Breakdown strength is an essential parameter for evaluating the electrical performance and degradation behavior of cable insulation and IEC 60243 also emphasizes its importance for detecting changes in insulation characteristics due to aging. However, the current IEC standards are mainly limited to specifying electrode configurations and test voltage conditions for breakdown tests, while the influence of insulating oil, is not clearly addressed. In this study, the breakdown strength of a 66 kV wet-type submarine cable was experimentally evaluated using insulating oils with different kinematic viscosities of 10, 100, 500, and 1,000 cSt in order to achieve reliable and reproducible breakdown measurements. The experimental results show that the measured breakdown strength decreases by up to approximately 20% depending on the oil viscosity. This indicates that the viscosity of the insulating oil has a significant influence on the measured breakdown strength during breakdown test. Therefore, it is necessary to perform breakdown strength measurements under identical test conditions, including the physical properties of the insulating oil, to ensure reliable comparison and accurate assessment of insulation performance and degradation characteristics.
The increasing global demand for renewable energy has accelerated the deployment of offshore wind farms, thereby highlighting the need for advanced development and performance assessment techniques for dynamic submarine cables used in floating offshore wind systems. These cables are continuously subjected to combined thermal, electrical, and mechanical stresses, with mechanical loading playing a particularly dominant role. As a result, dynamic submarine cables exhibit degradation behaviors that differ significantly from those of conventional fixed submarine cables. This paper presents the design and implementation of a comprehensive evaluation system capable of applying combined thermal, electrical, and mechanical stresses to dynamic submarine cables. The system was validated using a 66 kV wet type submarine cable through commissioning tests and insulation performance measurements. Electrical stress of 72 kV, thermal stress exceeding 95°C, and mechanical stress corresponding to a bending radius of 20 times the cable diameter over 20 cycles were applied to verify system reliability. The subsequent insulation assessments quantitatively confirmed performance variations induced by the combined stresses. The results demonstrate that the proposed platform is the first system capable of simultaneously applying thermal, electrical, and mechanical stresses to dynamic submarine cables, and its operational performance has been successfully validated. This platform enables realistic reliability evaluation of dynamic cables used in floating offshore wind farms and is expected to improve the overall operational reliability of offshore wind power systems.
With the ongoing rise in renewable energy demand, offshore wind farms are rapidly expanding, increasing the need for advanced development and diagnostic techniques for submarine cables. These cables are essential for efficient and reliable power transmission. A critical issue with these submarine cables is the formation of internal hot spots, which can deteriorate the insulation’s performance and negatively impact the overall reliability of offshore wind energy infrastructure. This research focuses on developing an innovative real-time monitoring system to detect hot spots within submarine cable insulation under varying electrical loads. Experimental tests were conducted on a 66 kV-grade wet-type submarine cable specifically designed for offshore wind applications, applying incremental current loads ranging from 200 A to 500 A. Temperature changes within the insulation due to the generated heat were continuously monitored using Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS). Additionally, to evaluate the DTS system’s precision, repeatability, and overall reliability, the measured temperatures were compared against values obtained from validated spot-type sensors. Experimental results showed a discrepancy of less than 1% between DTS and spot-type sensor measurements at a reference temperature of 60℃, demonstrating the high accuracy and reliability of the developed DTS-based monitoring system. The outcomes of this study suggest that the proposed monitoring system can significantly enhance the capability for early detection and continuous monitoring of hot spots, thereby improving the operational reliability of submarine cables employed in offshore wind energy installations.
This study investigates the insulation performance of a 66 kV dry-type submarine cable used in offshore wind farms under mechanical aging. During installation and operation, submarine cables are subjected to various mechanical stresses, including tension, compression, and bending, which can lead to insulation deterioration. In this study, XLPE samples extracted from a submarine cable were prepared and subjected to controlled tensile strain below the yield strain to evaluate their mechanical and electrical performance. Changes in tensile strength, elongation, and tan δ (dielectric loss factor) were measured to assess the extent of aging. The results indicate that as the applied strain and exposure duration increased, tensile strength and elongation decreased, while tan δ values increased, signifying a decline in electrical insulation performance. A strong negative correlation (R = -0.809) was observed between tan δ and tensile strength, demonstrating that mechanical aging significantly affects electrical properties. These findings highlight the importance of minimizing excessive mechanical stress during the installation and operation of submarine cables. The results provide valuable insights for enhancing the reliability of submarine cables in offshore wind farms and emphasize the necessity of optimized design and maintenance strategies to mitigate the effects of mechanical aging.
The increasing demand for renewable energy is driving the rapid expansion of the offshore wind industry, leading to intensified research on subsea cables. These cables endure combined thermal, electrical, and mechanical stresses, with mechanical stress being a critical failure factor. Environmental changes, such as seabed scouring, free spans, and seismic activity, accelerate cable degradation by introducing additional dynamic loads. Conventional monitoring systems primarily track thermal stress, lacking the ability to assess mechanical impacts. This study develops a system to simultaneously measure thermal and mechanical stress in subsea cables. Laboratory experiments confirm the system’s reliability, showing a temperature measurement error within 0.8% at 60℃ and a strain measurement error within 13% at 378 με. The proposed system aims to enhance failure prediction and maintenance strategies for offshore wind subsea cables.
With the expansion of offshore wind farms, research on power cables for delivering electricity from offshore to onshore has become increasingly important. In offshore wind farms, submarine cables are introduced and secured to the platform through J-tube conduits. During this process, the cables are exposed to three distinct thermal profiles: high temperatures in the upper section, temperature fluctuations due to water level changes in the middle section, and low temperatures in the seabed region. This study investigates the impact of thermal variations on the insulation performance of submarine cables. To analyze this effect, accelerated aging tests were conducted on both insulation specimens and actual cables. Additionally, dielectric breakdown tests were performed to quantitatively assess insulation degradation. Experimental results revealed that the insulation performance of the specimens exposed to periodic temperature fluctuations due to water level changes deteriorated by up to 7.5%. Based on these findings, the vulnerable sections of submarine cables in offshore wind farms were identified. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the necessity for monitoring and protective measures to mitigate insulation degradation in these critical regions.
Research on aged insulation of cables by stress is constantly being considered for reliable and stable power transmission of offshore wind farms. This study aimed to evaluate the insulation characteristic of aged XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) insulation for application of offshore wind farms. In this study, The XLPE insulation of cable was set as various mechanical strains. The XLPE insulation is exposed to the mechanical stress below yield strain of 5%, 10%, and 20%. Aged samples were tested by using the method of AC BDV (alternative current breakdown voltage), tensile strength, elongation, and SEM (scanning electron microscope) to obtain insulation characteristics. The experimental results show that the dielectric breakdown of the sample with a strain 20% was 50% lower than the unaged sample; thereby, demonstrating that the mechanical strain that occurred in the submarine cables can weaken the insulation characteristics. Therefore, mechanical strain should be monitored when laying and operating submarine cables for offshore wind farms.
Demand and necessity for eco-friendly offshore wind farms have been increasing. Research on submarine cables is constantly being considered for a reliable and stable power transmission. This study aimed to evaluate the thermal aging characteristic of submarine cables inside the J-tube of offshore wind farms. In this study, a submarine cable was set in three sections: The first is the part exposed to the air above the sea level at high temperature. The second is the section exposed to repeated temperature fluctuation as the sea level rises and falls. The third is the part submerged at low temperature below the sea level. Aged samples were tested by using the method of electrical evaluation to obtain insulation characteristics. The experimental results show that the dielectric breakdown of the sample with temperature fluctuation was 7% lower than the sample with a constant temperature; thereby, demonstrating that the section where the temperature fluctuation occurred in the submarine cables was weaker than the other. The sections of submarine cable with temperature fluctuations are believed as a weak point during operation; therefore, this part should be monitored preferentially.
Carbon black with high purity and excellent conductivity is used as a conductive filler in the semiconductive compound for EHV (Extra High Voltage) power cables of 345 kV or higher. When carbon black and CNT (carbon nanotube) are applied together as a conductive filler of a semiconductive compound, stable electrical properties of the semiconductive compound can be maintained even though the amount of conductive filler is significantly reduced. In EHV power cables, since the semi-conductive layer is close to the conductor, stable electrical characteristics are required even under high-temperature conditions caused by heat generated from the conductor. In this study, the theoretical principle that a semiconductive compound applied with carbon black and CNT can maintain excellent electrical properties even under high-temperature conditions was studied. Basically, the conductive fillers dispersed in the matrix form an electrical network. The base polymer and the matrix of the composite, expands by heat under high temperature conditions. Because of this, the electrical network connected by the conductive fillers is weakened. In particular, since the conductive filler has high thermal conductivity, the semiconductive compound causes more thermal expansion. Therefore, the effect of CNT as a conductive filler on the thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient, and volume resistivity of the semiconductive compound was studied. From this result, thermal expansion and composition of the electrical network under high temperature conditions are explained.
Heating cables, widely used in office buildings, factories, streets and railways, deteriorate in electrical insulation during operation. The insulation deterioration of heating cables leads to electric discharges that can cause electrical fires. With this background, this paper dealt with a condition monitoring technique for heating cables by the analysis of discharge signals to prevent electrical fires. Insulation deterioration was simulated using an arc generator specified in UL1699 under AC operation, and the characteristic and propagation of discharge signals were analyzed on a 100 meter-long heating cable. Discharge signals produced by insulation deterioration were detected as a voltage pulse because they are as small as a few mV and they are attenuated through propagation path.The frequency spectrum of discharge signals mainly existed in the range from 70 kHz to 110 kHz, and the maximum attenuation of the signal was 84.8% at 100 meters away from the discharge point. Based on the experimental results, a monitoring device, which is composed of a high pass filter with the cut-off frequency of 70 kHz, a comparator, a wave shaper and a microprocessor, was designed and fabricated. Also, an algorithm was designed to discriminate the discharge signal in the presence of noise, compared with the pulse repetition period and the number of pulse counts per 100ms. In the experiment, the result showed that the prototype monitoring device could detect and discriminate the discharge signals produced at every discharge point on a heating cable.
This study tested the electrical, structural, and thermal safety of LED lighting products, available on the market. Five recessed LED systems, 20 W each, and five fixed LED systems, 25 W each, were selected. Dielectric strength tests, live part electric shock protection tests, and thermal tests were conducted on the LEDs. These were key tests for user safety, according to the specification of the safety criteria for electric products, KC 60598-1, South Korea. In addition, the wiring temperature of UL1007, 60227 IEC 08, and UTP cables, was measured. The results of the study gave an in-depth examination of the safety of LED lighting systems for users.
In this paper, we study the correlation between the crystallinity of semiconductive compounds for eco-friendly power cables and the dispersive properties of carbon black. The crystal structure of the polymer material is advantageous for mechanical properties and heat-resistance. However, the polymer acts as an inhibitor to the dispersibility of carbon black. The purpose of this study is to develop a TPE semiconductive compound technology. The high heat resistance and ultra-smoothness characteristics which are required for high voltage and ultra-high voltage cables should be satisfied by designing and optimizing the structure of a non-crosslinking-type eco-friendly TPE semiconductive compound. The application of excess TPE resin was found to not only inhibit the processability in the compounding process, but also reduced the dispersion properties of carbon black due to higher crystallinity. After the crystallinity of the compound was identified through DSC analysis, it was compared with the related dispersion characteristics. Through this analysis and comparison, we designed the optimal structure of the eco-friendly TPE semiconductive compound.
In this study, the objective is to improve the criteria used for statistical comparison of the VLF tanδ (TD) database and failure rate according to water-tree degradation in underground distribution power cables. The aging condition of the KEPCO criteria is divided into 6 levels using the Weibull distribution, and the “failure imminent” condition is quantified by using the statistical end-point of the lifetime parameter of the VLF big-data group obtained from KEPCO. Moreover, new criteria with a 2-dimensional combination of TD, DTD, and a statistical normalized factor are suggested. These criteria exhibit high reproducibility for the detection of cables in an imminent failure state. Consequently, it is expected that the adoption of the extended VLF-2019 criteria will reduce the asset management cost of cable replacement compared to the VLF-2012 criteria of KEPCO.
Electrical energy is playing an increasingly vital role as the primary energy source in everyday life. With the increase in electric power consumption, power facilities are under an increasing stress and must operate at a high capacity. Consequently, the demand for electric power cables in power transmission and distribution lines is rapidly increasing. Underground distribution lines have been steadily replacing the aboveground lines owing to the increase in electric power demand and the need to increase the supply voltage. In addition to line damage, worker safety is of primary concern in this type of underground infrastructure.In this study, to improve the safety of workers dealing with underground transmission lines, we analyzed the electromagnetic field generated around the distribution line and determined the basic criteria for developing a device that can detect a live underground line.
Nowadays, it is increasingly important to detect whether cables are live for the operator`s safety if there is a sudden power failure. It is especially hard to detect the electrical field of an underground line because of shielding. This paper on detection of live-line states in cables studied the detection characteristics of the change in the magnetic field and axis as the frequency, voltage, and distance at the same load are changed using 3 axes. A search coil type was used as a magnetic field sensor with non-contact. We found that magnetic fields decrease proportionally to the square of the distance and the decrease of rated voltage with load effected to magnetic field. The magnetic field was detected by 3-axis sensors given correct proximity, but appeared as noise components beyond a distance of 2 cm.
In this study, the partial discharge degradation properties for 2-core PVC cable(2 cores × 1.5 mm2 cross section, length of 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm) following immersion with the salt water that the 2%, 4%, 8% of NaCl is dissolved in 100 g of distilled water for 48 and 96 hours has been measured. The results of this study are as follows. When the degradation time in salt water of 2% NaCl is 48 hours, it found that the number of partial discharge increased as about 40 pps, 50 pps, 90 pps with increasing the length of cable to 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm. In case the concentration and degradation time is same, the inception and extinction voltage decreased with increasing the length of cable. When the degradation time in salt water is 96 hours and the length of cable is 20 cm, it found that the number of partial discharge decreased as 3,000 pps, 500 pps, 100 pps with increasing the concentration of NaCl to 2%, 4%, 8%.
In this paper, EPR (ethylene propylene rubber) insulation material was accelerated degradation test at 121℃, 136℃, 151℃, and experiment the typical EAB (elongation at break) at mechanical characteristics analysis. It is shown that the failure-time at the point of 50% of the initial value of Elongation rate to obtain the activation energy. The failure-time was shown each 5,219 hr, 3,165 hr, and 668 hr at three temperatures. In order to derive the activation energy, Arrhenius methodology was applied. Also, we got the Arrhenius plot from three accelerated temperatures. The activation energy values got 0.98 eV from EAB test. The experimental data were evaluated for estimating the probability density, and the suitable distribution by using statistical program MINITAB. It is shown that EAB data by the acceleration thermal degradation is most suitable for the Weibull distribution.
Inside the existing superconducting cables, the superconducting wire carries a loss-free current, and the cable former (the stranded copper wire) bypasses the fault current to prevent damage and loss of the superconducting cable when the fault current is applied. The fault-current-limiting-type superconducting cable proposed in this paper usually carries a steady current; but in a fault state, the cable generates self-resistance that makes the fault current lower than a certain width. That is, the superconducting cable that transmitted only a low voltage and a large capacity power repetitively limits the fault current, as does a superconducting current limiter. To complete this structure, it is essential to investigate the mutual resistance relationship between the superconducting wires after applying a fault current. Therefore, in this paper, one kinds of superconducting wires (a wire without a stabilization layer) were connected parallel 4 tapes, respectively; and after applying a fault current, the current, voltage, resistance and thermal stability of the HTS thin-film wires were examined.
In this study, the characteristics of partial discharge was measured for the four core silicone cable (0.6/1.0 kV, 1.0 SQ × 4 C) with insulated part of 15 cm and conductor of 1cm. The following results have been confirmed as a result of this study. When the first line of cable is connected to the positive electrode and the second, third line of cable is connected to the negative electrode, it found that the inception voltage and extinction voltage decreased with increasing the line of negative electrode, and the partial discharge charge quantity(Q) increases, while the number of discharge occurrence has decreased. The inception voltage and extinction voltage of partial discharge has decreased with increasing the degradation rate in the 33%, 67%, 100%. Also, it confirmed that the partial discharge charge quantity(Q) and the number of discharge occurrence has decreased.
The cable degradation process is largely divided into three steps; Step 1 : Thermal degradation, Step 2 : Weibull degradation, Step 3 : Partial discharge. it is progress in step order. This article aims to explain the process of cable degradation using the method of insulation resistance and accordingly to compose and manufacture a system of measuring the life of electrical cable. Before measuring the insulation resistance, a system of measuring the temperature and current of cables was made, and the established system was installed for test on the site of a power plant to collect the measured data. The current sensor was used TFC30P80A-CL420, and temperature sensor was used theDK-1270 PT100 sensor as RTD sensor. When measured the temperature and the load current at the same position, was confirmed that in case of the load current value was high, also temperature valuehigh. Therefore, the correlation between load currents and temperature was verified, and the analysis of diagnostic data was evaluated, which could be utilized in identifying the fault condition of cable systems.
When an abnormal condition occurs due to a fault current at a consumer location whereelectricity is supplied through high-Tc superconducting(HTS) cable, the HTS cable would be damaged ifthere is no appropriate method to protect it. The fault-current-limiting type HTS cable that is suggestedin this study has a structure of transport part and limit part. It conduct a zero impedance transportcurrent at ordinary operations and carry out a fault current limiting at extraordinary operations. To makea perfect this structure, it is essential to investigate electrical properties of transport part that comprisethe fault-current-limiting type HTS cable. In this paper, transport part that comprise HTS wire withcopper stabilization layer is examined the current transport properties and the stability evaluation.
In this study, using the silicone rubber sample of 4 cm × 4 cm × 0.1 cm for low voltage cable,the electrostatic electrification properties of three samples that the conductive Al of 0%, 25%, and 50% isattached to the surface of sample was measured. The following conclusion was obtained through thisexperiment. 1) In case of the sample which has the Al area of 50%, the higher the humidity to 90% in thetemperature of 10℃, the electrostatic electrification voltage was reduced about 0.25 kV to 0.02 kV, and itconfirmed that the electrostatic electrification voltage was in constant about 0.02 kV in the temperature over20℃. 2) Increasing the Al area of samples of 0%, 25%, and 50% in temperature of 10℃, it confirmed thatthe electrostatic electrification voltage was reduced by about 2.67 kV, 2.02 k, 0.21 kV. 3) This study showsthat the conductor, followed by temperature and humidity affects the electrostatic electrification voltage.
When an abnormal condition occurs due to a fault current at a consumer location where electricity is supplied through a high-capacity and high-Tc superconducting(HTS) cable, the HTS cable would be damaged if there is no appropriate measure to protect it. Therefore, appropriate measures are needed to protect HTS cables. The fault-current-limiting HTS cable that was suggested in this study performs an ideal transport current function in normal operations and plays a role in limiting a fault current in abnormal operation (i.e., when a fault current is applied). It has a structure that facilitated its self-current-limiting ability through device change and reconfiguration in the existing HTS cable without extra switching equipment. To complete this structure, it is essential to investigate about the selection of the superconducting wire. Therefore, in this paper, HTS wire using two types of different stabilization layer is compared and examined the stability and current limiting properties under the existence of a fault current.
Abstract: To realize the high-Tc superconducting (HTS) DC cable system, it is important to study not only high current capacity and low loss of conductor hut also optimum electrical insulation at cryogenic temperature. A model I-ITS DC cable system consists of a HTS conductor, semi-conductor, cooling system and insulating materials. Polypropylene laminated paper (PPLP) has been widely adopted as insulating material for HTS machines. However, the fundamental insulation characteristics of PPLP for the development of HTS DC cable have not been revealed satisfactorily until now. In this paper, we will discuss mainly on the breakdown characteristics of 3 sheets PILP in liquid nitrogen (LN2). The characteristics of the diameter, location of butt-gap, distance between butt-gap length, pressure effect, polarity effect under DC and impulse voltage were studied. Also, the DC polarity reversal breakdown voltage of mini-model cable was measured in LN2 under 0.4 MPa.
In this paper, semiconducting shield specimens for a DC cable is fabricated and characterized by measurement of volume resistance, tensile strength, and the coefficient of expansion to show the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the semiconducting shield. Due to the PTC phenomenon, the volume resistance at 25℃ increases rapidly in comparison to the volume resistance at 90℃. Since the compounding ratio of carbon black is low, the tensile strength and density become lower and the coefficient of expansion is increased. As the general specification of the tensile strength and density is 0.8 kgf/㎟ and 150%, respectively, the fabricated specimen in this paper has excellent mechanical characteristic.
In this thesis, the partial discharge according to applied voltage and variations of cross-sectional area and length of the conductor related to general condition for using cable was measured in order to study degradation diagnosis for 2-Core cable of the PVC insulator used in industrial fields for other safety installations. Also the thermal degradation conditions under various installation circumstances of cables were studied by assuming degradation conditions with each different degradation rate (50%, 67%, 100%) such as variation in degradated temperature, thermal exposure time, normal state, partially degradated state and overall degradated state for thermal degradation diagnosis. The quantity of electric discharge (V-Q) according to applied voltage was measured for measurement of inception voltage and extinction voltage. The quantity of electric discharge and the number of electric discharge (Q-N) were measured with applied voltage kept constantly. In addition, pictures were taken using SEM (scanning electron microscope) to compare the surface of external insulator to degradated state of internal insulator according to thermal degradation temperature and also compare the surface of external insulator to degradated surface state of internal insulator according exposure time of cables to thermal stress.
We use the electrical energy and it is essential energy in modern life, but we lay cable underground due to the issue for environment and safety. Safety for worker is still insufficient for the development of safety equipment and related research has been focused on the cable lifetime diagnosis at underground cable work. I have to develop live line detector around the magnetic field were investigated at underground cable. In this paper, we were investigated by variation of coil turns and load due to detection of magnetic field at lines around. And detected value of developing products compared with measured value of milli-gauss meter. As a result, the value of the number of coil turns was found to be proportional to the measured value. But turn-numbers increase showed that the weak noise. I could be confirmed that sensor showed the optimum value from 4,000 to 5,0000.