The Opportunity
The objective of this opportunity is to shortlist the submissions that best answer the brief, with the aim of attending a presentation day with the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) Industry Partners, where it can be discussed in greater detail with a technical panel.
The EIC welcomes submissions from individual companies or companies working in collaboration with each other.
What is the Problem?
Distribution network operators (DNOs) are facing increased challenges with underground cables situated in areas consistently exposed to high moisture levels or where they are susceptible to prolonged damp conditions.
These ‘wet areas’ can cause water ingress into the cable’s insulation layer, leading to a breakdown known as ‘water treeing’ (please see diagram below). This occurs when tiny pathways form and spread within the insulation layer, similar to the roots of a tree. Over time, these pathways weaken the dielectric strength of the insulation, making it less effective at containing electricity and increasing the risk of cable failure.
The current method to address this issue is to replace these prematurely aged cables, this approach presents significant challenges, such as:
- Increased excavations which can cause potential disruption to local ecosystems
- Safety concerns for operational staff when replacing these cables in wet conditions
- The cost of replacing prematurely aged cables with new assets.
Preferred Output
The preferred solution would be to implement a cable rejuvenation method that extends the lifespan of prematurely aged cables by restoring their insulation properties and filling any microscopic voids, known as water trees. This would ensure the cables are:
- Protected from further degradation and potential dielectric failures
- Safer for workers to handle and maintain
- Less prone to replacement due to damage caused by water treeing.
SP Energy Networks would welcome any new or existing rejuvenation technologies and techniques to help achieve this. In addition, a key project output would be a cost comparison between the new technology and existing cable replacement procedures.