Retrofitting-new high voltage XLPE cables substituting paper-insulated power cables in steel pipes

Many utilities still have paper-insulated pipe type cables in service. In the near future they may have to replace some of these systems due to local increases in electric power demand or aged cable insulation. In many cases the steel pipes are well protected against corrosion and thus suitable for further use. For retrofitting in such installations, XLPE-insulated cables offer several advantages. Felten & Guilleaume Energietechnik AG has developed a new three-core XLPE-insulated 64/110 kV cable with reduced insulation thickness (10 mm), that can be pulled into a pipe. In co-operation with VEW ENERGIE AG, the cable performance is being investigated in a field test, that started in October 1996. This long-term loading cycle test will last for three years. The test voltage, applied between conductor and earth, amounts to 127 kV. The temperature is measured with the help of an optical-fiber measurement system. This device is computer controlled and works as a remote monitoring system.