Development of New Water Tree Suppressive XLPE Cable

With a view to develop a new water tree suppressive XLPE cable, the authors have investigated the effect of introducing polar groups into crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) dielectrics. An aliphatic carboxylic acid derivative was found to be the best additive as a water tree suppressor. New cables insulated with XLPE dielectrics containing this aliphatic carboxylic acid derivative were developed. It was confirmed that the cables, having the same physical and electrical properties as those of conventional XLPE cables, showed an excellent water tree suppressive effect and long term performance.