Understanding the Importance of High-Current Bushings in Power Systems

In the context to electrical power systems, high current bushings are an integral part used to efficiently and safely transmit electricity in any environment. The bushing is of utmost importance as it acts as an interface between the generator transformer and the transmission lines. The medium voltage bushing is applied for generating stations.

What are high current Bushings?

High current bushings carry high electrical currents across grounded barriers such as a transformer tank or switchgear wall without causing any electrical faults. High current bushings find wide applications in transformers that are deployed within generation stations, substation structures, and other locations. The performance and reliability of these bushings are crucial, as failure can lead to severe outages or even damage to the surrounding infrastructure. Modern high-current bushings have avant-garde designs that provide higher safety, durability, and efficiency.

Important features of high current bushings.

Important features of high current bushings

1. Customization: Fully customizable for dimensions, mounting, and terminal connections for easy integration into various systems.

2. Stiff structure: Rods of stiff construction without any joint below the level of the top cap to add longevity and reliability.

3. High-tech insulation: Graded capacitive insulation to assure the maximum distribution of the electrical field and free from partial discharges.

4. Seismic and Short-circuit load strength: Designed with better strength to withstand seismic activity and loads due to short-circuit conditions to maintain stability in extreme conditions.

5. Thermal performance: Excellent thermal dissipation to avert overheating during high-load conditions.

6. Self-cleaning: The Shed profile is designed to provide self-cleaning properties, thus reducing the requirement of maintenance for outdoor applications.

Technical data

- Rated Voltage: 24 kV ~ 52 kV

- Rated Current: 4000 A ~ 25000 A

- Conductor: Aluminum or Copper

- Insulation: Oil-impregnated paper (OIP), oil-filled, or oil communicating

- Standards: IEC 60137: 2017/IEEE C57.19.00/01

- Application: Transformer outdoor, oil-to-air type

- Certification: Fully type-tested at ILAC accredited labs

Advantages of high current bushings

1. Reliability & Safety: It is designed to operate with high voltages and currents with minimum probability of breakdown.

2. Partial discharge-free: It reduces insulation degradation for longer performances.

3. High customization: Highly flexible in design-to-orders to meet a variety of operation requirements.

4. Energy efficiency: A low dissipation factor minimizes the loss in terms of energy.

5. Quick lead times: Any short lead times help in decreasing the associated downtime during installation or replacement.

Conclusion

The high-current bushings are an integral part of electrical power systems. They provide excellent electrical performance, higher safety, and reliability. Its superior design, with a high degree of customization and compliance with all international standards, such as IEC and IEEE, makes it ideal for use in transformer applications across a very wide range. Aggressive operational conditions, effective heat dissipation, and seismic resistance are engineered into these bushings to perform extremely well in even the most hostile environments.