Measurement of electric field distribution along composite insulators by integrated optical electric field sensor

In order to meet the demands for the electric field measurement along the composite insulators simultaneously, such as intensive signal, fine insulation, passive and small size, a novel measurement system based on the core device, the integrated electro-optic sensor, was developed. First, the theory of the system and the sensor were introduced. Second, after fabrication, the input/output character was obtained and the calibration was implemented between two parallel square metal planes under power frequency. By optimum design, this kind of novel sensor was suitable for insulated, intensive (> 250 kV/m), small size (55 mm x 2 mm x 1 mm) electric field measurement. Third, the axial and radial electric field distribution of the insulators were measured carefully in laboratory, and by combining the BEM and CSM method, the electric field of the same insulators was numerically calculated. Finally, the measurement and calculated results of electric field distribution were compared and the relationship between them were analyzed. This comparison verified the suitability and importance of the measurement system.