Investigation on partial discharge activities in cross-linked polyethene power cable using finite element analysis

Abstract

The nationwide usage of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) for medium to high voltage distribution networks are practically common due to its excellent electrical, thermal and mechanical properties and widely installed through existing network of cable line in Malaysia. However, cable exposures to harsh climates coupled with inadvertent damage throughout installation or transportation are influencing the presence of voids inside the insulation leading to the initiation of partial discharges (PD) in the cable line. Therefore, this study is important to investigate the activities of PD due to the manifestation of voids in XLPE cable and how it affects the physical, electrical and mechanical characteristics of the cable. Analysis has been performed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tool to simulate the PD activities in a 2D model of a three (3) core-XLPE insulated armoured sheathed cable (500 mm2, 11 kV) with several placements of voids. The varied placement and radius of voids is very crucial in order to achieve comprehensive analysis. From the obtained result, it has been established that closest the void to the core yielded higher electric field potential. Additionally, it is verified from the simulation that the larger the size of void, the higher the electric field potential consequently increasing the current density inside the void. This simulation and analysis is quite important to provide better insight pertaining to the behaviour of PD in correspond to the presence of voids which will accelerate ageing failure in insulation framework of the XLPE cable.

Partial Discharges Classification Methods in XLPE Cable: A Review

“…This discharge can contribute to the deterioration of the insulation surface [26], [27]. In XLPE cable, as mentioned by Isa et al [3], surface discharge occurs when the tangential field component exceeds the discharge field intensity over the surface of a material. The sample test object used to detect surface discharge must comply with IEC60243 [28], which specifies test methods for determining the short-term electric strength of solid insulating materials at frequencies between 48 and 62 Hz.…”

“…The insulation failure of power cables could impact many customers due to unexpected power outages. In Malaysia, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables are widely installed through the existing network of cable lines due to their excellent electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties [3]. Among its numerous advantages, the XLPE cable has a lightweight structure, an excellent electrical properties, heat obstruction, and a high transmission limit and is simple to introduce and easy to twist [3], [4].…”

“…In Malaysia, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables are widely installed through the existing network of cable lines due to their excellent electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties [3]. Among its numerous advantages, the XLPE cable has a lightweight structure, an excellent electrical properties, heat obstruction, and a high transmission limit and is simple to introduce and easy to twist [3], [4]. In Peninsular Malaysia, MV cable failures have contributed to 53% of the power system breakdown, as shown in Fig.…”

A review: partial discharge in medium voltage cross-linked polyethylene XLPE cable

“…In power cables, such as cable joints, multiple layers of solid dielectric materials are used. Isa et al [9] mentioned that the surface discharge happens in XLPE cables when tangential field component exceeds the discharge field intensity on the surface of the material.…”

A Review on the Analysis of Electrostatic Stress in High Voltage Underground Cable Using Finite Element Method

“…Diverse materials have been employed as insulation in high-voltage underground cables, including paper-oil insulation, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), and ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) [1], [2], [4], [5]. The presence of voids, bubbles, or defects in the insulating material can lead to the occurrence of partial discharge [2], [4], which in turn degrades the dielectric properties of the insulation [6]- [9].…”