Impact of High-Frequency Voltage Distortion Emitted by Large Photovoltaic Power Plant on Medium Voltage Cable Systems

Switching processes of voltage source converters can emit significant high-frequency distortions of frequencies between 5 to 20 kHz. Furthermore, the distortions can partly propagate from the place of their origin into a medium voltage system via capacitive coupling of power transformers. The origin, parameters, and propagation process of distortions were clarified by a numerical simulation of a 1-MW photovoltaic power plant connected to the medium voltage distribution grid. The determined results provided input data for the following accelerated aging test setup. The main idea behind the accelerated aging tests was to confirm the effect of the high-frequency distortions on the degradation rate of cable insulation systems. The tests were performed on cable samples, with terminations mounted on each end, which were split into three groups. The first sample group was stressed by increased power frequency voltage and by maximum operating temperature. The second group was stressed similarly, but with superposed high-frequency distortions present. The last group was not stressed to provide reference values for the other groups. Partial discharge, dissipation factor, and breakdown voltage measurements were carried out on both aged groups. The results indicate that cable insulation degradation progresses faster under power frequency voltage with superposed high-frequency distortions.