High Frequency Characteristics of Water-Tree Degraded XLPE Insulation in Power Cables

The high frequency characteristics, the complex permittivity in particular, of water- tree degraded XLPE insulation in power cables are determined using a two port measurement method. The insulation samples are obtained from both laboratory made samples and those from ex-service cables. The electrical measurements are related to the water tree content of the samples which is estimated by an optical method. An effective materials model is derived to help understand the observed characteristics. From the model it is possible to estimate the water content of the water tree and the conductivity of the water. There is a considerable difference in the water tree characteristics between laboratory and service aged cables. The conductivity of the water in the water trees of service aged cables is much higher than that found in laboratory aged samples.