Modeling and Evaluation of Electric Treeing Phenomena in Polymeric Cable Insulation

Abstract

This paper investigates the treeing phenomenon in polymeric materials such as crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) that is widely used in medium and high voltage power cables as primary insulation. The modeling of electrical tree growth in the insulation from its initiation to breakdown is significant research work that illustrates the discharge dynamics and its impact on aging process in polymeric insulation. This study utilizes pulse sequence analysis (PSA) mapping and phase-resolved partial discharge (PRPD) pattern to model the tree growth and its correlation with the aging in the XLPE samples. The applied electric stress magnitude as a crucial treeing aspect is utilized to comprehend treeing and its relationship with insulation degradation. The tree mapping and plots exemplify and characterize treeing stages to work as a reliable diagnostic tool to determine aging in solid insulation.