First and foremost, I am very grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the 2023 DEIS Graduate Fellowship. This opportunity allowed me to expand my research beyond the primary scope of my PhD and gain valuable insights into current trends in the field of dielectrics and insulation systems.
High-voltage cables rated around 6 kV, insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), are widely used to distribute electric power. To prevent power outages caused by insulation failure in these cables, it is crucial to accurately assess the deterioration state due to the growth of water trees. For this purpose, direct-leakage-current testing has been widely applied as a diagnostic method. Although the situation is likely similar in other countries, 6-kV-class distribution cables extend over vast distances throughout Japan, and many companies are involved in their maintenance. This article introduces a current tester that complies with the conditions of Japanese power distribution lines and maintenance and diagnostic standards, and is user-friendly for maintenance companies.
Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is a foundational insultion material for modern high-voltage insulation systems and power equipment because it combines low dielectric loss with robust mechanical integrity [1], [2]. However, long-term service under strong electric fields, elevated temperature, and mechanical stress can trigger progressive damage, such as micro-cracking, corona-induced degradation, and electrical treeing, that may ultimately develop into serious equipment failure and safety hazards [3]. This challenge is further exacerbated by the irreversible curing of XLPE, as damage to the permanent network makes in situ self-healing difficult and restricts end-of-life recycling largely to energy recovery or down-cycling [4].
Almost everyone likes to get positive feedback that work they have done is appreciated. One would think that this recognition would come from management of their company or institution. This is sometimes the case, but sometimes it is not—because the immediate goals of the organization may not be focused on what you have accomplished. In the case of service awards, some companies think that volunteer time spent with professional associations is better spent on one's work.
The article describes how a robust classification system can be set up and evaluated using the example of typical partial discharges in gas-insulated DC systems.
