Quantifying the operational benefits of new HV cable systems in terms of dielectric design parameters

In recent years, a significant volume of work has been undertaken on the development of novel dielectric materials which offer improvements in a variety of properties. Questions are frequently asked as to how particular properties can be improved by more intelligent dielectric design. However from the point of view of the network operator it is not just the dielectric design which is of interest - rather, how the finished product performs in the network. This paper seeks to demonstrate what quantifiable improvements in cable performance could be gained through advances in the dielectric properties of cable systems. The analysis is set in the context of the operational current rating of the cable circuit and the associated losses per unit of power transferred. Analysis of the results shows that the greatest improvement in cable operational performance can be made from increasing the dielectric thermal conductivity, even if it comes at the expense of a slight decrease in other properties.