The collaborative test results showed the conformity of the 525 kV DC cable system and the DC GIS interface in accordance with CIGRE TB496.
August 11, 2020
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has successfully completed the world’s first type approval test on its 525 kV direct-current (DC) cable system with a DC gas-insulated switchgear (DC GIS) interface in accordance with CIGRE TB496 under the technical collaboration with Siemens Energy and German cable supplier Südkabel GmbH.
With more renewable energy penetration, multi-terminal DC interconnectors will be a desirable option for robust power networks. DC GIS provides a compact solution, especially for connecting high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) cable lines to offshore converter platforms and onshore transition stations.
Sumitomo Electric has devised a 525 kV DC cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable, while Siemens Energy has developed a DC GIS component. These companies decided to carry out a collaborative type approval test at Mannheim laboratories of KEMA Labs, a CESI brand in Germany. Südkabel supplied its DC XLPE cable using Sumitomo Electric’s DC XLPE compound materials and connected it to Sumitomo Electric’s XLPE cable and joints. These cables were plugged into Siemens’ DC GIS compartment via DC GIS terminations.
The collaborative test results showed the conformity of the 525 kV DC cable system and the DC GIS interface in accordance with CIGRE TB496. Südkabel’s cables were also proved to have compatibility to Sumitomo Electric’s cable, while subsequent destructive tests, including polarity reversal condition tests, showed both cable systems have sufficient design margins up to Uo = 640 kV level.
Sumitomo Electric has been leading the international power cable industry with its HVDC XLPE insulation technology. In 2019, Sumitomo Electric was commissioned for the NEMO project, connecting UK and Belgium with 400 kV HVDC cable system. Sumitomo Electric has also secured the Corridor A-Nord Project, laying 525 kV HVDC underground cable in Germany.
