The world´s first use of 500 kV XLPE insulated aluminium sheathed power cables at the Shimogo and Imaichi power stations

The world´s first practical applications of 500 kV XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) cables took place in 1988 at the Shimogo power station of the Electric Power Development Co. Ltd., and the Imaichi power station of the Tokyo Electric Power Co. Inc.. Research and development work on the cables had been conducted since 1982. Efforts were concentrated on quality control to remove contaminants from the insulation and to extrude the very thick-walled insulation without any defects. Insulation performance tests, including long-term aging, confirmed that the 500 kV XLPE cables and the terminations were highly reliable with superior initial and long-term performance. The installation was completed successfully, and the cables are now in satisfactory operation at both power stations. The cable routes, design of the cable and termination, cable manufacture, results of the insulation performance tests, installation work, and site test are discussed