Models for life and reliability of high voltage cables

This chapter aims to provide an updated, extensive and detailed survey of the literature about models used to estimate the life and reliability of HV cable systems, since these models are fundamental for such cable systems, thereby fostering power system reliability and resilience. More in detail: Section 2 provides the theoretical background of models for life and reliability of HV cable insulation; Section 3 reviews single-stress life models valid for steady thermal, electrical and mechanical stress; Section 4 deals with multi-stress (electro-thermal, electro-thermal-mechanical) life models and derives the electro-thermal reliability model within an ad hoc probabilistic framework; Section 5 treats how the volume of insulation affects HV cable performance; Section 6 reports an electro-thermal reliability model for a whole HV cable system with accessories; Section 7 shows an algorithm to estimate the life and reliability of HVAC and HVDC cables subjected to cycles of load current. Section 8 describes an algorithm to estimate the life of HVDC cables subjected to transient voltages; Section 9 discusses the limits of such life models and possible innovative solutions for future research; Section 10 draws conclusions