Analysis of the dielectric properties of R410A Gas as an alternative to SF6 for high‐voltage applications

Electric power industry is extensively using gas‐insulated systems for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. In high‐voltage technology, the gas insulation is dominated by Sulphur‐hexafluoride (SF6) since the early 60th. It is a greenhouse gas and has long atmospheric lifetime. This paper proposes comparatively more environmental friendly R410 gas as an alternative to SF6 for high‐voltage applications. To validate the performance and theoretical concepts, it has been analysed experimentally. Buffer gases air and carbon dioxide were mixed with the base gas R410A to reduce the liquification temperature and global warming potential. Dielectric strength of R410A was tested for DC as well as AC voltage, results were compared with that of SF6 and other alternatives available in literature, and the results were comparable. Insulation self‐recoverability test of R410A was performed and the synergistic effect of the mixed gases was calculated. Consequently, this work has discovered that R410A is the suitable alternative to SF6 for high‐voltage applications.