Design of systems of covered overhead conductors by means of electric field calculation

Recently, in medium voltage overhead line systems, previously bare conductors are being replaced with conductors covered with a layer of insulation. Covered conductors enable an economical increase in operational reliability. At the current stage of development, there are several ways of replacing bare conductors with covered ones. Such a replacement also requires changing the accompanying line accessories, insulators, and line protection devices. The selection of the optimum combination of covered conductors and equipment has been done by means of electric field calculations. The optimization parameters have included the use of existing equipment to the maximum possible extent, new elements of equipment that have to be added, and the prevention of disturbances and failures in operation. Theoretical findings have been confirmed with laboratory tests on prototype combinations of covered conductors and the accompanying equipment.