The high-voltage (HV) cable market requires an increasing number of tests at ever higher voltages. To meet this demand, Nexans has decided to considerably reinforce its testing capacity by building a new world-class DC laboratory in Calais, France, which can simultaneously test three independent qualification loops.
Each loop, made up of several lengths of cable and joints, is connected to the electrical network at two ends. Its design is representative of the different configurations found in power grids. The generators, rated for voltages of up to 1.2 million volts, operate in a controlled environment, guaranteeing optimum availability of the equipment required for ageing tests typically lasting over a year.
The new laboratory is dedicated to HV DC cables, a market of prime importance for high-capacity power links and the connection of renewable energy sources such as the Dolwin 6 offshore wind farm. Nexans Germany was recently awarded a contract for the supply and installation of two 90 km long HVDC cables for this major TenneT project, which will transport up to 900 MW of wind power - enough to supply nearly a million German households with electricity.
In addition to electrical testing, the highly qualified and experienced experts at the Calais center of excellence carry out electrical, thermal and mechanical modeling, as well as physicochemical analysis and thermomechanical testing.
" As the world's energy needs continue to grow, extremely reliable cable systems will be required to transport electricity at ever higher voltages, for both AC and DC applications.comments Dirk Steinbrink, General Manager Business Group and submarine cables from Nexans. With its new laboratory, the Calais center of excellence will be one of the key hubs for helping our customers meet the challenges of the future. "
Learn more: www.nexans.com