General overview on recent trends and standardization of underground AC EHV XLPE cable feeders

Underground EHV XLPE cables have made tremendous impact as the bulk power carriers in underground power transmission system.

In a large country like India, each state or union territory have their own large electrical power transmission network which are interconnected with the other state grids and have independent authority for the implementation of EHV Underground Cable System. The technical specifications and requirements of EHV Cables, accessories and their installations are generally different in each state utility making it difficult for the manufacturers to meet these varying specifications and requirements.

Hence, a kind of standardization on the EHV Cable System is required amongst all the utility boards in India, which would definitely benefit the utilities in framing the specifications of EHV cables, it's installation and reduced maintenance downtimes as well the manufacturers in better understanding of the requirements. The standardization specifications and installation procedures ensures quality and uniformity all over the country. The fruits of this standardization are seen in many countries, which have adopted this standardization and has helped them in bringing down their inventories, reduction in overall cost of the projects and improvement in reliability etc.,

This paper intends to bring out some of the key parameters to be considered during the process of such a standardization process.

The authors with their working experience in EHV cable projects in Indian market and gulf countries region with globally reputed manufacturers have discussed and highlighted the existing scenario abroad in this paper.