Partial discharge detection for condition monitoring of an 11-kV XLPE cable – Part 1

Abstract

High voltage insulation breakdown has been the main causes of high voltage system breakdown. It is found that this phenomenon occurs due to the existence of partial discharge within voids found in the insulation of XLPE cables, which is produced accidentally during the extrusion process of the cables. The effect of partial discharge would lead to serious breakdown of power cable systems and electrical apparatus failures. Many appropriate techniques can be used to evaluate the condition of XLPE cables. One of the techniques is partial discharge testing. This study focuses on 11 kV XLPE cables and the partial discharge testing is conducted using partial discharge detector equipment. The analysis of data shows that the partial discharge test can be used to evaluate the performance and behaviour of the XLPE cable. The finding shows, if the partial discharge value for the cable is more than 10 pC, the cable is considered failed and it is not safe to be used.