0000000000462769
AUTHOR
M. Albertini
Effect of Polarity Reversal on the Partial Discharge Phenomena
In the field of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission, the space charge accumulation phenomenon and the Partial Discharges (PD) phenomena are considered the main causes of dielectric ageing. During the years, the degradation effect of both phenomena under constant DC stress has been widely studied by several researchers. In case of polarity reversal, typically carried out to control bi-directional power flow between interconnected High Voltage transmission systems, the space charge movement may not synchronously follow the electric field polarity. This could make the moment of reversing polarity a very critical one, where space charge injected during preceding polarity produces hi…
Partial discharges characteristics during load transients in an HVDC model cable
The occurrence of Partial Discharges (PD) in HVAC cables is widespread considered as one of the most important concerns for the stability of the insulation. To date, the role of PD in the ageing and definitive fault of HVDC cables has been poorly investigated. This is mainly due to some practical difficulties in the performing of the measurements. Compared to the PDs occurring under AC stress, the higher inception voltages and the lower repetition rates, obtainable under DC voltage, make the exclusion of the measurement noise more difficult. This paper is focused on the study of the characteristics of the PDs occurring in an artificial defect located in proximity of the outer dielectric' su…
Polarity reversal in HVDC joints - The effect of the axial thermal conduction
It has been shown that the establishment of a thermal gradient over the radius of HVDC cables involves the accumulation of space charge within the dielectric layer. High thermal gradients over the insulation thickness of loaded cables can lead to the inversion of the radial electric field pattern. In this scenarios, transient overvoltages and polarity reversal can lead to local and transitory peaks of electric field. Since the temperature distribution plays an important role in reaching critical values of the electric field, it has been considered interesting to have a more in-depth view of the thermal behavior of HVDC systems close the discontinuities of the geometry along the cable axis. …
Different Measurement Setup Configurations for Space Charge test in Mini Cable Specimens with the PEA Method
Under DC stress, the space charge accumulation is believed one of the most responsible of dielectrics ageing. For this reason, due to the increase of the HVDC transmission, a recommendation has been proposed. The latter want to introduce the space charge measure, with the PEA method, in cable specimens during the prequalification or type tests. Considering the several issues related to this kind of measures the aim of the proposed work is find a measurement setup for mini cable specimens which is able to provide a clear and clean space charge profile. Therefore, different tests have been made in this work. In particular, the length of the cable specimen, the width of the pulse electrodes, a…
Investigation on partial discharges in HVDC cables after polarity reversal events
Due to the accumulation of space charge inside the insulating layer of HVDC cables, the electric field under load conditions may be altered compared to what is established in HVAC cables. For example, a high thermal gradient leads to the inversion of the electric field pattern until the maximum value is reached in proximity of the dielectric-semicon interfaces. These maximum values can be further increased due to transient overvoltages and polarity reversal events until reaching electric field values higher than the rated ones. The main goal of this research is to investigate the possibility that, during these transient phenomena, conditions are created that favor the occurrence of partial …
Wireless partial discharge tracking on cross-linked polyethylene MV and HV cables
Medium voltage (MV)/high voltage (HV) cable lines are high-value assets and require substantial costs for their installation or replacement. For this reason, the capability to assess the condition of cable lengths and accessories on site is of great importance. Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation is extensively used for MV, HV, and extra-high voltage (EHV) class cables [1] thanks to its excellent voltage-endurance and thermomechanical properties. In particular, XLPE-insulated cables feature substantially lower losses, easier manufacturing and jointing procedures, better environmental compatibility, and higher operating temperature compared with impregnated paper cables, which lead t…
The effect of Transient over Voltages on the Partial Discharges activity in HVDC joints
Rapid growth of HVDC cable line installations is expected in the coming years. Several research groups have investigated dielectric phenomena that occur in the insulation of HVDC cables and accessories that accelerate aging and reduce the reliability of this technology over time. Unlike in HVAC cables, under HVDC stress, the distribution of the electric field inside the insulation layer depends not only on the applied voltage but also on the temperature distribution and on other factors related to manufacturing such as the presence of impurities. Reaching local and transient electric field peaks can enhance the onset of Partial Discharges (PDs) which can lead to premature aging of the insul…