The effects of voltage waveform factors on cable life estimation using measured distorted voltages

This work investigates expected life reduction of power cables under harmonic pollution, by processing the results of voltage harmonics measurements. Life estimates come from a life model developed by the Authors in former studies, used here in its complete form, with all voltage waveform factors, i.e. peak, shape and rms factor. The application regards MV XLPE-insulated cables. The whole day duty cycle is split into rush hours and non-rush hours, each characterized by a different level of harmonic distortion. The results show that life is significantly reduced with respect to rated sinusoidal life, and that both shape and peak factors play a major role, shape factor during rush hours, peak factor during non-rush hours.