TR-XLPE cables for utility power distribution: 20 years of field proven, value added performance

Author

Ramachandran, Siddharth ; Reed, R.A.

Author_Institution

Dow Chem. Co., Somerset, NJ, USA

fYear

2003

Abstract

For the past 20 years, the North American Utility Industry has been using water tree-retardant, crosslinked polyethylene (TR-XLPE) as the preferred medium voltage (5-46 kV) insulation for primary distribution cables. This technology has laid to rest earlier concerns of water-tree degradation of regular crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) and high molecular weight thermoplastic polyethylene (HMW-PE). In this paper, earlier concerns are briefly reviewed, followed by highlighting the importance of TR-XLPE, its proven performance and benefits. Both laboratory and field aging performance of TR-XLPE cables are addressed. In addition, the value-added attributes for utilities in terns of ´total owning costs´ through the life of distribution cable systems are summarized.

Keywords

XLPE insulation; ageing; power cable insulation; trees (electrical); 5 to 46 kV; North American Utility Industry; TR-XLPE cables; crosslinked polyethylene; distribution cable systems; field aging performance; high molecular weight thermoplastic polyethylene; medium voltage insulation; primary distribution cables; total owning costs; utility power distribution; value-added attributes; water tree-retardant XLPE; water-tree degradation; Cable insulation; Degradation; Dielectric losses; Dielectrics and electrical insulation; Medium voltage; Polyethylene; Power distribution; Retardants; Stress; Trees - insulation;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Rural Electric Power Conference, 2003

Print_ISBN

0-7803-7905-5

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/REPCON.2003.1209573

Filename

1209573