Innovative materials for energy transmission

The growing integration of intermitted renewable sources of energy e.g., wind and solar increases the need for transferring electricity over long distances.

The introduction of prosumers needs the strengthening of the grid in order to manage bidirectional flows of electricity aiming at equilibrating and stabilizing the power system in case of local increase of demand or sudden drop of generation.

HVDC links advantages

• Efficient transmission of large quantities of electric power over long distances, with lower losses in comparison with HVAC systems.
• Easier interconnection between AC grids with different operating frequencies
• Improvement of the functioning and stability of AC systems.

Insulation system

• Space charge accumulation and charge dynamics particularly at cable-joint interface.
• Need of higher thermal compatibility between cable and joint to avoid field distortion. (increase of temperatures with loads)
• Limited operating temperature with very short overheat periods.  --> Possibly not suitable for not constant loads (e.g., renewables)
• Presence of manufacturing byproducts which require additional processes.

Diagnostics

• Lack of a universal accepted and continuous diagnostic analysis
• Need to verify the suitability of HVAC monitoring setups on HVDC systems

Innovative insulating materials for energy applications

Nanofillers in the insulation bulk

• Reduction of space charge accumulation
• Higher dielectric strength
• Higher thermal conductivity

Nanofillers as coating

• Reduction of charge injection
• Reduction of space charge accumulation