Development and evaluation of 400 kV XLPE cable system

Extruded polymeric cables and premoulded accessories are an alternative to oil filled cables for extra high voltage (EHV) systems. Crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) insulated cable systems have many advantages over paper insulated oil filled cable. They have higher energy transmission capacity and their installation, operation and maintenance are simpler compared to the other systems. Other advantages of the XLPE cable systems arise from the new type of joints and stress cones that are either prefabricated or premoulded and pretested. They require less time to install and maintain. In this paper development of a 400 kV XLPE cable and premoulded joint is explained followed by various tests to assess their long term reliability.