The electrolytic analogue in the design of high-voltage power transformers

Abstract
In Britain transmission voltages are being increased from 132 to 275 kV, with probable extension in the near future to 400 kV. These substantial increases, which are universal, have magnified the complex insulation problems inherent in the design of h.v. power transformers and have laid emphasis on the study of electrostatic-field phenomena.In practice, the field problems encountered are much too complicated to yield to analytical methods and much too tedious to encourage graphical procedures. To obtain solutions it is necessary to resort to analogue techniques which permit of analysis in a straightforward manner and with a degree of accuracy sufficient for all engineering purposes. The paper sets forth the theory and development of the electrolytic analogue and indicates its limits of accuracy. It outlines the basic features of a field-plotting equipment, describes practical techniques of engineering problem into analogue models and examines methods of analysing the results obtained.The application of the technique to the field problems arising in h.v. power-transformer design is considered in detail. Power-frequency and impulse phenomena are reviewed and numerous illustrative examples drawn from comprehensive investigations are quoted. Resulting theoretical and practical advances are indicated and the advantages accruing from the co-ordinated design of h.v. bushing and transformer are reviewed.The analogue is shown to provide a method of speeding the development of large power transformers by affording facilities for extensive and discriminative investigations at negligible cost.

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