EEI-Manufacturers 500/550 KV Cable Research Project. Waltz Mill Testing Facility

The Waltz Mill test facility is part of the Electric Research Council´s program for research on underground transmission. At this station prototype samples can be tested at voltages ranging from 115 kV to 1 100 kV. The station was designed to provide flexibility and control of accelerated life tests of sample insulation systems and other evaluations required to demonstrate serviceability of prototype transmission systems. Initial samples being tested are 500-kV paper insulated, pipe-type cables. Test loops are not underground, but are installed above ground. Artificial earth environment is provided by computer controlled heaters and thermal lagging on the test pipes. Up to 2000 amperes can be circulated in the conductor of each sample to simulate loading conditions. Computer logging of temperature data and other quantities plus power factor measurements provide a history of sample performance during the two year test period. Test sample installation procedures are described.