Precision and Performance Evaluation of Accelerated Aging System for DC TP Power Cables

The demand and necessity of direct current (DC) has been increasing owing to large capacity and long distance power transmission. DC application of TP (thermal plastic) materials, which can increase the power transmission capacity compared to existing insulation materials, has been the primary focus of existing studies. This study presents the development of a highly reliable accelerated aging system that can implement the aging conditions of DC power cables. Moreover, we verify its reliability by testing TP model cables and analyzing the aging characteristics. Accordingly, we developed an accelerated aging system that can simulate thermal, electrical, and mechanical stresses collectively. We used the accelerated aging system to perform an accelerated aging test of the TP model cable for 40 cycles. The control precision of the accelerated aging system during the test was numerically calculated. The system was evaluated by using the conduction current and chemical characteristics of the aged TP model cables. The experimental results show that the precision of accelerated aging system is 1% for 1 cycle. The conduction current of the aged TP model cables was increased by more than 100% before aging, thereby it is verified the performance of the system accelerates the aging of power cables. It is expected that the highly reliable accelerated aging system of power cables can be used to perform long-term reliability tests and as diagnostic technology during the development of DC power cables.