On-site testing and diagnosis of new and serviced aged HV power cables - evaluation based on diagnostic parameters

This contribution focuses on evaluation and monitoring for the performance of the high voltage (HV) power cables. This becomes important due to two main aspects. 1) For newly installed circuits, the on-site testing is intended to reveal defects that might be produced during shipping or installation of the cable circuit. Moreover the test confirms that the whole circuit can withstand the operational voltage and prove start of defect free life-time of the power cable system by excluding any problems that may limit operation of the cable. 2) Maintenance tests represented by condition assessment tests. This kind of non-destructive tests becomes important when determining and monitoring actual condition of the cable circuit and its ability for future performances. This is done by measuring and evaluating diagnostic parameters such as dielectric loss (tanδ) and partial discharge.