Distribution Characteristics of Wind Pressure on the Insulator Surfaces Under Strong Airflow

The special external structure of insulators leads to uneven wind pressure distribution (WPD) around them, sometimes even forming negative pressure. Negative pressure increases under strong airflow, impacting the electrical performance of insulators. However, the distribution characteristics of wind pressure on insulator strings remain unclear under strong airflow [airflow passing through the insulator under high wind or stronger conditions (>17.2 m/s)]. This study utilizes wind tunnels to conduct experiments, investigating the distribution characteristics and factors that influence wind pressure on insulator strings. The following results were obtained. Under forceful airflow, wind pressure around the insulator is unevenly distributed. The pressure on the windward side is positive, gradually turning negative along the crosswind side toward the leeward side. The difference in WPD around the insulator increases with increasing wind speed. The angle of attack (AoA) affects both the distribution and amplitude of wind pressure. Differences in insulator structures influence the surrounding wind pressure. The negative pressure around the insulators under powerful airflow can correspond to the pressure difference caused by changes in altitude of several hundred meters. The wind pressure characteristics of insulators should be taken seriously, and the research results can serve as a reference for correcting electrical external insulation in strong airflow.