Comparative Analysis of Insulation Aging in Cross-Linked Polyethylene and Ethylene–Propylene Rubber Cables Through the Progression Rate of Partial Discharge

Andréia C. Domingos (), Leandro Duarte, Alan P. Pinheiro, Fabrício A. M. Moura, Lorenço Vasconcelos, Daniel P. de Carvalho, Fernando E. de F. Fadel and Patrícia N. Sakai
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Andréia C. Domingos: Smart Grids Laboratory (LRI), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, Brazil
Leandro Duarte: Smart Grids Laboratory (LRI), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, Brazil
Alan P. Pinheiro: Smart Grids Laboratory (LRI), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, Brazil
Fabrício A. M. Moura: Smart Grids Laboratory (LRI), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, Brazil
Lorenço Vasconcelos: Smart Grids Laboratory (LRI), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, Brazil
Daniel P. de Carvalho: Smart Grids Laboratory (LRI), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, Brazil
Fernando E. de F. Fadel: Petrobras SA, Rio de Janeiro 20231-030, Brazil
Patrícia N. Sakai: Petrobras SA, Rio de Janeiro 20231-030, Brazil

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 10, 1-25

Abstract: In order to ensure the continuous and reliable supply of electrical energy to the power grid, it is necessary to evaluate and monitor the degree of impairment of the insulation of electrical cables, as throughout its service life, insulation around cables suffers degradation due to numerous stress factors, which can arise from both environmental and operational causes. This aspect has aroused deep interest among energy professionals, as well as the industrial sector, with focus mainly placed on the undesirable effect caused by unexpected and sudden process stoppages, as well as their consequent financial and social impacts. That said, this article presents a methodology for evaluating the degree of insulation aging using the partial discharge progression curve. For this purpose, a thermal oven was duly constructed, in accordance with the technical premises presented in the literature, capable of homogeneously heating conductor samples. After thermal cycles, these conductors were aptly handled and tested in a controlled laboratory environment to determine the partial discharge progression curve. Through accurate data processing, a correlation was obtained between the degradation of the insulation and the rate of increase in partial discharge. The results are promising, as they provide support for maintenance agents’ ability to monitor and intervene regarding conductors.

Keywords: partial discharges; dielectric strength; stressors; accelerated thermal stress; insulation service life; XLPE; EPR (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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