Prysmian Group has recently launched a new cable technology for the development of power transmission grids that aims to ensure higher electrical performances, lower costs and better environmental sustainability. The new P-Laser 600kV cable system is for high voltage direct current (HVDC) applications.
“This innovation shapes the progress of the HVDC cable industry, reaching 3.5 GW per bipole, with cost reductions of up to 30% per transmitted MW,” states Massimo Battaini from Prysmian Group. “The successful testing at 600kV is further proof of the quality and robustness of the P-Laser insulation technology” he adds.
P-Laser is the name given to the advanced technology using an in-house developed thermoplastic material – known as high performance thermoplastic Eeastomer (HPTE) – that permits a more efficient cable production with lower environmental impact than traditional XLPE, where the manufacture is performed in a single and continuous process.
A key feature of this new insulation technology is that, compared to XLPE, it does not require a chemical reaction during manufacture to achieve the material properties required for the long-term electrical integrity of HVDC insulation systems. This feature gives the additional benefit of shorter production times and results in both reduced energy consumption as well as lower greenhouse gas emissions. P-Laser technology is fully compatible with existing cable and accessory technologies and provides a better electrical performance and a higher reliability in comparison to traditional XLPE-insulated cables.
