Particle detector for gas insulated switchgear and the effect on environment

Abstract

High voltage Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) is prone to metallic particles. The particle void can reduce the dielectric strength of the insulation material of SF6 gas. This paper discusses the developed particle detector for GIS using a new approach by using image processing to reduce flashover phenomena occurring on energized GIS. The particle detector consists of borescope, laptop and a detection program. The program was coded using MATLAB using image processing algorithm. The in-lab test was conducted on the simulated GIS to see the effectiveness of the particle detector to detect small particles inside the narrow GIS enclosure. In real world application, the borescope will be inserted through GIS access hole before filling the enclosure with SF6 gas. This new approach is proposed to be conducted during the erection and commissioning of new GIS. This new approach looks promising because it can reduce flashover phenomena caused by existence of metallic particle and also reduces Greenhouse gas emission to the air.