID
and Yazhao Zhang 1
1 School of Energy, Power and Mechanical Engineering, North China Electric Power University,
Baoding 071003, China; luyukunf@126.com (Y.L.); zhangyazhaol@163.com (Y.Z.)
2 Jinneng Clean Energy Ltd. Company, Taiyuan 030002, China; jingangli521@163.com
* Correspondence: zhaoweiping2015@163.com; Tel.: +86-18730275130

Academic Editor: Issouf Fofana

Received: 25 April 2017; Accepted: 11 July 2017; Published: 20 July 2017

Abstract: The contamination deposition characteristics of insulators can be used in the development
of antifouling work. Using COMSOL software, numerical simulations on the pollution-deposited
performance of a porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator in a wind tunnel
were conducted, and the simulated results were compared with the tested results. The comparison
shows that the deposit amount is consistent with the order of magnitude and presents a similar
tendency with Direct Current (DC) voltage variation; then the rationality of the simulation is verified.
Based on these results, simulations of the natural contamination deposition on porcelain insulators
and the distribution of pollution along the umbrella skirt were performed. The results indicates that,
under a same wind speed, contamination of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell
jar insulator under DC voltage was positively correlated with the particle size. With the same particle
size, the proportion of the deposit amount under DC voltage (NSDDDC ) to the deposit amount under
AC voltage (NSDDAC ) of both insulators decreases with the increase in wind speed. However, the
ratio increases as particle size increase. At a small wind speed, the deposit amount along the umbrella
skirt of the two insulators displays a U-shaped distribution under DC voltage while there is little
difference in the contamination amount of each skirt under Alternating Current (AC) voltage.

Keywords: porcelain insulator; contamination deposition characteristics; deposit amount; voltage

type; particle size; wind speed

1. Introduction
An insulator plays the role of mechanical support and electrical insulation of an overhead
transmission line. Contamination on the insulator will increase the risk of its pollution flashover
and threaten the safe operation of the power system [1–3]. With the rapid development of modern
industry, environmental pollution has a great impact on the insulation performances of insulators,
which brings a significant potential safety hazard to the external insulation of transmission lines,
resulting in an incalculable loss to the power system [4–7]. Therefore, pollution prevention work is
still the focus of the power sector. At present, the measurement of the pollution degree has been the
basis of the work. Based on the measured data, it can be used as a reference for the external insulation
design and the cleaning work of the transmission lines [8].
Investigating the contamination characteristics of typical shed porcelain insulators has
important practical significance on reducing the occurrence of pollution flashover accidents [9–12].
Presently, domestic and foreign scholars extensively apply natural contamination tests, wind tunnel
contamination tests, as well as numerical simulation methods to the study of the characteristics of
pollution. Zhang et al. [13] studied the natural contamination rules of the post porcelain insulator
through a natural pollution test lasting for three years, and pointed out that the non-soluble deposit

Energies 2017, 10, 1045; doi:10.3390/en10071045 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2017, 10, 1045 2 of 13

density (NSDD) and equivalent salt deposit density (ESDD) distribution of insulators was very uneven,
and the pollution severity measurement value of the insulator top surface was higher than the bottom
surface, generally. Ravelomanantsoa et al. [14] designed an open loop wind tunnel to investigate
the insulator contamination characteristics under winter conditions. The results demonstrate that
the deposit amount of the upper surface is much greater than that of the bottom surface, and the
accumulation rate of the pollution and the wind speed are interrelated by a power law relation.
Zhang et al. [15] established a simplified model of insulator through the computational fluid dynamics
software FLUENT, simulating the flow field distribution and proposed the particle impact coefficient
(P) to judge the collision between the particles and the insulator wall. The research results indicate the
coefficient P is affected by particle size and wind velocity, and the larger the coefficient is, the more
severe the pollution accumulation will be.
Insulator contamination is the result of integrated action between wind speed, particle size, and
voltage. Compared with the experimental study, numerical simulation has the advantages of low
cost and short data acquisition time. However, the numerical simulation research of pollution is still
relatively small, and the research results of multi-factor coupling under the action of the electric field,
flow field, and particle field are still insufficient.
This study attempted to investigate the pollution accumulation using multi-physics field coupling
software on the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator under the condition
of the wind tunnel, and the simulated results were compared with the tested results to verify the
feasibility of the simulation method. Using the aforementioned method, in the natural pollution period
(without considering the effect of precipitation conditions on pollution), simulation investigations of the
contamination deposition on the typical shed porcelain insulators were conducted to analyze the effects
of various factors such as wind speed, particle size, and voltage type. Additionally, the distribution of
contamination along the umbrella skirt will also be explored.

2. Mathematical Model and its Control Equation

In this paper, in order to simulate the contamination characteristic of the insulator considering the
coupling effect of the multi-physics field, the AC/DC electric field module, the turbulence module,
and the fluid-particle-tracking module in the COMSOL software package is used. Additionally, the
Lagrangian model was used to simulate the gas-solid two-phase flow. The flow field near the insulator
is more complex, and when the air flows through the insulator, the flow line is more likely to bend
larger. Therefore, in order to make the simulation results closer to the actual situation, the flow field is
time-averaged. In order to select the appropriate flow field model, the quantization parameters, such
as Reynolds number, are calculated, as shown in Equation (1):

ρvd
Re = (1)
µ

where “ρ” is the air density, kg/m3 ; “v” is the wind speed in the wind tunnel test, m/s; “µ” is the
aerodynamic viscosity, Pa·s; “d” is the characteristic length, and the “d” in the simulation is the disk
diameter of insulator (for the porcelain three-umbrella insulator, d = 0.33 m; for the porcelain bell jar
insulator, d = 0.28 m), m.
Corresponding to the pressure of 101.325 kPa and the temperature of 20 ◦ C, the values of air
parameters were substituted into the above formula, so for the porcelain three-umbrella insulator,
the Reynolds number is 8.92 × 104 ; for the porcelain bell jar insulator, the Reynolds number is
7.57 × 104 . It can be seen from the calculation results that the flow is in a turbulent state, so the
turbulence model is used in the flow field, also the incompressible Renormalization-group (RNG) k-ε
model [16,17] is adopted.
The forces of particles when they move in multi-physical field are more complex. Compared with
the gravity force and the fluid drag force, the other forces such as Saffman force, Magnus force, pressure
gradient force and aerodynamic drag force which particles subjected to were quite small [18], so they
Energies 2017, 10, 1045 3 of 13

can be ignored for simplicity. In the electric field, the dielectrophoretic force [19,20], the Coulomb force
and the image force [20] particle suffered will affect the its movement, thus affecting its deposition.
However, compared with the electrical force, the three forces were relatively small and can be negligible,
and when the charged particles continue to move close to the insulator during the movement process,
the electrical force gradually increased, so the impact of electrical force cannot be ignored [21,22].
Thus, under the condition of satisfying the calculation accuracy, especially in order to reduce the
amount of calculation, assume that in the flow and electric fields, we mainly consider the influence
of the gravitational force (Fg ), fluid drag force (Fd ), and the electrical force (Fe ) of the contaminant
particles. The particle motion constraint equation is shown in Equation (2):
 m dv
p
dt = Fg + Fd + Fe




Fg = mp g




Fd = τ1p mp (u − v)






4ρp d2p

τp = 18µCD Re r
(2)

 CD = 24 (1 + 0.15Re0.687



 Rer r )

Fe = eZE





 Z = πd3p ρp Q


6e

where “mp ” is the particle weight, kg; “v” is the particle velocity, m/s; “Fg ” is the gravitational force
of the particle, N; “Fd ” is drag force of the flow field imposed on the particle, N; “Fe ” is the electrical
force, N; “u” is the velocity of the flow field, m/s; “τ p ” is the response time of the particle in the flow
field, s; “ρp ” is the particle density, and “dp ” is the particle size, m; “µ” is the dynamic viscosity of air,
Pa·s; “CD ” is the drag coefficient; and “Rer ” is Reynolds number. Further, “e” is the charge quantity of
the elementary charge, C; “E” is the spatial electric field strength, N/C; “Z” is the charge quantity of
the particle; and “Q” is the charge quantity of a particle per unit weight a, C/kg.

3. Wind Tunnel Test and Its Simulation Results Analysis

3.1. Wind Tunnel Test Device and its Method

The wind tunnel laboratory equipment at our school is described in Figure 2. The test was
carried out in a low-speed section (10.5 m × 1.1 m × 0.8 m). The test environment corresponds to
the natural wind conditions in the atmosphere, without considering the effect of rainfall erosion.
Therefore, the test wind speed is set at 4 m/s. The main parameters of the porcelain three-umbrella
insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator used in the test are summarized in Table 1, and the models
are shown in Figure 1. Due to the 0.8 m height restrictions of the wind tunnel laboratory, the insulator
string composed of three pieces for each of the above two kinds of insulators was selected as the
research objects.

Table 1. The main parameters of the tested insulators.

Contents
Model Structural Creepage Shed
Height/mm Distance/mm Diameter/mm
Porcelain three-umbrella insulator XSP-160 170 545 330
Porcelain bell jar insulator XP13-160 170 340 280
Energies 2017, 10, 1045 4 of 13
Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the wind tunnel laboratory.

(a) (b)
Figure 2. Insulator models in the wind tunnel, (a) XSP-160; and (b) XP13-160.
Figure 1. Insulator models in the wind tunnel, (a) XSP-160; and (b) XP13-160.
Energies 2017, 10, 1045 4 of 13
Table 1. The main parameters of the tested insulators.

Contents
Model Structural Creepage Shed
Height/mm Distance/mm Diameter/mm
Porcelain three-umbrella insulator XSP-160 170 545 330
Porcelain bell jar insulator XP13-160 170 340 280

In the wind tunnel test, the lower umbrella skirt steel legs are set as the high-voltage terminals,
while the upper umbrella skirt cap is the ground terminal, and 0, ±12, ±18, ±24, ±36 kV DC voltage is
applied to the insulators throughout the entire test. The sample consists of sand, diatomite, and
NaCl particles mixed at a ratio of 6:6:1. The size of the sand, diatomite, and NaCl particles were
approximately 100 μm, 50 μm, and 100 μm, respectively, and their densities were 2.32 g/cm3, 0.47
g/cm3, and 2.165 g/cm3.Figure In the experiment, the contamination amount was measured through the
Figure 2.1.Schematic
Schematic diagram
diagram of the
the wind
windtunnel
tunnellaboratory.
laboratory.
grey density value (diatomite) on the surface of the insulator umbrella skirt. In order to reduce the
In the winderror,
experimental tunnel
thetest, the lower
experiment umbrella
was repeatedskirt
fivesteel
timeslegs
forare setcondition,
each as the high-voltage terminals,
and the maximum
while the upper umbrella skirt cap is the ground terminal, and 0, ± 12, ± 18, ± 24,
error for each test is 4.8%. Eventually, the average value was taken as the actual contamination ± 36 kV DC voltage
is amount.
applied to the insulators throughout the entire test. The sample consists of sand, diatomite,
and NaCl particles mixed at a ratio of 6:6:1. The size of the sand, diatomite, and NaCl particles
3.2.approximately
were Wind Tunnel Numerical 50 µm, and 100 µm, respectively, and their densities were 2.32 g/cm3 ,
100 µm,Simulation
0.47 g/cm 3 , and 2.165 g/cm 3
In the simulation, the . same
In thecuboid
experiment, the contamination
is constructed as per the amount
geometricwas measured of
dimensions through
the
thelow-speed
grey density segment, and outside the rectangular flow path, a virtual region with a thickness of 100the
value (diatomite) on the surface of the insulator umbrella skirt. In order to reduce
experimental
mm, callederror, the experiment
the “infinite element was repeated[23]
domain” fivewas
times for each condition,
established. and boundaries
Its external the maximum error
were
fordefined
each test is 4.8%. Eventually, the average value was taken as the actual contamination
as the absorption region of the electromagnetic wave, as is shown in Figure 3 (take the amount.
porcelain three-umbrella insulator for example). The outer boundary of electromagnetic wave
3.2.absorption
Wind Tunnel Numerical
region Simulation
is the default electrical
(a) insulation boundary(b)
condition. Herein, the flow field entrance
In the simulation, the same cuboid is constructed as per the geometric dimensions of the low-speed
Figure 2. Insulator models in the wind tunnel, (a) XSP-160; and (b) XP13-160.
segment, and outside the rectangular flow path, a virtual region with a thickness of 100 mm, called the
“infinite element domain” [23] Tablewas established.
1. The Its external
main parameters of the boundaries were defined as the absorption
tested insulators.
region of the electromagnetic wave, as is shown in Figure 3 (take the porcelain three-umbrella insulator
Contents
for example). The outer boundary of electromagnetic wave absorption region is the default electrical
Model Structural Creepage Shed
insulation boundary condition. Herein, the flow field entrance Distance/mm
Height/mm is the speed (4Diameter/mm
m/s) entrance, and
the outlet Porcelain
is the pressure outlet.insulator
three-umbrella The other four surfaces
XSP-160 170are walls, and545 the wall surface
330 function is
used to solve Porcelain
its velocity
bell and pressure
jar insulator distribution. In the
XP13-160 170particle tracking
340 module,280the particles are
released from the inlet, and they are carried by the air to enter the flow field region. The deposition
processInofthe wind tunnel
particles test, the lower
on insulator is quiteumbrella skirt steel
complicated, solegs
theare set as the of
expression high-voltage terminals,
the particle adhesion
criterion is programmed according to the literature [24]. The grid irrelevance verification shows is
while the upper umbrella skirt cap is the ground terminal, and 0, ±12, ±18, ±24, ±36 kV DC voltage that
theapplied to the insulators
mesh number throughout
of the porcelain the entire test.
three-umbrella The sample
insulator consists suspension
and porcelain of sand, diatomite, and
disc insulator
NaCl particles mixed at a ratio of 6:6:1. The size of the sand, diatomite, and NaCl particles were
approximately 100 μm, 50 μm, and 100 μm, respectively, and their densities were 2.32 g/cm3, 0.47
g/cm3, and 2.165 g/cm3. In the experiment, the contamination amount was measured through the
grey density value (diatomite) on the surface of the insulator umbrella skirt. In order to reduce the
experimental error, the experiment was repeated five times for each condition, and the maximum
error for each test is 4.8%. Eventually, the average value was taken as the actual contamination
amount.
is the speed (4 m/s) entrance, and the outlet is the pressure outlet. The other four surfaces are walls,
is the speed (4 m/s) entrance, and the outlet is the pressure outlet. The other four surfaces are walls,
and the wall surface function is used to solve its velocity and pressure distribution. In the particle
and the wall surface function is used to solve its velocity and pressure distribution. In the particle
tracking module, the particles are released from the inlet, and they are carried by the air to enter the
tracking module, the particles are released from the inlet, and they are carried by the air to enter the
flow field region. The deposition process of particles on insulator is quite complicated, so the
flow field
Energies region.
2017, 10, The deposition process of particles on insulator is quite complicated, so ofthe
expression of 1045
the particle adhesion criterion is programmed according to the literature [24].5 The 13
expression of the particle adhesion criterion is programmed according to the literature [24]. The
grid irrelevance verification shows that the mesh number of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator
grid irrelevance verification shows that the mesh number of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator
and
are, porcelain suspension disc insulator
700,000are,
andrespectively, approximately 700,000 and 540,000, which
and respectively, approximately
porcelain suspension disc insulator are, 540,000, which
respectively, can better meet
approximately the requirements
700,000 of the
and 540,000, which
can better
actuarial meet
accuracythe requirements
and the of
calculationthe actuarial
time. accuracy and the calculation time.
can better meet the requirements of the actuarial accuracy and the calculation time.

Figure 3. Schematic diagram of geometric physical model and boundary condition of low velocity
Figure 3. Schematic diagram of geometric physical model and boundary condition of low velocity
Figure 3.
section Schematic
in the diagram
wind tunnel test.of geometric physical model and boundary condition of low velocity
section in
section in the
the wind
wind tunnel
tunnel test.
test.

3.3. Comparative Analysis of Test Results and Simulation Results

3.3. Comparative Analysis of Test Results and Simulation Results
3.3. Comparative Analysis of Test Results and Simulation Results
The wind tunnel test demonstrates that the surface deposit amount of the two types of
The wind tunnel test demonstrates that the surface deposit amount of the two types of
The wind
insulators tunnel test
is saturated demonstrates
after that the
15 h. Therefore, surface
in the winddeposit
tunnelamount of the
pollution two types
simulation, it of insulators
is necessary
insulators is saturated after 15 h. Therefore, in the wind tunnel pollution simulation, it is necessary
is saturated
to calculate after
the 15 h. Therefore,
amount in the wind
of pollution in thetunnel
wholepollution
saturation simulation,
time. Asit iswith
necessary to calculate the
the experiment, the
to calculate the amount of pollution in the whole saturation time. As with the experiment, the
amount of pollution in the whole saturation time. As with the experiment, the simulation
simulation conditions are repeated the same times, and take the average. As the evaluation index of conditions
simulation conditions are repeated the same times, and take the average. As the evaluation index of
are repeated
insulator the same times,
contamination, theand take the average.
calculation formulaAsofthethe evaluation
surface index
depositof insulator
amount contamination,
(NSDD) is as
insulator contamination, the calculation formula of the surface deposit amount (NSDD) is as
the calculation formula of the surface deposit amount (NSDD) is as follows:
follows:
follows:
nm
nmp t ts
NSDD =
NSDD = ξ nm ppt ss (3)
(3)
NSDD = ξξ ttp SS (3)
t pS p

where “ξ”isis
thethe time factor;
“mp ”“m p” is the particle weight, kg; “n” is the total number of the
where
where“ξ” “ξ” is time
the factor;
time factor; is the
“m p” particle weight, kg;
is the particle “n” iskg;
weight, the total
“n” number of thenumber
is the total contamination
of the
contamination
particles particles
deposited deposited
on thedeposited on the
skirt surface, whichskirt
cansurface,
be directlywhich can bebydirectly
obtained obtainedsoftware;
the simulation by the
contamination particles on the skirt surface, which can be directly obtained by the
simulation
“S” software;
is the total surface“S” areais the total surfacesheds,
area of 2the
; “tpinsulator sheds, m22; “tp”simulation
is the contamination
simulation software; “S” isofthe
the insulator
total surface area m of the ” is the contamination
insulator time, s; “ts ”
sheds, m ; “tp” is the contamination
simulation
is the time oftime,
winds; “t s” is the time of wind tunnel contamination test. Figure 4 shows the test results
simulation time, s; tunnel contamination
“ts” is the time of wind test. Figure
tunnel 4 shows the test
contamination results
test. Figureand simulation
4 shows results
the test for
results
and
each simulation
insulator. results for each insulator.
and simulation results for each insulator.

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 4.4. Comparisonofofthethe
testtest results and simulation
results,results, (a) porcelain three-umbrella
4.Comparison
Comparison of the results
test and simulation
results and simulation (a) porcelain
results, three-umbrella
(a) porcelain insulator
three-umbrella
insulator
XSP-160; XSP-160;
and (b) and (b)
porcelain porcelain
bell jar bell jar
insulator insulator
XP13-160. XP13-160.
insulator XSP-160; and (b) porcelain bell jar insulator XP13-160.

It can be seen from Figure 4 that the wind tunnel test results and simulation results, with
It can
canbe
beseen
seenfrom
from Figure
Figure 4 that
4 that the wind
the wind tunnel
tunnel test results
test results and simulation
and simulation results,results, with
with respect
respect to the deposit amount, are at the same order of magnitude, and the trend is similar with the
respect
to to the deposit
the deposit amount, amount, are same
are at the at the order
same order of magnitude,
of magnitude, andtrend
and the the trend is similar
is similar withwith the
the DC
DC voltage variation. Compared with the experimental results, the maximum deviation of the
DC voltage
voltage variation.
variation. Compared
Compared with thewith the experimental
experimental results, results, the maximum
the maximum deviationdeviation of the
of the porcelain
three-umbrella insulator simulation results is 69.3%, while the maximum deviation of porcelain bell jar
insulator simulation results is 83%, but its minimum deviation is 13.9%. The values of the simulation
results under positive and negative polarity voltages appear almost the same and, from the test results,
the main reasons for the differences might be the following: under actual conditions, most dust
Energies 2017, 10, 1045 6 of 13

particles in the air are charged (31% of the fly ash particles are positively charged, 43% are uncharged,
and 26% are negatively charged). However, in this work, we assume that the charge quantity of a single
particle in a group of particles complies with the probability distribution of a normal random variable,
i.e., an equal number of positively- and negatively-charged particles. This assumption is not entirely
consistent with the actual distribution of the polarity of the particle charge electricity, thus resulting in
the symmetric simulation results.
Due to the limitation of computational resources, the whole process of wind tunnel contamination
test is difficult to fully reproduce. Furthermore, the actual insulator has a complex structure, especially
the steel feet and iron caps. In addition, the simulation does not take into account the dielectrophoretic
force, Coulomb force and image force particles subjected to, which may also be one of the reasons
for the larger error. Although the simplified simulation model is similar to the actual structure,
the existence of these factors, to a certain extent, lead to the big differences between the wind tunnel
test results and simulation results. However, the simulated results and the tested results display
a consistently changing pattern and a same order of magnitude, which verifies the rationality of the
simulation method proposed to research the deposition performances of the two insulators.

4. Analysis of Simulation Results with Respect to Natural Pollution Accumulation Characteristics

With the aforementioned wind tunnel simulation method, aiming at the meteorological
characteristics in the midwest regions of China, the natural pollution accumulation characteristics of
the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator were studied during the natural
accumulation period (the non-rainy season from October to the following March, a total of five months,
without considering the rainfall condition) to analyze the coupling effect of the wind speed, the particle
size, and the voltage type on the natural contamination accumulation features, and the distribution
law of the contamination along the insulator skirt was discussed (this research project comes from
program of State Grid Corporation of China, and the project number is GY7111053, so the parameters
of wind speed, particle size, and so on are selected in accordance with the requirements of the project).

4.1. Natural Contamination Simulation

According to the structures of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar
insulator, as the object of study, the two insulators were selected a string of seven pieces, respectively,
to meet the requirements for the actual operating voltage. For convenient research, the umbrella skirts
from the high-voltage terminal to the ground terminal were numbered in turn, as shown in Figure 5
(take the porcelain three-umbrella insulator for example). To accord with the actual conditions of the
air flow in an infinite space, the flow channel was set as “symmetrical” boundary conditions when the
natural pollution simulation model was established. The voltage level applied to the insulator string
was 90 kV of DC and AC voltage (the DC voltage corresponds to the average value, while AC voltage
corresponds to the effective value), and 0 kV. The contamination particle size was 5 µm, 10 µm, and
20 µm, respectively, and the wind speed is, respectively, 0.5 m/s, 3 m/s, 5 m/s, and 7 m/s. The other
boundary conditions were similar to the wind tunnel model conditions.
Energies 2017, 10, 1045 7 of 13

Figure 5. Insulator skirt number.

Figure 5. Insulator skirt number.

4.2. Analysis of the Natural Pollution Accumulation Simulation Results

4.2.1. Effects of Multi-Factor Coupling on Contamination Accumulation

The pollution accumulation on the insulator surface is the result of the coupling of many
factors. Figures 6 and 7 show the relationship between the overall contamination on the insulators
and the particle size, and voltage type under the three wind speeds (3 m/s, 5 m/s, 7 m/s,
respectively).
 Figure 5. Insulator skirt number.
Energies 2017, 10, 1045 Figure 5. Insulator skirt number. 7 of 13

4.2. Analysis of the Natural Pollution Accumulation Simulation Results

4.2. Analysis of the Natural Pollution Accumulation Simulation Results
4.2. Analysis of the Natural Pollution Accumulation Simulation Results
4.2.1. Effects of Multi-Factor Coupling on Contamination Accumulation
4.2.1. Effects of Multi-Factor Coupling on Contamination Accumulation
4.2.1. Effects of Multi-Factor Coupling on Contamination Accumulation
The pollution accumulation on the insulator surface is the result of the coupling of many
The pollution accumulation on the insulator surface is the result of the coupling of many
TheFigures
factors.
factors.
pollution accumulation
Figures6 6and
and7 7show
showthe
onrelationship
the insulator
therelationship
surface the
between is the
between the
result
overall
overall
of the coupling
contamination
contamination
of
onon
the
many
the factors.
insulators
insulators
Figures
and 6 and 7 show the relationship between the overall contamination on the
and the particle size, and voltage type under the three wind speeds (3 m/s, 5 m/s, 7 7m/s,
the particle size, and voltage type under the three wind speeds (3 insulators
m/s, 5 m/s, and the
m/s,
particle size,
respectively). and
respectively). voltage type under the three wind speeds (3 m/s, 5 m/s, 7 m/s, respectively).

(a)(a) (b)
(b) (c)(c)
Figure 6. NSDD of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator, (a) v = 3 m/s; (b) v = 5 m/s; and (c) v = 7
Figure
Figure 6. 6. NSDD
NSDD of of
thethe porcelain
porcelain three-umbrella
three-umbrella insulator,
insulator, (a) v(a)
= 3v m/s;
= 3 m/s;
(b) v(b)
= 5v m/s;
= 5 m/s;
andand
(c) v(c)
= 7v m/s.
=7
m/s.
m/s.

(a) (b) (c)

(a) (b) (c)
Figure 7. NSDD of the porcelain bell jar insulator, (a) v = 3 m/s; (b) v = 5 m/s; and (c) v = 7 m/s.
Figure 7. NSDD of the porcelain bell jar insulator, (a) v = 3 m/s; (b) v = 5 m/s; and (c) v = 7 m/s.
Figure 7. NSDD of the porcelain bell jar insulator, (a) v = 3 m/s; (b) v = 5 m/s; and (c) v = 7 m/s.
Figure 6 indicates that at a same wind speed, the NSDD of the porcelain three-umbrella
Figure
Figure 6under
insulator 6indicates
indicates that
DC voltage at is
that aatsame
larger wind
a same speed,
thanwind the NSDD
those speed,
under AC of the and
thevoltage
NSDD porcelain
of the three-umbrella
the unelectrified
porcelain state,insulator
while
three-umbrella
under DC
the effects
insulator voltage
under of theis larger
DClatter
voltage than those
twoistypes under
largerofthan
voltage AC
those voltage
onunder
the NSDDand the unelectrified
were similar,
AC voltage and theand state, while the
the depositstate,
unelectrified effects
amount of
while
the latter
thewereeffects twoof types
almost the of voltage
the latter
same. Withtypes
two the of NSDD
onincrease
the were
in wind
voltage similar,
speed,
on the NSDDtheand the similar,
depositofamount
follow-ability
were the the
and were
pollution
depositalmost
particlesthe
amount
same. With
increases, the
and increase
the in
collision wind speed,
probability the
withfollow-ability
the insulator of the
wall pollution
were
were almost the same. With the increase in wind speed, the follow-ability of the pollution particles also particles
increased. increases,
Therefore, and the
the
NSDD
collision under the
probability three
with kinds
the of voltages
insulator wallincreases
were as
also the wind
increased. speed increases.
Therefore,
increases, and the collision probability with the insulator wall were also increased. Therefore, the the At
NSDDthe same
under particle
the three
size, the
kinds NSDD increases
exhibits an as approximately change with different wind speeds under three
NSDD voltage
NSDDofunder voltagesthe three kinds thevoltages
of wind speed increases.
increases as theAtwind
the same
speedparticle
increases. size,Atthethe same exhibits
particle
an types.
approximately changean with different wind speedswithunder three voltage types. under three voltage
size, the NSDD exhibits approximately change different wind speeds
It can
It can be be noticed
noticed from from Figure
Figure 7 that
7 that the NSDD
the NSDD of theofporcelain
the porcelain bell
bell jar jar insulator
insulator underunder DC
DC voltage
types.
voltage
is theItlargest,is the largest, which is similar to the research results of Literature [10] and it increases with
can bewhichnoticedis similar to the research
from Figure 7 that the results
NSDD of Literature [10] and bell
of the porcelain it increases with the
jar insulator increase
under DC
the increase
in particle size atin aparticle
same wind size speed.
at a same Whenwind thespeed. When
particle thethe
size is particle sizeNSDD
same, the is the under
same, the eachNSDD
voltage
voltage is the largest, which is similar to the research results of Literature [10] and it increases with
is
thepositively
increase correlated
in particlewith
size the
at awind
samespeed,
windthat is, the
speed. NSDD
When theincreases as the
particle size is wind speedthe
the same, increases.
NSDD
In addition, under the same particle size, the differences of the NSDD under the three kinds of voltage
decrease with the increasing wind speed.
It can be seen from Figures 6 and 7 that, with the same wind speed, the overall surface deposit
amount of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator were the largest under
DC voltage, and the deposition difference between AC voltage and the unelectrified state is very small,
which may be related to the different effects of voltage types during the pollution contamination. Under
AC voltage, the magnitude and direction of the electric force particle is subjected to constant changes
when it moves in a cycle, so the effect of the electric force in the alternating electric field is approximately
amount of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator were the largest
under DC voltage, and the deposition difference between AC voltage and the unelectrified state is
very small, which may be related to the different effects of voltage types during the pollution
contamination. Under AC voltage, the magnitude and direction of the electric force particle is
subjected to10,constant
Energies 2017, 1045 changes when it moves in a cycle, so the effect of the electric force 8inofthe 13
alternating electric field is approximately zero. This means the AC electric field has a small impact
on pollution particle contamination, which is consistent with the unelectrified state, while the DC
zero. This
voltage means
exerts the AC electric
a sustainable effectfield
on has
the awhole
small movement
impact on pollution
process ofparticle contamination,
the particle, and the which is
particles
consistent with the unelectrified state, while the DC voltage exerts a sustainable
are moved and deposited to the surface of the insulators caused by the action of DC electric field effect on the whole
movement
force. Thus,process
the NSDDof the under
particle,DC andvoltage
the particles are moved
is larger and deposited
than those under AC to the surfaceand
voltage of the
the
insulators caused by the action of DC electric field force. Thus, the NSDD
unelectrified state. It can be seen that from the difference of the NSDD under different voltagelarger
under DC voltage is types,
than those
under under AC
DC voltage, the voltage and
electric the unelectrified
force is the main state.
factorItleading
can be seen
to thethat from thedepositing
particles difference onof the
the
NSDD under different voltage types, under DC voltage, the electric force is the
surface, while under AC voltage and the unelectrified state, the main factors are the gravity and main factor leading to
the particles depositing
drag force of the particles. on the surface, while under AC voltage and the unelectrified state, the main
factors are the
Figures gravity
6 and and show
7 also drag force
that,ofunder
the particles.
DC voltage, the overall NSDD of the porcelain three
Figures 6 and 7 also show that,
umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator under DC voltage,
increasesthelinearly NSDD
overall with of the porcelain
increasing threeat
particle size
umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator increases linearly with increasing particle size
the same wind speed, and the NSDD of the porcelain bell jar insulator is larger than that of the
at the same wind speed, and the NSDD of the porcelain bell jar insulator is larger than that of the
porcelain three-umbrella insulator. Possible reasons for this are the difference between the two
porcelain three-umbrella insulator. Possible reasons for this are the difference between the two types
types of insulators. Compared with porcelain three-umbrella insulator, the porcelain bell jar
of insulators. Compared with porcelain three-umbrella insulator, the porcelain bell jar insulator has
insulator has a more complex umbrella type, such as the long shed ribs on the lower surface,
a more complex umbrella type, such as the long shed ribs on the lower surface, resulting in a more
resulting in a more complex flow field and more irregular vortex, so the particles collide easily and
complex flow field and more irregular vortex, so the particles collide easily and are evenly deposited
are evenly deposited on the wall when it movess near the lower surface, while the umbrella-type of
on the wall when it movess near the lower surface, while the umbrella-type of porcelain three-umbrella
porcelain three-umbrella insulator is smoother, which means they exert a better aerodynamic
insulator is smoother, which means they exert a better aerodynamic performance. Therefore, the NSDD
performance. Therefore, the NSDD of the porcelain bell jar insulator is larger than that of the
of the porcelain bell jar insulator is larger than that of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator under the
porcelain three-umbrella insulator under the same conditions.
same conditions.
4.2.2.
4.2.2.Studies
Studieson
onthe
theProportion
Proportion of
of NSDD
NSDDDC to NSDDAC
DC to NSDDAC
The
Thegravitational force, drag
gravitational force, dragforce,
force,and
andelectric
electric force
force of the
of the particle
particle are related
are related to itsto its particle
particle size
size
and the electric force of the particle is proportional to the square of its size [25]. The effects of the DCof
and the electric force of the particle is proportional to the square of its size [25]. The effects
the
andDC ACand AC on
voltage voltage on the particulate
the particulate contamination
contamination can also be can also by
reflected be the
reflected
ratio ofbythethe ratio of the
proportion of
proportion of NSDD to NSDD . Figures 8 and 9, respectively, show the changing
NSDDDC to NSDDAC . Figures 8 and 9, respectively, show the changing curves which the proportion of
DC AC curves which
the
NSDDproportion of NSDDDC to NSDDAC of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell
DC to NSDDAC of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator versus
jar insulator
wind speed versus winddiameter.
and particle speed and particle diameter.

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure8.8.Proportion
Proportion of
of NSDD
NSDDDC to NSDDAC versus wind speed curves, (a) porcelain three-umbrella
DC to NSDDAC versus wind speed curves, (a) porcelain three-umbrella
insulator;
insulator; and (b) porcelain bell jar insulator.
and (b) porcelain bell jar insulator.
Energies 2017, 10, 1045 9 of 13
Energies 2017, 10, 1045 9 of 13

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 9.
9. Proportion
Proportion of
of NSDD
NSDDDCDC to NSDDAC versus particle size curves, (a) porcelain three-umbrella
to NSDDAC versus particle size curves, (a) porcelain three-umbrella
insulator;
insulator; and (b) porcelain bell jar
and (b) porcelain bell jar insulator.
insulator.

Figure 8 reveals that, at the same particle size, the proportion of NSDDDC to NSDDAC of the
Figure 8 reveals that, at the same particle size, the proportion of NSDDDC to NSDDAC of the
porcelain-three umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator both decreases with increasing
porcelain-three umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator both decreases with increasing
wind speed, and the greater the wind speed, the more slowly the proportion of NSDDDC to NSDDAC
wind speed, and the greater the wind speed, the more slowly the proportion of NSDDDC to NSDDAC
changes. This shows that the difference of the NSDD under DC and AC voltage decreases with the
changes. This shows that the difference of the NSDD under DC and AC voltage decreases with the
increase in wind speed at the same particle size. When the speed increases to a certain critical speed,
increase in wind speed at the same particle size. When the speed increases to a certain critical speed,
the effect of the two voltages may be approximately similar. Then, the impact of voltage type on the
the effect of the two voltages may be approximately similar. Then, the impact of voltage type on the
pollution accumulation was smaller, even can be ignored (especially the porcelain bell jar insulator).
pollution accumulation was smaller, even can be ignored (especially the porcelain bell jar insulator).
This is because at the same particle size, the flow field near the insulator became strong with
This is because at the same particle size, the flow field near the insulator became strong with increasing
increasing wind speed, and the flow field becomes more complex due to the existence of the vortex.
wind speed, and the flow field becomes more complex due to the existence of the vortex. Then, the drag
Then, the drag force increases, but the change of the electric force imposed on particles decreases
force increases, but the change of the electric force imposed on particles decreases with increasing
with increasing wind speed. When the speed increases to a certain speed, the electric force is
wind speed. When the speed increases to a certain speed, the electric force is smaller than the drag
smaller than the drag force, even can be ignored. Therefore, when the wind speed is larger, the
force, even can be ignored. Therefore, when the wind speed is larger, the particles collide and deposit
particles collide and deposit on the insulator surface mainly owing to the coupling effect of the drag
on the insulator surface mainly owing to the coupling effect of the drag force and gravity force at
force and gravity force at a same particle size.
a same particle size.
Figure 9 demonstrates that, when the particle size is smaller (≤10 μm), the proportion of
Figure 9 demonstrates that, when the particle size is smaller (≤10 µm), the proportion of NSDDDC
NSDDDC to NSDDAC of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator
to NSDDAC of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator increases with
increases with increasing the particle size at the same wind speed. When the particle size is larger
increasing the particle size at the same wind speed. When the particle size is larger (>10 µm),
(>10 μm), the proportion of NSDDDC to NSDDAC of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator has a
the proportion of NSDDDC to NSDDAC of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator has a larger increase
larger increase amplification with the increase in particle size, which means there is a larger
amplification with the increase in particle size, which means there is a larger difference between
difference between DC voltage and AC voltages, while the proportion of NSDDDC to NSDDAC of the
DC voltage and AC voltages, while the proportion of NSDDDC to NSDDAC of the porcelain bell jar
porcelain bell jar insulator has a small increase in amplification at a very slow change rate with
insulator has a small increase in amplification at a very slow change rate with increasing particle size,
increasing particle size, which means there is a small difference between different voltage types.
which means there is a small difference between different voltage types. Under the same conditions,
Under the same conditions, the difference of the degree in the increase of the proportion of NSDDDC
the difference of the degree in the increase of the proportion of NSDDDC to NSDDAC of the two types
to NSDDAC of the two types of insulators may be caused by the differences in their own umbrella
of insulators may be caused by the differences in their own umbrella structure.
structure.
When wind speed is the same and the particle size is small, the electric field force the particle
When wind speed is the same and the particle size is small, the electric field force the particle
suffers is small. With the increase of particle size, on the one hand, the charge quantity carried by the
suffers is small. With the increase of particle size, on the one hand, the charge quantity carried by
particles increases, so the electric field force is increased. On the other hand, the increase in particle size
the particles increases, so the electric field force is increased. On the other hand, the increase in
also makes the corresponding increase in the gravity of particles. Therefore, at the same wind speed,
particle size also makes the corresponding increase in the gravity of particles. Therefore, at the same
as the particle size increases, the increase in electric field force and gravity enhance the deposition of
wind speed, as the particle size increases, the increase in electric field force and gravity enhance the
pollution particles. However, at this time, drag force also affects the deposition of particles, and with
deposition of pollution particles. However, at this time, drag force also affects the deposition of
the role of the electric field force, the relative size of gravity together affect the proportion of NSDDDC
particles, and with the role of the electric field force, the relative size of gravity together affect the
to NSDDAC under DC voltage and AC voltage.
proportion of NSDDDC to NSDDAC under DC voltage and AC voltage.

4.2.3. Distribution Law of the Contamination along the Insulator Skirt

Figures 10 and 11 show the distribution law of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and
porcelain bell jar insulator along the umbrella skirt when the wind speed is 0.5 m/s and 7 m/s and
the particle size is 10 μm and 20 μm, respectively.
Energies 2017, 10, 1045 10 of 13

4.2.3. Distribution Law of the Contamination along the Insulator Skirt

Figures 10 and 11 show the distribution law of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain
bell jar insulator along the umbrella skirt when the wind speed is 0.5 m/s and 7 m/s and the particle
size is 10
Energies µm
2017, 10,and
1045 20 µm, respectively. 10 of 13
Energies 2017, 10, 1045 10 of 13

(a)
(a) (b)
(b)
Figure
Figure 10.
Figure 10. Distribution
10. Distribution law
Distribution law of
law of the
of the contamination
the contamination along
contamination along the
along the porcelain
the porcelain three-umbrella
porcelain three-umbrella insulator
three-umbrella insulator skirt,
insulator skirt,
(a)
(a) d p =10 μm; and (b) dp =20 μm.
=10
(a) ddp = 10μm;
µm;and
and(b)
(b)ddp =20
= 20μm.
µm.
p p

(a)
(a) (b)
(b)
Figure
Figure11.
11.Distribution law
Distributionlaw of
lawof the
ofthe
thecontamination
contamination along
alongthe porcelain bell jar
jarinsulator skirt, (a) ddpp=10
Figure 11. Distribution contamination along thethe porcelain
porcelain bell bell insulator
jar insulator skirt,skirt,
(a) dp(a)
= 10 =10
µm;
μm; and
μm;(b) (b)
andd (b)dp =20 μm.
dp =20 μm.
and p = 20 µm.

ItIt can
can bebe observed
observed fromfrom Figure
Figure 10 10 that
that with
with thethe particle
particle size
size of
of 10
10 μm
μm andand windwind speed
speed of of 0.5
0.5
m/s, Itunder
can beDC observed
voltage,fromtheFigure
deposit10 that
amountwith along
the particle
the size of 10 three-umbrella
porcelain µm and wind speed of 0.5 skirt
insulator m/s,
m/s, under DC voltage, the deposit amount along the porcelain three-umbrella insulator skirt
under DCa voltage,
displays the deposit amount along NSDD
the porcelain three-umbrella insulator skirt displays a
displays a U-shaped
U-shaped distribution,
distribution, while
while the the NSDD of of each
each skirt
skirt under
under AC AC voltage
voltage isis almost
almost thethe
U-shaped
same, distribution, while the NSDD of each skirt under AC voltage is almost theskirt same, and DC the
same, and and the
the difference
difference isis quite
quite small.
small. Additionally,
Additionally, the the NSDD
NSDD of of each
each umbrella
umbrella skirt under under DC
difference
voltage is quitethansmall. Additionally, the NSDDWhen of each umbrella skirt under DC voltage is larger than
voltage isis larger
larger than that that under
under AC AC voltage.
voltage. When the the wind
wind speed
speed increases
increases to to 77 m/s,
m/s, compared
compared
that
with under AC voltage. When the wind speed increases to 7 m/s, compared with the wind speed of
with the wind speed of 0.5 m/s, the difference between the two curves of NSDD under DC voltage
the wind speed of 0.5 m/s, the difference between the two curves of NSDD under DC voltage
0.5 m/s,
and the difference between the twothe curves of NSDD under DC voltage and AC voltage decreases.
and ACAC voltage
voltage decreases.
decreases. However,
However, the U-shapedU-shaped distribution
distribution disappears
disappears at at this
this time.
time. When
When thethe
However,
particle the U-shaped distribution disappears at this time. When the particle size is increased to
particle sizesize isis increased
increased to to 20
20 μm,
μm, and
and thethe tested
tested wind
wind speed
speed isis 0.5
0.5 m/s
m/s andand 77 m/s,
m/s, NSDD
NSDD on on each
each
20 µm,
umbrella and the tested wind speed is 0.5 m/s and 7 m/s, NSDD on each umbrella skirt under AC
umbrella skirt skirt under
under AC AC voltage
voltage isis smaller
smaller thanthan that
that under
under DC DC voltage,
voltage, and and thethe U-shaped
U-shaped
voltage is smaller
distribution than that underskirtDC under
voltage, and the speed
U-shaped distribution along the umbrella skirt
distribution along the umbrella skirt under the wind speed of 0.5 m/s is more obvious than
along the umbrella the wind of 0.5 m/s is more obvious than that
that ofof
under
the 7 the
m/s. wind speed of 0.5 m/s is more obvious than that of the 7 m/s.
the 7 m/s.
Figure 11
Figure 11 revealsthat that whenthe the windspeed speed is 0.5 m/s and particle size is 10 µm andμm,20 µm,
Figure 11reveals reveals thatwhen
when thewind wind speedisis0.5 0.5m/s
m/sandandparticle
particlesize
sizeisis10 10μmμmand and20 20 μm,thethe
the NSDD
NSDD distribution along the porcelain bellinsulator
jar insulator umbrella skirt is inshape
the shape of the
NSDD distribution along the porcelain bell jar insulator umbrella skirt is in the shape of the letter
distribution along the porcelain bell jar umbrella skirt is in the of the letter
letterunder
“U” “U” under DC voltage. Additionally, take the middle umbrella thatskirt, that is, the #4 umbrella
“U” under DC DC voltage.
voltage. Additionally,
Additionally, take take the
the middle
middle umbrella
umbrella skirt,
skirt, that is,is, the
the #4#4 umbrella
umbrella skirt,
skirt,
skirt,
as as thethe axis, the deposit amount on the remaining six umbrella is skirts is almost a numerically
as the
the axis,
axis, the deposit
deposit amount
amount on on the
the remaining
remaining six six umbrella
umbrella skirts
skirts is almost
almost aa numerically
numerically equal equal
symmetrical
symmetricaldistribution.
distribution.However,
However,under underAC ACvoltage,
voltage,thetheNSDD
NSDDof ofeach
eachskirt
skirtisisalmost
almostzero.
zero.When
When
the
the wind speed is 7 m/s, the U-shaped distribution under the two particle sizes disappears, and at
wind speed is 7 m/s, the U-shaped distribution under the two particle sizes disappears, and at
this
this wind
wind speed,speed, whenwhen thethe particle
particle size
size isis 10
10 μm,
μm, NSDD
NSDD on on the
the #6
#6 umbrella
umbrella skirt skirt near
near thethe high
high
voltage
voltageside side isis the
the most,
most, while
while the
thedeposit
deposit amount
amount alongalong the
the umbrella
umbrella skirt
skirtunder
under the the AC
AC voltage
voltageisis
approximately
approximately L-shaped distribution. What‘s more, when the particle size is increased to 20μm,
L-shaped distribution. What‘s more, when the particle size is increased to 20 μm,thethe
Energies 2017, 10, 1045 11 of 13

equal symmetrical distribution. However, under AC voltage, the NSDD of each skirt is almost zero.
When the wind speed is 7 m/s, the U-shaped distribution under the two particle sizes disappears,
and at this wind speed, when the particle size is 10 µm, NSDD on the #6 umbrella skirt near the high
voltage side is the most, while the deposit amount along the umbrella skirt under the AC voltage is
approximately L-shaped distribution. What‘s more, when the particle size is increased to 20 µm, the
contamination amount of #1 umbrella skirt which is near the ground side is the largest, and it shows
an approximately L-shaped distribution along the insulator skirt.
A comparison of Figures 10 and 11 suggest that, when the particle size is 10 µm, under DC voltage,
and with the wind speed of 0.5 m/s, the NSDD of the above two insulators along the skirt showed
a U-shaped distribution. This is related to the U-shaped distribution of electric field along the insulator.
Of the hanged seven pieces insulators, the high-voltage side and the ground side are occupied by the
larger voltage share, so the field strength is stronger. The strong electric field will lead to the charging
of uncharged particles and increasing the number of charged particles. At this small wind speed,
drag force the particle suffered is small, so the particle displays weaker following behavior in the
flow field. Under the action of strong electric field, the charged particle moves to the surface of the
insulator and it is difficult to be separated. Therefore, the NSDD on the #1 and #7 umbrella skirts is
relatively larger. When the wind speed increases to 7 m/s, turbulent flow field in the high voltage
side is enhanced, the drag force of the particle is larger, and the follow-ability is better. At this time,
compared with the strong flow field, the electric field is relatively weak. Particles are directly blown
through the insulator without deposition, so the pollution amount of the high-pressure side is small,
and the U-shaped distribution also disappeared. In addition, under AC voltage, at the wind speed of
0.5 m/s and a particle diameter of 10 µm and 20 µm, when the particles in the alternating electric field
have a periodic motion, the effect of the electric field force is approximately equal to zero. Meanwhile,
the drag force that the particle is subjected to is quite small at this wind speed, so the gravity force
mainly leads to particle deposition. Therefore, there is small difference in the pollution amount under
AC voltage.
With the particle size of 20 µm and the wind speed of 0.5 m/s, contamination of the insulators
under DC voltage is U-shaped distribution along the umbrella skirt, and the deposit amount of each
umbrella skirt under this voltage is greater than that under AC voltage. When wind speed increases
to 7 m/s, the deposit amount of porcelain three-umbrella insulator shows an approximate U-shaped
distribution along the skirt, while the porcelain bell jar insulator accumulation along the umbrella skirt
is almost an L-shaped distribution. This is because the contamination deposition is the result of the
combined effect of the force, gravity, and drag force on the particles. In addition, the larger difference
between the umbrella structures of the two insulators, especially the bottom surface structure, may be
the reason for the difference in the pollution distribution law.

5. Conclusions
The numerical simulations of the pollution characteristics on porcelain three-umbrella insulator
and porcelain bell jar insulators under the campus wind tunnel condition and natural condition were
carried out by using the simulation software COMSOL. The comparison between simulated results
and tested results demonstrates that the simulation method and model are reasonable. Based on the
results, contamination accumulation characteristics in the natural accumulation period were analyzed.
The main conclusions are as follows:

1. At the same wind speed, under DC voltage, the deposit amount on the porcelain bell jar insulator
is larger than that of the porcelain three umbrella insulators. Additinoally, the NSDD increases
with the increase in particle size, and displays approximately a linear change.
2. Under a small wind speed (≤7 m/s) and small particle size (≤20 µm), the deposition effect of
electric force on the particles under DC voltage are the main factors. However, the gravity force
and drag force mainly lead to particle deposition under AC voltage and unelectrified state.
Energies 2017, 10, 1045 12 of 13

3. The proportion of NSDDDC to NSDDAC of porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell
jar insulator decreases as the wind speed increases at the same particle diameter, while it increases
as the particle diameter increases at the same wind speed.
4. When the wind speed is 0.5 m/s, the NSDD on the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and
porcelain bell jar insulator along the strings display a U-shaped distribution, while the deposition
amount difference on each skirt under AC voltage is quite small. At the wind speed of 7 m/s,
U-shaped distribution gradually disappears.

Acknowledgments: The authors thanked China Electric Power Research Institute and North China Electric Power
University for providing support. This work was supported by technology research team Program of STATE
GRID Corporation of China (grant number GY7111053).
Author Contributions: All authors planned the study; Yukun Lv contributed to the discussion, provided guidance
throughout the work, and guided the writing and the data analysis; Weiping Zhao did all the numerical
simulations, analyzed the data, and wrote the paper; and Jingang Li and Yazhao Zhang recorded and analyzed
some of the data, and offered some advice with respect to the English writing.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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