Performance of HV transmission line insulators in desert conditions: Part I: Review of research and methods adopted internationally

Meteorology characterizes desert conditions by a high ambient temperature, frequent high relative humidity, large variation of temperature between night and day, presence of fine suspended sand particles in the air, strong winds, a misty and foggy atmosphere, and a scarcity of rain. These conditions, in the presence of desert contamination, lead to a major operational problem of HV (high voltage) transmission lines. This paper presents a critical review of the main technical problems related to the performance of insulators in desert polluted areas, summarizing the present state of the art as regards knowledge of the problems and the methods adopted internationally for their satisfactory solution.