Investigation of the Susceptibility of High Voltage Hydroelectricity Transmission Lines to Wildfire Smoke

The generation of clean hydroelectric power occurs often in locations far from consumers. High voltage transmission lines that traverse vast terrains are employed for the transmission of the generated clean electric energy. They are exposed to various environmental conditions, including wildfire smoke. Wildfire smoke has the potential to decrease the breakdown strength of air insulation, which serves as the primary insulation system for overhead power lines, leading to outages. Investigating the effect of smoke on the insulation strength of air is crucial to increase the reliability of the power transmission network and reducing wildfires ignited by electrical discharges. The proposed research studies the discharge characteristics and insulating properties of air under different smoke conditions. Laboratory experiments will be designed and conducted to determine the dielectric characteristics of air under various smoke conditions. In addition, guidelines for safe live line maintenance and mitigation techniques will also be established.

Faculty Supervisor:

Behzad Kordi

Student:

Partner:

Manitoba Hydro

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Utilities

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: