The performance of power cables with fully synthetic taped insulation

The testing of oriented polyethylene tape with an embossed surface design for use as oil-impregnated insulation for flexible power cables is described. The development was carried out with small samples in the form of sheets, small cylindrical samples about 1 m long, and long cables either 15 m or 100 m long. Tests with these experimental configurations included investigating: (1) breakdown stress and statistics of breakdown; (2) dielectric loss measurements; (3) design of screens; (4) design of splices; (5) mechanical problems of taping and installing cables; and (6) oil impregnation and type of oil. The results point the way to the next development steps. These are: (1) development of thinner embossed tapes to exploit the potential of the high dielectric strength inherent in synthetic taped insulation; (2) development of accessories such as splices and terminations; and (3) complete system design to avoid a dramatic increase in dielectric loss caused by oil contamination. If the integrity of the insulation homogeneity can be maintained, it appears the high voltage breakdown stresses will be adequate to permit economical operation