Comparison between ‘cut and try ’ approach and automated optimization procedure when modelling the medium-voltage insulator

Abstract: In this article the comparison between ‘cut and try ’ approach and automated optimization procedure is presented in the example of the medium-voltage insulator modelling. The goal of the research was to define the shape of the insulator, the shape of the capacitive dividers electrodes and the distances between the insulators. Both approaches were based on the numerical analysis performed with the EleFAnT (Electromagnetic Field Analysis Tools) programme tool. Firstly a series of FE analyses were performed when every improvement of the FE model was achieved with traditional ‘cut and try ’ approach. In this procedure the model’s modifications were determined by technical directives and our experiences in the field of modelling of similar devices. Secondly the same modelling procedure was carried out using optimization algorithm combined with FEM analysis. A newly developed pre-processor for automatic generation of finite elements’ mesh, and genetic optimization algorithm of differential evolution were used together with the existent EleFAnT solver. The results of numerical analyses were confirmed by practical tests on a prototype of the insulator with capacitive divider