Development of Self-Healing Dielectric Fluids for Autonomous Repair of Fluid Filled Cables

Fluid Filled Cables (FFCs) are present in transmission and distribution networks worlwide, typically as legacy systems dating from before effective XLPE-insulated cables (see Figure 1 ). These cables are insulated with a layer of tightly-lapped paper (either cellulosic or polypropylene-laminated paper (PPLP)) which is itself impregated with a low viscosity dielectric fluid. The purpose of this fluid is twofold; firstly, it suppresses voids (and secondly, it enhances thermal transport away from the conductor. In its absence, overheating and partial discharges would lead to rapid insulation breakdown and asset failure.