Effect of Thermal Stress on MV Cable Insulation

Effect of thermal stress on the XLPE insulation in underground power cables plays a significant role in determining the life of the cable. In this study two widely used medium voltage cable insulations are thermally aged at three different temperatures for a duration of 12months (8760 hours). The morphological changes are studied using FTIR and XRD tests and the electrical changes are determined by dielectric breakdown tests. The material with better thermal performance is determined based of the analysis. This work helps in assessing the material best suited for medium voltage applications.