Development of Zinc-Oxide Non-Linear Resistors and Their Applications to Gapless Surge Arresters

Abstract

Compared with conventional surge arresters which consists of silicon carbide valve elements and series gaps, the new gapless arrester utilizing a zinc oxide valve element offers more excellent characteristics. Meidensha has developed a new gapless arrester series with the rated voltages of 4.2 to 280 kV. Because of its compactness and gapless feature, this series is considered to be applicable to gas insulated substation (GIS) and enclosed type switchgears. Therefore, some trial products including those for 500 kV have been produced and various verification tests have been completed. Meidensha also has much field experience. Arresters with the rated voltages of 42 to 140 kV have been installed on actual power systems of several electric power companies in Japan for about 2 years.