Insulation Design and Reliability Evaluation of ±80kV HVDC XLPE Cables

This paper describes insulation design and its reliability evaluation of +/- 80kV HVDC XLPE cable. Recently, the construction of HVDC transmission system, which is combined overhead line with underground cable, has been completed. This system is installed with existing 154 kV AC transmission line on the same tower. In this paper, the lightning transient analysis is firstly reviewed for selection of basic impulse insulation level and nominal insulation thickness. Then the electrical performance tests including load cycle test and superimposed impulse test based on CIGRE TB 496 are performed to evaluate the reliability of newly designed HVDC cable. There is no breakdown for +/- 80kV HVDC XLPE cable during electrical performance test. Finally, this system is installed in Jeju island based on successful electrical performance test (Type test). After installation tests are also successfully completed.