New developments in the field of high voltage and extra-high voltage cables: point of view of a manufacturer

The author reviews developments in France concerning high-voltage (HV) and extra-high-voltage (EHV) power cables with synthetic insulation and their accessories up to the 500 kV range. A maximum operating field strength approaching 16 kV/mm (405 V/mil) has been adopted for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) insulated cables. The ongoing studies should make it possible to bring the maximum operating field strength for cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation from 7 to 10 kV/mm (180 to 255 V/mil) and allow cables to be manufactured more economically with this material.<
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