EHV Cables

What are the applications and advantages of EHV cables?

India's efforts to acquire comprehensive capabilities in the EHV Cables sector have been a decisive development in the traditional cable industry. Over the past five years, India's established cable manufacturers have made a conscious effort to enter the coveted EHV cable segment to gain a first-mover advantage.

With ultra-high voltage cables, ever-increasing energy demand, increasing transmission capacity, reliability, safety, and aesthetic energy supply issues have made underground power grids necessary. Among these cables, XLPE insulated cables are widely used for their advantages, such as easy handling, connection and maintenance, and excellent electrical properties.

Traditionally, paper/oil insulation systems have been used for high-voltage transmission cables. However, since the advent of synthetic polymers, polyethylene (PE) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) have been used as insulating materials. In most countries, polyethylene use is limited to the crosslinked version (XLPE). This is because XLPE has significant advantages over PE, allowing the cable to operate at higher temperatures and achieve higher ampacities.

Crosslinked polyethylene is also ideal because it is easier to process and handle than paper or oil. Furthermore, the low dielectric loss of crosslinked polyethylene becomes increasingly essential with increasing voltage, and the high intrinsic electrical strength makes it a suitable material for a range of ultra-high voltage applications.

Application of EHV Cables

EHV cables are designed for use directly underground or embedded in ducts, trenches, or tunnels for power transmission at high voltage and are used to:

Power transmission above 66 KVUtility and industrial power distribution systems that consume large amounts of electricity.The use of these cables has become indispensable in urban built-up areas where overhead lines are not suitable due to buildings.Solar and thermal power plants

Advantages of EHV Cables

The advantages of EHV cables as compared to conventional overhead lines are so significant that India will soon have to introduce EHV cables in sub-transmission and distribution projects. However, EHV cable manufacturing technology is very sophisticated and yet to be fully localized. While this has prompted Indian manufacturers to seek global technology, it is equally essential for MNCs to consider partnering with Indian companies to take advantage of the growing business opportunities.

EHV cables have significant advantages, making them the preferred alternative to conventional overhead lines. Because EHV cable is underground, it does not physically or aesthetically interfere with existing infrastructure in any way. Although excavations can cause temporary interruptions to travel above ground, this is much less of a site issue than with overhead lines.

Power theft from overhead distribution lines is a major cause of business loss for electric utilities. Open tapping of power lines is expected in tier II and III cities, towns, and rural areas. It is physically impossible to steal electricity when power lines are underground covertly. More and more power companies are replacing overhead lines with underground cables to prevent power theft and reduce the life cycle costs of distribution lines.

However, industry experts have pointed out that power theft through memorable high-voltage lines is impossible. Usually, only 33kV distribution lines are tapped. Strictly speaking, EHV cable cannot be laid if the utility company decides to build an underground distribution line. Yet, given the high cost of installing underground cables and the financial turmoil of state power distribution companies, they may need help to install underground cables.

Conclusion

Indoswisspower are one of the largest suppliers, distributors, and exporters of Ultra High Voltage Cables and have established names in India and globally. Wires and cables supplied by Indoswisspower are preferred in many establishments across India. A range approves our extra high-voltage XLPE cables of international standards.