Simulation of electric field around typical defects in 110kV XLPE power cable joints

Cable joint is the most vulnerable part of the power cable system. Defects in cable joints can cause intensification of local electric field and thus may lead to partial discharge (PD). Long time PD will degrade the insulation performance of cable joints and eventually lead to insulation failure. This work first analyzed the typical defects in 110kV cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) power cable joints. Secondly, to simulate the electric field around the defects, the three-dimensional (3D) model of the cable joint is constructed in the COMSOL Multiphysics software. Finally, the 3D electric field distribution around these typical defects are simulated by the finite element method (FEM) and the influence of different defects on the electric field intensification is analyzed.