Space charge measurements as a diagnostic tool for power cables

This paper deals with the space charge measurement in insulating materials and its application to polymeric power cables. The progress in measurement methods has made it possible to measure the space charge in solid insulating materials with spatial resolution. Space charge measurement is being applied to the development of polymeric power cables. Under DC fields, the space charge evolution depends largely on impurities in the insulation. Some countermeasures are being implemented to reduce the effect of impurities in the development of DC cables. Space charge behavior is also affected by the degradation of insulating materials such as water treeing. Advanced diagnostic methods are being developed by making use of the space charge behavior