Evaluation of Nano-Composite XLPE Compound on Accelerated Aging Cable Performance

One way to ensure longer cable life is to retain high electrical strength under longer field aging conditions. When the electrical strength of the insulation in the cable declines below a certain minimum level, it is known that the propensity of cable degradation accelerates. Further, the probability of cable failure increases as a result of electrical stress from field conditions such as lightning and power surges from switching operations. In this study, the performance of 15 kV cables comprising components made from nano-composite XLPE compounds was investigated in accelerated wet aging conditions for 120 days and tested, as well, for AC breakdown strength. The retained AC breakdown strength of the treated nanocomposite XLPE cable was comparable to that of the XLPE control cable. This study assesses on impact and importance of insulation quality on expected breakdown strength in comparison to XLPE cable.