The project addresses a new generation of polymeric high voltage cables with higher thermal rating performance than conventional polymeric cables for medium and high voltage applications. It addresses development of the materials and model cables and life cycle economic-environmental tools which account for the full life cycle performance including cable deployment and operation.

Objectives

This project seeks to develop a new generation of polymeric power cable materials which are required to address the growing Medium Voltage (MV) and High Voltage (HV) power utility markets in GB and the rest of the world. This is driven by replacement of existing aged HVAC systems, new power system connections, especially for renewable (HVDC) and for infrastructure development. Current polymeric cable materials based on cross linked polyethylene do not provide adequate high temperature performance; neither do they offer low environmental impact over their service lives and at end of life. This proposal seeks to remove these limitations by developing and assessing new high-temperature low-loss, recyclable polymeric materials, evaluating their performance in cable designs and by developing and applying a whole-life assessment tool to quantify the whole life benefits.