MONITORING THE ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES

AND MODIFIED INSULATION OF ENHANCING

XLPE HIGH VOLTAGE CABLES

A SYNOPSIS

Submitted by

NAME

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

FACULTY OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

SASTRA UNIVERSITY
THANJAVUR 613 401

DECEMBER 2018
1 INTRODUCTION

Electrical tree is a type of electrical crack phenomena that occur in

the polymer materials. It is named for its shape being similar to the nature
trees. The electrical tree is a primary cause for the deterioration of electrical
equipment (e.g. high voltage polymeric cables) whose main insulation is
made of polymer. Once an electrical tree is initiated, it would grow splitting.
A high-voltage cable (HV cable) is a cable used for electric power
transmission at high voltage. A cable includes a conductor and insulation, and
is suitable for being run underground or underwater. High voltage is defined
as any voltage over 1000 volts. Cables for 3000 and 6000 volts exist, but the
majority of cables are used from 10 kV and upward. The cables over 50 kV
high voltage cables.

Partial release PD action can happen in (cross-linked polyethylene)

XLPE links and this can prompt protection breakdown what’s more, may
eventually prompt link disappointment. Accordingly, PD location is an
imperative condition observing device for link frameworks. Contrasted and
links that are manufactured under controlled processing plant conditions, link
joints are regularly introduced nearby in less good conditions. Deformities
that produce PD are bound to exist inside link joints than in the link itself.

A major reliability concern pertaining to underground cables is

electrochemical treeing. Treeing occurs when moisture penetration in the
presence of an electric field reduces the dielectric strength of cable insulation.
When the dielectric strength is degraded sufficiently, transients caused by
lightning or switching can result in dielectric breakdown. Electrochemical
treeing usually affects extruded dielectric cable such as cross-linked
polyethylene (XLPE) and ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), and is largely
attributed to insulation impurities and bad manufacturing.

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 Therefore, in this work, the inception and propagation of the tree is
monitored at regular interval of time. The length of the tree the partial
discharge and leakage current at the time of propagation of the tree is
monitored and High voltage cable stress level will be identified using I2C
protocol through embedded technology.

2 LITERATURE SURVEY

Xiangrong Chen et al (2015) reported on investigations aiming to

understand the behavior of electrical trees formed in XLPE cable insulation at
elevated temperatures. Samples cut from a real high voltage cable equipped
with an embedded electrode system and composed of a needle separated by 2
mm from counter electrode were used. The temperature was varied between
50 and 90 °C and the range of voltage changed between 9 and 18 kV. The
electrical treeing process was followed by means of microscopic observation
from the moment of initiation until the leading branches connected the
counter electrode and partial discharge activity was monitored
simultaneously.

Metwally, I. A (2008) has focussed four dominant types of high-

voltage transmission cable -paper insulated oil filled (OF), cross-linked
polyethylene insulated, oil filled, gas insulated, and high-temperature
superconducting - offer a variety of advantages, disadvantages, and potential
for future development. So does an emerging technology, high-temperature
superconducting cable. This examined them all and assesses their position in
the new world of high-voltage underground transmission.

Ren, C.Y et al (2006) have modified and built the physical model
of PD in voids and the simulation circuit of PD in voids using Simulink. The
simulations of the epoxy resin samples with a single void and double voids
were investigated, respectively. The discharge voltage waveforms, discharge

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current waveforms, and the single discharge waveforms of voids were
obtained by simulation. At the same time, the PD pulse waveforms of epoxy
resin samples has been measured in time-domain by an ultra-wideband PD
measuring system. The test samples enclosing artificial voids have the same
size as the simulation samples.

Wang, Y. T et al (2004) have presented the experiments and

analysis of the electrical tree growing characteristics. The relationship
between electrical tree propagation and the material morphology in XLPE
cable insulation has been studied by researching the structure and growth
characteristics of a double structure electrical tree. It has been found that, due
to the influence of uneven congregating state, difference in crystalline
structure, and the existence of residual stress in semi-crystalline polymer, five
types of electrical tree structures (branch, bush, bine-branch, pine-branch, and
mixed configurations) would propagate in XLPE cable insulation.

Zheng, X. Q et al (2003) have focused on the conducting and non-

conducting properties of electrical trees in cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)
cable insulation are studied by means of partial discharge (PD) measurement,
optical microscope, confocal Raman microprobe spectroscopy and scanning
electron microscopy (SEM). Specimens equipped with an embedded electrode
system and constituted of a needle separated by approximately 2 mm from the
counter electrode were utilized.

3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Electrical treeing is the dominating failure phenomena in solid

insulating material. Treeing occurs due to voids, dust and impurities present
in the insulation material, change in the crystalline structure, stress occurring
in the semi-crystalline structure and environmental factors. The growth
characteristics of electrical tree are analyzed by injecting high voltage

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continuously using transformer in XLPE sample. Electrical obstruction is
anything but difficult to be coupled into the sensor lead and later caught by
the estimating gear and further decline the identification affectability.
Electrical clamor is critical at substations and in a few circumstances may
absolutely cover the genuine PD (Partial Discharge) signals.

4 OBJECTIVES OF THESIS

 To implement these proposed methods piezoelectric fuel injector and

sequential fuel injector in real-time vehicles for biodiesel injections.

 The primary objective of this research is to analyze the insulation

property of XLPE by increasing the concentration of the nanoparticle

 To monitor and detect the High voltage stress high voltage cables

 To monitor the inception and propagation of the tree at regular interval

of time.

 To examine the length of the tree, the partial discharge and leakage
current at the time of propagation of the tree.

 To improve the insulation property of XLPE by addition of

nanoparticles.

 HV cables can be done by I2C protocol using embedded technology.

To obtain efficient performance voltage stress can be measured at
every one kilometer through master slave concept.

 To implement a PIC micro controller as master

 High voltage cable stress level can be identified using I2C protocol through
embedded technology.

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  The experiment is carried out by adding some nanoparticle to XLPE.

5 PROPOSED METHODOLOGY

5.1 Nano Paricles

Magnesium oxide (MgO), or magnesia, is a white hygroscopic solid

mineral that occurs naturally as periclase and is a source of magnesium. It has
an empirical formula of MgO and consists of a lattice of Mg2+ ions and O2−
ions held together by ionic bonding.Magnesium oxide was historically
known as magnesia alba (literally, the white mineral from magnesia – other
sources give magnesia alba as MgCO3), to differentiate it , a black mineral
containing what is now known as manganese.While "magnesium oxide"
normally refers to MgO, magnesium peroxide MgO2 is also known as a
compound.

It is used extensively as an electrical insulator in tubular

construction heating elements. There are several mesh sizes available and
most commonly used. The extensive use is due to its high dielectric strength
and average thermal conductivity. MgO is usually crushed and compacted
with minimal air gaps or voids. It is also used as an insulator in heat-resistant
electrical cable. Some of the applications of Magnesium oxide are it is
extensively used in the soil and groundwater remediation, wastewater
treatment, drinking water treatment, air emissions treatment, and waste
treatment industries for its acid buffering capacity and related effectiveness in
stabilizing dissolved heavy metal species. It is imperative to minimize metal
bioavailability and mobility.

MgO is widely regarded as the most effective metals stabilization

compound when compared to Portland cement, lime, kiln dust products,
power generation waste products, and various proprietary products due to

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MgO superior buffering capacity, cost effectiveness, and ease/safety of
handling.

In medicine, magnesium oxide is used for relief of heartburn and

sour stomach, as an antacid, magnesium supplement, and as a short-term
laxative. It is also used to improve symptoms of indigestion. Side effects of
magnesium oxide may include nausea and cramping. Figure 1 shows the
picture of MgO powder.

Figure 1 MgO powder

5.2 NANO MODIFIED INSULATION IN HIGH VOLTAGE

CABLE

The proposed system is used to monitoring and detection of High

voltage stress in MV or HV high voltage cables. To implement the system we
use a Hall sensor, step-up & step down transformer, and PIC micro controller.
Every one kilometre sensor (slaves) is placed to measure the voltage stress
level. Thus conversely provide the information about the HV cables. The data
can be stored in master controller. Here we are using PIC micro controller as
a master. In case any abnormal voltage stress across the HV cable, the
correction can be done in input side by using step-down transformer. In
output side can be controlled by step up transformer. So we get the balanced
output in the HV cables.

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 The proposed system is used to monitoring and detection of High
voltage stress in HV cables. To implement the system we use a Hall sensor,
step-up & step down transformer, and PIC micro controller. Every one
kilometre sensor (slaves) is placed to measure the voltage stress level. Thus
conversely provide the information about the HV cables. The data can be
stored in master controller. Here we are using PIC micro controller as a
master. In case any abnormal voltage stress across the HV cable, the
correction can be done in input side by using step-down transformer. In
output side can be controlled by step up transformer. So, that we get the
balanced output in the HV cables.

Figure 2 Block Diagram

5.2.1 I2C bus specification

I2C transport is well known on the grounds that it is easy to use,

there can be more than one ace, just upper transport speed is characterized and
just two wires with draw up resistors are expected to associate relatively
boundless number of I2C gadgets. I2C can utilize significantly slower
microcontrollers with broadly useful I/O pins since they just need to create

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right Start and Stop conditions notwithstanding capacities for perusing and
composing a byte.

Each slave gadget has a one of a kind location. Exchange from and
to ace gadget is sequential and it is part into 8-bit bundles. All these
straightforward prerequisites make it extremely easy to execute I2C interface
even with modest microcontrollers that have no uncommon I2C equipment
controller. It just needs 2 free I/O pins and couple of straightforward i2C
schedules to send and get directions.

Figure 3 Circuit Diagram

I2C transport is utilized by many coordinated circuits and is easy to

actualize. Any microcontroller can speak with I2C gadgets regardless of
whether it has no unique I2C interface. I2C determinations are flexible – I2C
transport can speak with moderate gadgets and can likewise utilize fast modes

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to exchange a lot of information. In view of numerous preferences, I2C
transport will stay as a standout amongst the most mainstream sequential
interfaces to associate incorporated circuits on the board.

5.2.2 PIC microcontroller

PIC microcontrollers (Programmable Interface Controllers), are

electronic circuits that can be customized to convey out a tremendous scope
of assignments. They can be modified to be clocks or to control a creation line
and considerably more. They are found in most electronic gadgets, for
example, caution frameworks, PC control frameworks, telephones, in truth
any electronic gadget. Numerous kinds of PIC microcontrollers exist, in spite
of the fact that the best are likely found in the GENIE extend of
programmable microcontrollers. These are modified and reproduced by
Circuit Wizard programming. PIC Microcontrollers are generally shabby and
can be purchased as pre-fabricated circuits or as packs that can be amassed by
the client.

6 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

6.1 XLPE VIRGIN

6.1.1 At the start(time at which supply is given).

Figure 4.a XLPE virgin

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Figure 4.b partial discharge pattern Figure 4.c leakage current

waveform

Figure 4.a shows the XLPE virgin sample at the start. This figure
shows the absence of tree. Figure 4.b shows partial discharge pattern of the
virgin XLPE sample.Partial discharge occurs due to leakage of current. This
pattern shows the leakage current. Figure 4.c shows the leakage current
waveform of virgin XLPE sample.

6.1.2 At the time of inception(time at which tree starts to grow)

Figure 5.a. XLPE virgin

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Figure 5.b partial discharge pattern Figure 5.c leakage current

waveform

Figure 5.a shows the virgin XLPE sample at the time of

inception. It takes place at 5mins of supply. The tree starts growing at the
time of inception. Figure 5.b shows partial discharge pattern of the virgin
XLPE sample. Partial discharge pattern increases due to large leakage of
current. Figure 5.c shows the leakage current waveform of virgin XLPE
sample.

6.1.2 At one hour

Figure 6.a XLPE virgin

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Figure 6.b Partial Discharge Pattern Figure 6.c Leakage Current
Waveform

Figure 6.a shows the virgin XLPE sample at one hour. The
length of the tree increases. Figure 6.b shows the partial discharge
pattern of virgin XLPE sample at one hour. The partial discharge
pattern increases as the length of tree increases. Figure 6.c shows the
leakage current waveform of virgin XLPE sample.

6.1.2 At the time of breakdown

Figure 7.a XLPE virgin

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Figure 7.b Partial Discharge Pattern Figure 7.c Leakage Current
Waveform

Figure 7.a shows the virgin XLPE sample at the time of breakdown.
The breakdown occurs at 2 hours. The tree grows longer and breakdown
occurs. Figure 7.b shows the partial discharge pattern of the virgin XLPE at
the time of breakdown. The partial discharge pattern increases gradually and
discharge occurs. Figure 7.c shows the leakage current waveform of the virgin
XLPE at the time of breakdown

7 CONCLUSION

In this research, the electrical properties have been monitored and

modified insulation of enhancing xlpe high voltage cables was improve.d
Monitoring and detection of voltage stress in MV cables can be done by embedded
technology. I2C protocol was implemented successfully in this system. Master and
slave operations are controlled by PIC microcontroller. Abnormal voltage stress
across the HV cable has be corrected by using step up and step down transformer.
From the result analysis and comparison, this research concludes that XLPE+ MgO
3% is more resist to current. So, XLPE+Mg 3% takes longer time (2 to 3 hours) for
inception(the time at which tree starts growing). XLPE+MgO 1% is quite poor resist
to current and inception takes place within few hours(1 to 2 hours).XLPE VIRGIN
withstand for less than an hour.

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LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

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