Enhanced Electrical and Thermal Rating Power Cables for Renewables Connections in Developing Countries

This research project addresses the need to develop advanced insulation systems for use in next generation

high voltage power transmission equipment used in on-shore and off-shore power networks in developing and

developed countries. Its seeks to explore and exploit the technological potential of recent findings that it is

possible to simultaneously and significantly improve the heat conduction in insulating materials alongside

enhancing the electrical breakdown strength to provide the prospect of obtaining new electrical insulating

materials that could revolutionise the design and operation of electrical power networks. This finding and its

consequences are contrary to accepted scientific wisdom and its novelty offers considerable engineering

opportunity. It has massive technological potential since the thermal management of power equipment is a

major issue, particularly in connection with fluctuating power flows, as in renewables generation, and that may

occur in the operation of future SMART Grids. It will facilitate the development of high perfomance power

cables with increased current and voltage ratings and improved reliability at reduced system cost.