Cost-efficient XLPE Cable System Solutions

No complete, fair and impartial analysis is easy to make between different power transmission solutions. An advantage for one solution may be a disadvantage from one time to another, due to the prevailing situation. However, no other power transmission solution has had such a high rate of improvement as XLPE Cable System Technology during the last decade. Furthermore, improvements have been possible by decreasing the overall costs. Environmental focus, de-regulation of electricity markets and the improvements in technology of XLPE Cable Systems make them more attractive in situations where they were not even optional, in the past. Due to large thermal time constants for direct buried XLPE Cable Systems, it is possible to optimise the rating to the real need of the network. Lean Cable designs with reduced insulation wall thickness and optimised conductor areas can enhance the attraction of XLPE Cable Systems from technical, economical and ecological points of view. The cost ratio between XLPE cable Systems and OH-line systems is decreasing and can reach 2:1 if using latest technologies. The land value of ROW (Right of Ways) can sometimes finance the costs for undergrounding. With respect to reliability, the trend is positive for XLPE Cable Systems with pre-moulded accessories. One extra single-phase reserve can improve the reliability. However, double circuits do not improve the reliability significantly, compared to the 1-single phase reserve alternative.