Modelling Electro-Mechanical Behaviour of an XLPE Insulation Layer for Hi-Voltage Composite Power Cables: Effect of Voids on Onset of Coalescence

The harshness of the submarine environment represents a serious threat for immersed high voltage power cables, extensively used offshore wind farms, which in turn are supposed to last at least 20 years their total investment be economically viable. Crosslinked Polyethylene (XLPE) insulating layer cables may suffer different degradation phenomena, leading unexpected breakdowns and rises costs. In this work, numerical simulations have been developed study mechanisms by micrometric pores inside XLPE can enlarge coalesce (namely, water treeing) when insulation is subjected intense electric field generated hi-voltage wires. aim predict material plasticization next voids, represent onset coalescence neighboring pores. A microscale-level finite element coupled electro-mechanics model has describe interactions between fields subsequent Maxwell stresses dielectric. roles influencing parameters such as distance, relative volumes, shape two voids representative unit volume considered. Finally, behavior generic microstructure characterized randomly distributed an simulated.