HIGHT VOLTAGE ENGINEERING
ELECTRICAL BREAKDOWN IN GASES, SOLIDS, AND LIQUIDS INTRODUCTION With the ever-increasing demand for electrical energy, the power system is growing both in size and complexities. The generating capacities of power plants and transmission voltage are on the increase because of their inherent advantages. If the transmission voltage is doubled, the power transfer capability of the system becomes four times and the line losses are also relatively reduced. As a result, it becomes a stronger and economic system. In India, we already have 400 kV lines in operation and 800 kV lines are being planned. In big cities, the conventional transmission voltages (110 kV–220 kV, etc.) are being used as distribution voltages because of increased demand. A system (transmission, switchgear, etc.) designed for 400 kV and above using conventional insulating materials is both bulky and expensive and, therefore, newer and newer insulating materials are being investigated to bring down both the cost...