Image for illustrative purposes.
Over the years the demand for electricity has increased across the globe, which has in turn created the need for a more efficient and reliable eletricity grid. The demand for improved reliability and efficiency applies to electrical bushings as well, which has pushed for innovation in bushing technology. Although a bushing may seem like a hollow piece of porcelain that contains a conductor, the task it performs is quite extraordinary. In order to insulate the high voltage conductor, bushings are installed so that flashovers due to ionization of nearby air or gas can be avoided. Other than providing critical electrical insulation, bushings provide support to high voltage connections and assist in managing the thermal stresses that usually occur in high-voltage environments.
PTR Inc. has observed that original equipment manufacturers of bushings have improved the efficiency and reliability of bushings through advancements in materials, design, and manufacturing processes over the years. It is noteworthy that utilities across the globe can prevent equipment failure, reduce downtime and safety hazards for employees and consumers through investment in high quality bushings.
Figure 1: Applications for Bushing
Source: PTR Inc.
Developments in the Bushing Industry
PTR Inc. believes that bushing technology is consistently evolving as OEMs introduce new materials (nanocomposites and silicon carbide), improve design and manufacturing processes with computer aided design and finite element analysis, and embed sensors in the bushings to make them smart.
New materials for bushings
Bushing manufacturers have introduced new materials, for instance nanocomposites and silicon carbide, which have improved the performance and increased the lifespan of bushing. In nanocomposite materials, embedded nano-sized particles in a polymer matrix increase the strength of materials such that these materials are more resistant to high temperatures.
In nanocomposite materials, embedded nano-sized particles in a polymer matrix increase the strength of materials such that these materials are more resistant to high temperatures.