A study on Lifetime Evaluation of High-power Cables Based on Temperature Changes

In order to meet increasing power demands, electrical capacity of equipment for power transfers should become larger accordingly. The equipment used for producing and delivering high-voltage power is also required to operate with a high degree of reliability. The stable operation of power equipment is a necessity, not an option. The current through the power cable, the only device to deliver high power, generates a Joule heat, which causes a deteriorating process on the cable system. The XLPE cable is manufactured in such a manner that it can operate for 30 years at 90℃, but there is no guarantee that each cable will reach its projected lifetime of 30 years. In this paper, we have measured the temperatures of nine power cables in operation, based on the theory of cable longevity. In order to study the relationship between temperature and longevity, we have devised a new set of equipment and installed it at Korea Western Power Co., Ltd. located in Taean.