STUDY OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ON HIGH AND ULTRA-HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LINES
Abstract
High- and ultra-high-voltage overhead power lines are critical for maintaining a reliable electricity supply to industrial consumers and regional power systems in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The country’s large geographic extent, coupled with harsh and highly variable climatic conditions, imposes additional demands on the stable operation of transmission networks. In recent years, there has been an upward trend in emergency events on transmission lines, resulting in power interruptions, economic damage and a decrease in the overall reliability of the power system. The present study focuses on a detailed analysis of emergency situations on high- and ultra-high-voltage power lines in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the period 2020–2024. The study draws on the analysis and synthesis of statistical data on technological disturbances, records of relay protection and automatic reclosing performance, cartographic examination of the power supply system, and a review of regulatory and technical documents. The principal types of emergency events are distinguished, including conductor galloping with associated short circuits, icing, interphase arc flashovers initiated by birds, direct lightning impacts, and failures of polymer insulators. Special emphasis is placed on the role of meteorological conditions – strong winds, icing, and thunderstorm activity – in shaping both the frequency and the characteristics of accidents. The study assesses automatic reclosing devices and demonstrates their key role in clearing transient faults and reducing the impact of emergencies. The analysis also reveals the limitations of conventional relay protection systems in reliably distinguishing between electrical and mechanical faults. The paper substantiates the applicability of intelligent protection solutions based on fuzzy logic to enhance fault recognition accuracy and increase decision-making reliability. The proposed technical and organizational measures are aimed at improving the operational reliability of transmission lines and supporting the sustainable development of the power system of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Keywords: high-voltage overhead power lines, emergency situations, conductor galloping, electric arc flashover, meteorological conditions, automatic reclosing, reliability of power systems.