ELEVATED-TEMPERATURE OPERATION OF XLPE DISTRIBUTION CABLE SYSTEMS

The long-term operation of existing and new XLPE cables at elevated te mperatures of 90-degrees-C or even higher is of concern to utility ope rating engineers particularly where thermoplastic shields have been us ed. By deferring the installation of new cables and operating existing cable systems at higher temperatures near or above the normal maximum , economic advantages can be gained. This investigation was initiated to understand how medium voltage cables perform at elevated temperatur e and how much damage is done during high temperature operation. Evalu ation of specific material properties, the use of bench-top testing an d full-size cable load-cycling has helped with this understanding.