Testing

In addition to academic research, manufacturers, utilities, consulting firms and agencies utilize the high voltage facilities for evaluation of new high voltage products, in-service equipment, materials, accessories and assemblies. Since its establishment, the Mississippi State University High Voltage Laboratory has catered to the needs of numerous manufacturers, utilities, consulting firms and agencies in evaluating new products, in-service high voltage equipment, assemblies, and materials. The High Voltage Laboratory provides independent third-party evaluations according to national and international standards and customer specifications.

Recent Testing Projects

  • Design, qualification, periodic electrical test evaluation of insulating aerial devices up to 500 kV
  • Electrical evaluation of high voltage polymer and porcelain insulators under dry and wet condition
  • Tracking and erosion tests of polymer insulators and cutouts
  • Measurement of radio influence voltage (RIV) and corona on line and station insulators, switchgear, and hardware up to 500 kV
  • Electrical performance evaluation of transmission and distribution arresters
  • Lightning, switching impulse evaluation of transmission transformers
  • Underground cable dielectric evaluation
  • Lightning, switching impulse evaluation of distribution and transmission switchgear assemblies
  • Prototype, design, and quality conformance assessment of insulators
  • Live line accessories - degree of long-term degradation under continuous stress
  • Performance evaluation of fiberglass cross arm
  • Dielectric withstand evaluation of silicone cutouts
  • Lightning and power frequency voltage withstand evaluation of 242 kV bushing and GIL assembly
  • Post Tracking and Erosion evaluation of composite insulators
  • Evaluation of 245 kV circuit breaker insulation
  • 1800 kV BIL assessment on SF6 to air bushing assembly
  • Root cause failure assessment of in-service porcelain insulators
  • Root cause failure assessment of in service surge arresters
  • Bus assembly electrical withstand assessment
  • Bucket truck testing
  • Current transformer and voltage transformer withstand evaluation
  • Salt-fog evaluation of disconnect switches

Insulator Testing Projects

  • Electrical Degradation of Photovoltaic Modules Caused by Lightning Induced Voltage
  • Electrical Degradation of XLPE and EPR High Voltage Cable Insulation
  • Online Monitoring of MV Power Cable Insulation Condition
  • AC Withstand Voltage, Lightning and Switching Critical Impulse Voltage (CFO),
  • Visual Corona and Radio Influence Voltage (RIV) on Transmission Line Assemblies up to 500 kV.
  • AC Withstand Voltage, Lightning and Switching Impulse Withstand Voltage under Dry and Wet conditions on 550 kV SF6/Air Polymer Bushing and 550 kV SF6 Bus Sections.
  • AC Withstand Voltage, Lightning and Switching Impulse Withstand Voltage, Chopped Wave Withstand Voltage, Corona and Radio Influence Voltage (RIV) on 550 kV RLSwitcher, with SF6 Insulation.
  • AC Withstand Voltage, Lightning and Switching Critical Impulse Voltage (CFO), Visual Corona and Radio Influence Voltage (RIV) on Switchgears up to 500 kV.
  • Accelerated Aging of Wires under Pulse Frequency and High Temperature
  • Electrical Strength and Aging of Polymer Insulation in HV Devices Under DC, AC,and DC superimposed with AC Voltages
  • Electrical Strength of XLPE High Voltage Cables Under DC, AC,and Combined DC-AC Voltages
  • Electrical Performance and Aging of High Voltage Polymer Insulators
  • Electrical Performance and Aging of Transmission Line Fiberglass Crossarms

Lightning Protection Projects

  • Lightning Performance of Wind Turbine Blades
  • Emission Current from Static Dissipation Elements
  • Electrical Strength of Distribution Line Elements Under Steep Front, Short Duration Pulses
  • Lightning Performance of Aerostat
  • Lightning Protection of Naval Ships
  • Laser Triggered System for Lightning Discharges
  • Franklin Rod Lightning Protected Zone
  • Early Streamer Emission Air Terminals
  • Lightning Protection of Electrical Power Systems
  • Evaluation of Aging Process in Transmission and Distribution Arresters
  • Fiberglass Distribution Line Pole
  • Critical Flashover Voltage of Composite Insulation
  • Air Clearances in High Voltage Substation