Prysmian claims new T&D technology milestone

What is described by Massimo Battaini, a senior Prysmian vp, as a 'significant and important new technology', can reputedly deliver unique environmental performance with lower carbon dioxide emissions and using fully recyclable materials and can permit more efficient cable production with lower environmental impact than traditional XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene). Manufacture is performed in a single and continuous process and does not require chemical changes to achieve the properties required for the long term electrical integrity of HVDC insulation. This feature confers the benefit of shorter production times and results in reduced energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. P-Laser is particularly suitable for HVDC applications, and it is the first HVDC cable that can be fully recycled at system end-of-life.

In terms of performance the technology is saidtobefullycompatiblewithexistingcable and accessory technologies, and provides better electrical performance and a higher material integrity for HVDC in comparison to traditional XLPE-insulated cables. In terms of efficiency it has higher thermal performance properties, which increase the power transmission capability of the cable system for a given conductor size, thereby enabling average overall cost reductions of approximately 10% per transmitted MW.