Geopolymer as a Viable Alternative for Moisture Control and Partial Discharge Mitigation in Buildings of Electrical Substations
Keywords:
Electrical substations, Geopolymer concrete, Humidity control, Ordinary Portland cement, Partial dischargeAbstract
Partial discharges (PDs) accelerate insulation degradation and threaten the reliability and life-span of high-voltage substations. While PD mitigation studies largely focus on insulation materials and operating conditions, the role of substation building materials in controlling internal humidity remains underexplored. Conventional ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete is prone to moisture ingress, resulting in elevated humidity levels that intensify PD activity. This study review materials–environment–PD relationship by examining the properties of geopolymer concrete as an alternative to OPC. The conceptual proposal highlights the permeability, moisture resistance, and sustainability of geopolymer materials, and their potential to stabilise internal substation environments and mitigate humidity-driven PD risks are discussed. The study positions geopolymer concrete as a viable construction material for improving the long-term reliability of electrical substation infrastructure.
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