Condition Assessment of XLPO Insulated Photovoltaic Cables Based on Polarisation/Depolarisation Current

Abstract

Cable systems have an important role in the reliability and efficiency of photovoltaic systems. The insulation integrity of these cables relies on many factors such as manufacturing processes, operating conditions, the factors causing insulation degradation. Polymeric insulating materials are widely adopted as main insulation for many applications. In this research, low voltage photovoltaic cable samples based Cross-Linked Polyolefin (XLPO) insulation were investigated using the polarisation and depolarization current method. Accelerated aging tests were executed where the cable samples have been subjected to simultaneous thermal and mechanical stresses for different periods. The results showed a small changes in the polarisation and depolarisation currents with aging. In addition, the conduction current has slightly decreased.