Withstand capability tests of transient voltage surge suppressors

This paper investigates the capability of some samples of transient surge suppressors (TVSSs), used in electrical submersible pump (ESP) installations, to withstand non-destructive standard impulse tests. Tests were performed on different ratings of the TVSS and with a voltage rating up to 2.5 kV, to fulfill the basic impulse withstand level (BIL) of the ESP motors. On the other hand, used and unused TVSS were also tested by the standard high-amplitude impulse currents to examine the degradation effect. Compared to the (old) TVSS, the used (new) TVSSs gave lower internal leakage current under AC and DC applications. A similar trend was also observed for the high discharge impulse current. This common trend reflects the effect of ageing “degradation” due to the modification of the microstructure of the ZnO elements.