Journal International Association on Electricity Generation Transmission and Distribution
  • Year: 2026
  • Volume: 39
  • Issue: 1

‘Emerging Technologies and fututre Outlook of underground EHV Cables’ Nanocomposite XLPE : Research Innovations and Industrial Potential

  • Author:
  • M.L. Sachdeva1, N.S. Sodha2
  • Total Page Count: 3
  • Page Number: 9 to 11

1Former Chief Engineer, Central Electricity Authority

2Former Executive Director, Power Grid Corp. of India

Abstract

Crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) has been the cornerstone of underground EHV cable insulation for decades, offering high dielectric strength and thermal stability. However, challenges such as water treeing, partial discharge activity, and thermal limitations persist. Recent research into nanocomposite XLPE, incorporating nanoparticles such as silica, alumina, titania, clay, and carbon nanotubes, has demonstrated significant improvements in dielectric endurance, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength.

This paper synthesizes global research innovations, comparative performance data, and country wise development status, highlighting the industrial potential of nanocomposite XLPE for next generation underground transmission systems in USA, Europe, India, etc..

Keywords

Crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE), Nanocomposite, Nanoparticles, Improvement dielelctric endurance, Thermal conductivitty, Partial discharge