Frequent Failure of Lightning Arresters at the Satpura Thermal Power Station, India: Preliminary Results of Field Observations,
Abstract
Surface observations were undertaken around the 722.5 MW Satpura thermal power station, Madhya Pradesh, India, for investigating the possible reasons for frequent failure of lightning arresters. The observations made have indicated unusually high negative electric fields (up to -8 kv/m) during fair weather conditions and also very high concentrations of particulate pollutants (up to 2067 ug/m3) in the downwind region. The high negative electric fields are attributed to the very high concentrations of particulate pollutants released into atmosphere from stacks. A new theory for the generation of static electricity in the atmosphere has been proposed. The theory can explain the atmospheric electrical phenomena like intense electrification of dust storms, lightning activity associated with volcano erruptions and very high electric fields in plumes emitted from power plant stacks. Also, it may have useful applications in the prediction and mapping of electric fields in the environment of space vehicle launching sites, super thermal power plants and explosive testing/storage sites. The failure of the lightning arresters is attributed to the fatigue caused by the continuous flow of surge currents through the arresters. When these currents exceed a critical value in the resealing function of the arresters may be affected resulting in their failure. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP002170
Entities
People
- A. M. Selvan
- G. A. Momin
- G. K. Manohar
- L. T. Khemani
- P. C. S. Devara
Organizations
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology