sc annual report 2013 sc b1 scope and...

SC B1 Scope and Membership

The activities of CIGRE Study Committee B1 cover all types of AC and DC

insulated cable systems for land and submarine power connections. Within this field

of activities, all issues concerning all steps of the whole life cycle of cable systems are

addressed: theory, design, applications, manufacture, installation, testing, operation,

maintenance, remaining life management, upgrading and removal.

At the end of 2012, more than 290 experts worldwide are participating to the work

of SC B1 for a total of 420 contributions in various Advisory or Working Bodies of the

Study Committee.

The following chart shows the permanent growth of these numbers in the recent

years, proving the growing interest of the EPI in insulated cables.

Evolution of the numbers of experts and participations in Groups within SC B1.

At the end of 2012, the current membership of SC B1 consists of 24 regular members

and 13 observer members. In 2012 nearly 30% of the members have been renewed.

After the approval of 3 WG by the Technical Committee Chairman in 2012 and the

disbanding of two Working Groups, SC counts currently four Advisory Groups, 18 WG

or JWG, and 4 Task forces or Joint Task Forces, mainly to achieve preparatory work..

Factors shaping the future of SC B1

The Strategic Plan of the Technical Committee of CIGRE published in Electra 249

dated April 2010 has inventoried and analysed the factors shaping the future of the

Electrical Power Sector:

Changes in Electricity demand

16 No. 267 - April 2013 ELECTRA

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Challenges caused by environmental needs

Influences of regulation, legislation, and targets of the various countries

New technologies as enablers for significant changes

Maintaining and expanding the existing power system

Of course, the future of insulated cables is greatly shaped by these factors and the

activities of SC B1 are oriented towards this future where it is expected that the use

of insulated cables will most probably increase, with more cable connections, longer

links, higher transmission capacity, higher reliability and improved availability at most

of AC and DC voltages.

In this prospect, the structure of SC B1, and the organisation of its technical

activities are fully oriented towards this target.

Strategic Directions

The Strategic Directions of SC B1 are both Technical (TD) and Administrative (AD):

Technical Directions (TD)

The technical strategies of SC B1 for the period 2010-2020 have been fully aligned

on the four Technical directions adopted by the Technical Committee as published in

Electra 249:

T D 1: The electrical power system of the future:Typical issues addressed by SC B1 are

The growth in the application of HVDC at all voltage levels and the impact on

standardisation

The increase of right of way capacity and the use of underground and subsea

infrastructure and the consequence on technical performance and reliability of the

network. The use of superconducting cables is one of the examples in this field.

T D 2: Making best use of the existing power system:Most cables installed in the last thirty years and even before will be still in operation in

the tens of years to come: maintenance, remaining life expectancy, diagnostics, upgrading

and removal are the main topics to cover for all types of these insulated cables (lapped

and extruded) in order to inventory best practices and prepare guidelines.

T D 3: Focus on environment and sustainability:One major concern is obviously the global warming and the reduction of losses.

The design of cables is more and more environmental-conscious. Work is in progress

to better identify the interaction of underground cable systems on the environment.

New materials and manufacturing processes are considered to improve the impact on

the environment. Life cycle assessment is therefore a major topic in SC B1.

T D 4: Communication on power system issues for decision-makers:This is achieved through high-quality Technical Brochures prepared by the Working-

Groups and by simultaneous production of Tutorials.

As mentioned in the administrative directions here after, this work has to be

completed by preparation of documents for non-technical audiences.

Administrative Directions (AD)

These administrative strategies of SC B1 are aimed to follow with the highest

flexibility and speed the changes decided by the Technical Committee of Cigre. They

are focused on five main targets: •••

No. 267 - April 2013 ELECTRA 17

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A D 1: Maintain and develop technical competence (Study Committee): Young members are welcome in SC B1 Working Groups. The internal rules of

nomination of experts in the WG allow extra (young) members in addition to senior

members from the same country. This is a way to introduce and train young members.

A D 2: Align SC B1 activities with the needs of SC B1 target groups (Customer Advisory Group):

Through questionnaires distributed during the Sessions, the Customer Advisory

Group is preparing recommendations for new work items submitted to the Strategic

Advisory Group for final approval by the Study Committee. In the meantime, the CAG

is giving to SCB1 target groups an easy access to relevant documentation through SC

B1 web-site.

A D 3: Consolidate and improve the interaction with partners (Strategic Advisory Group):

Each member of the Strategic Advisory Group is dedicated to liaise with another SC

(B3, B4, C3, C4, C6, D1 ) or another organization (IEEE/ICC or IEC/TC 20).

A D 4: Detect at the earliest stage the signals of emerging items that could affect SC B1 (Prospective Advisory Group):

This group is dedicated to understand and prepare the Network of the Future

for insulated cables, and identify the needs for future standardisation requesting

preparatory work for SC B1.

A D 5: Maintain a leading position in the field of Power Cables by providing and actively presenting unbiased and neutral information on all essential cable aspects (Tutorial -and publication- Advisory Group):

Since 1970, SC B1 has already produced around 175 publications (Technical

Brochures and articles in Electra) which are available on e-cigre.

Most of these publications are of technical interest and are rather dedicated to a

technical audience.

One of the main objectives of SC B1 for the period 2010-2020 is to produce also unbiased information for non-technical audience. This will be done through

dedicated papers (“white books”), educational programs, participation to workshops

under the leadership of the TAG.

Recently completed work and publications:Published in 2012

WG number Name of the Publication Publication Electra issue and date number of Technical Brochure

WG B1.27 Recommendations for testing of long February 2012 Electra 260 AC submarine cables for extruded Technical Brochure insulation for system voltage above 30 490 (36) to 500 (550) kV

WG B1.32 Recommendations for testing DC April 2012 Electra 261 extruded cable systems for power Technical Brochure transmission at a rated voltage up 496 to 500 kV

JWG D1/B1.20 Non-destructive water-tree detection April 2012 Electra 261 in XLPE cable insulation Technical Brochure 493


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To come in 2013

WG number Name of the Publication Expected Publication date

WG B1.30 Cable systems electrical characteristics April 2013

WG B1.31 Testing of superconducting cable systems June 2013

WG B1.11 Upgrading and uprating of existing cable systems Expected August 2013

WG B1.29 Guidelines for maintaining the integrity of Expected XLPE transmission cable accessories October2013

WG B1.23 Impact of EMF on current ratings and cable systems Expected October 2013

WG B1.28 On-site Partial Discharge Assessment of HV Expected and EHV cable systems December 2013

Current Technical Activities

Working bodies in activity

WG B1.11, B1.23, B1.28, B1.29, B1.30 and B1.31 will be disbanded when they have

published their final report. Beforehand, these Groups will maintain an editorial team.

and they are therefore considered as still in activity. At the end of 2013, it is expected

that the number of experts in SC B1 will most probably significantly decrease,

following their disbanding.

Several other WG or JWG are currently at work in each of the four Technical

Directions:

JWG B1/B3.33: Feasibility of a common, dry type interface for GIS and Power cables of 52 kV and above (Technical Direction 1)

The interface between cable terminations and GIS is ruled by existing IEC standards.

The dry-type GIS termination is more and more used and a need for standard products

has been expressed by some target groups.

The report will cover all voltages and all cross sections and give recommendations

for further work in all cases studied.

WG B1.34: Mechanical forces in large cross section cable systems (Technical Direction 1)

In cable systems, one trend is to adopt larger and larger cross sections. Thermo-

mechanical issues have been identified. For SCB1 target groups, it is felt that a technical

guide can give recommendations and limit the risk of poor design and inappropriate

installation.

The work will be limited to polymeric cables, but will study all types of sheaths and

the different installation arrangements such as rigid, flexible, and transitions.

WG B1.35: Guide for rating calculations of HV cables (Technical Direction 1 and 2)

Cable ratings are generally determined by using IEC standards such as IEC 60287

and IEC 60853, but these documents do not cover yet all situations. As examples,

HVDC cables, deep burial, horizontal drilling, multiple circuits are currently not

included in these standards though these situations are more and more faced. This

work is made in very close cooperation of IEC TC 20 WG 19 (AD 3).

WG B1.36: Life cycle assessment and environmental impact of underground cable systems (Technical Direction 3)

Different High Voltage Cable types as well as their associated civil works and

installation techniques do not impact the environment in the same way. In order to •••


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minimize such impact, it is important to develop the necessary tools that would enable

the engineers and the decision makers to compare the Global Environmental Impact

(GEI) of different underground cable systems over their whole life cycle (including

end of life and disposal). The Working Group will analyze the existing methodologies

and tools, and develop methodologies appropriate for Life Cycle Assessment of

Underground HV Cable systems and when possible to MV Cable systems. A picture

of the interaction of an Underground HV Cable system on the Environment will be

provided.

As they are not in the scope of work of SC B1, this Working Group will not cover

environmental or biological effects of EMF.

WG B1.37: Guide for operation of fluid filled cable systems (Technical Direction 2) The paper cables are very reliable and should continue their service as long

as possible. The present risk is to see the cable suppliers leaving the field, without

anybody able to repair the existing cable circuits. The Working Group will produce a

brochure recommending guidelines on the best practices for the continued operation

of self contained fluid filled cable systems. The WG will address the technical aspects

on the continued operation of these cables such as: recommended maintenance,

testing (routine and after repair), refurbishment and modifications for improved

performance, operational availability and constraints, fault repairs, oil system capacity

reviews, fluid monitoring and analysis, leak location techniques and a cable and

accessories suppliers list. The scope of work excludes pipe type cables. It will cover

AC and DC land and submarine cables which have in principle similar problems. The

voltage range is from EHV to distribution levels.

WG B1.38: After laying tests on AC and DC cable systems with new technologies (Technical Direction 1)

The WG will examine the present status, including limitations, of available

methodologies and voltage sources capable of testing HV and EHV, AC and DC, land

and submarine transmission cable systems. The WG will also investigate the practical

implications, risks and test burden related to the different test methods. The WG will

examine the technical considerations involved to establish test parameters for AC and

DC cable systems such as voltage levels, test durations and frequency ranges for the

different voltage sources and recommend what work needs to be done to establish

these parameters if the technical background is not available.

WG B1.39: On shore generation cable connections (Technical Direction 1)Today a lot of onshore generation plants have been built or are under construction

being connected through underground cables and even more are already planned. The

power ranges are from tens of MW for small solar or wind farms up to two thousands

of MVA for huge nuclear power plants.

There is already a lot of experience about cables installed on the transmission

network, but there are far less when considering generation connections.

As the way to operate cable systems in case of on shore generation connections is

different from the links on the grid, WG B1.39 will address the potential gaps in standards.

WG B1.40: Off shore generation cable connections (Technical Direction 1)Today a lot of offshore wind farms have been built or are under construction - and

even more farms are already planned. Wind farms have got the main focus, but also

cable connections to other types of offshore generations will come.

There is a need for guidance for asset owners, TSOs, turnkey park builders, cable

manufacturers etc. about relevant studies and surveys to get permission from the

authorities, and about the choices between technological solutions, cable design and

installation methods for cable connections to offshore generations. All topics will

be treated to obtain a comprehensive guide to cables for offshore generation and

interconnection.


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WG B1.43: Recommendations for mechanical testing of submarine cables (Technical Direction 1)

Update of mechanical tests for submarine cables is needed since submarine

cable installations are growing for higher powers and new applications (wind farm

connections, dynamic power cables and deeper sea installations etc).

The existing recommendation from 1997 (Electra 171) needs to be updated in the

light of the experience gained during the last 15 years. The work will cover both lapped

and extruded cables, AC and DC, in any configuration.

Recently launched Working Bodies

In 2012, SC B1 launched three new Working Groups and three preparatory Task

Forces:

WG B1.41: Long term performance of soil and backfill of cable systems (Technical Direction 2)

Existing and up-rated cable systems are loaded increasingly higher. This can be

driven particularly by real time rating systems and by re-conductored systems with

new high stress dielectrics permitting larger conductor sizes within the same duct or

pipe. In all cases the higher loads result in higher operating temperatures for the

backfill even if the rated operating temperatures remain the same. The higher loads

will increase the cable / duct to soil interface temperatures that will impact the external

thermal environment of the backfill and native soil. Depending on the aged backfill

and soil condition, this can severely limit the potential capability of the technological

advances.

Of particular interest is how high load conditions, change in physical properties and

environmental changes will impact aged backfill and soil conditions.

WG B1.42: Testing of transition joints between HVDC cables with lapped and extruded insulation up to 500 kV (Technical Direction 1)

Although the extruded HVDC cable technology is developing very fast, lapped

HVDC cables will still be on the market for many years. There are current projects that

consider mass-impregnated cables for the submarine part of the route and extruded

cables for the land part of the route. There is a need to define test specifications for

how to qualify transition joints between these two technologies.

WG B1.45: Work under induced voltages or currents (Technical Direction 1)During several phases of a cable system life (installation/maintenance/testing/

upgrading/removal), it can be necessary to work under induced voltages or induced

currents:

During the pulling or the laying of a cable in the vicinity of an energized system:

underground cable or overhead line

During the jointing operations in the installation process

When checking or maintaining link boxes

During the repair of the cable after fault

When removing the cable for disposal at the end of its life.

As hazardous conditions could occur, it is important to provide Target Groups

(utilities, manufacturers,) with guidelines for safe work on cable systems. The Working

Group will address extruded and lapped cable systems for voltage ranges from EHV to

MV and LV when these distribution cables are part of the connection scheme.

It is common practice in SC B1 to launch a task force to achieve preparatory work

before deciding to install a new Working Group. In 2012, three Task Forces have been

launched:

TF B1.45: Thermal Monitoring Hardware of Cable Circuits & Man Machine

Interface (Technical Direction 1) •••


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SC B1

TF B1.46: Conductor Connectors: Mechanical and Electrical Tests (Technical Direction 1)

TF B1.47: Technical Issues related to Long AC EHV Cable Systems (Technical Direction 1)

Following the decisions taken by SCB1, by the end of 2012, SC B1 counted 4 advisory

Groups, seventeen WGs, one JWG and three TFs and participated in several WGs or

JWGs led by other SCs and in one JTF with another organization.

Meetings and Events in 2012

San Francisco:The United States National Committee of CIGRE in cooperation with Study

Committees B1, Insulated Cables, B2, Overhead Lines, and B4, HVDC and Power

Electronics, organized a Colloquium and Exposition on HVDC and Power Electronic

Systems Including Overhead Lines and Insulated Cable Applications in San Francisco

held between March 7 and 9, 2012. The colloquium was formatted so sessions were

held in sequence permitting experts of different fi elds such as converters, cables or lines

to attend all presentations in order to widen their overall knowledge. The colloquium,

which attracted more than 230 participants from 22 countries, was preceded on March

6 with a full day tutorial on HVDC Grids organized by SC B4 and a half day tutorial

organized by SC B1 on Test Recommendations for XLPE AC Submarine and DC

Extruded Cable Systems up to 500 kV

The Insulated Cable session included 10 high quality papers as a result of a very

stringent selection process. The papers received more than 30 questions from the

audience. The fi rst paper covered the fi nal report of WG B1.32. These results have

been eagerly awaited because of the increasing voltage levels for extruded HVDC cable

systems. As confi rmed with the audience, the new Technical Brochure (TB 496) will

replace the old one TB 219 that is limited to 250kV.

In summary, the papers covered a wide range of technologies for underground

HVDC cables. The subjects were complimentary to the SC B4 presentations, especially

with regard to standardization of voltage levels. The audience was engaged and

responded with very relevant questions. This colloquium confi rmed that HVDC cable

systems will have a bright future.

Session Paris: The Study Committee meeting took place on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th in

the afternoon. For the fi rst time, the duration of the SC meeting on even years (Paris)

was extended to 1.5 day instead of 1 day as usual, to cover all the items of the agenda.

The Discussion Group Meeting of Study Committee B1 took place on August 31st,

2012 from 08:45 to 17:30.and was attended by an audience of around 260 people with

a peak of 280 and a minimum of 170, (on Friday afternoon, at the very end of the

Meeting).

50 prepared contributions from 14 different countries and above 80 spontaneous

contributions were presented, referring to 15 questions proposed by the Special

Report. The Special Report was based on 26 papers submitted for the 2012 CIGRE

Session, from 22 different countries addressing three Preferential Subjects.

On Wednesday August 29 in the morning, a Poster Session was organised. 23 authors

were attending this Poster Session which attracted around 200 visitors. The Customer

Advisory Group (CAG) of SC B1 was also attending this Session to present its activities

and meet the audience. A questionnaire was proposed by CAG during the Discussion

Group meeting. This questionnaire is posted on the Web-site of SC B1.


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SC B1

In 2013, the meeting of SC B1 will be held in Foz de Iguaçu, Brazil, during the fi rst

week of September.

This meeting will be followed by a Tutorial Session and a workshop about EHV, HV

and MV cables organized with JICABLE.

For Session 2014, the preferential subjects will be:PS1: Feedback from newly installed or upgraded underground and submarine AC

and DC cable systems

PS2: Best use of existing T&D cable systems

PS3: Insulated cables in the Network of the Future

Tutorials (TAG) and Workshops

In compliance with TD 4 and AD 3, SC B1 offered in 2012 various tutorials all along

the year: India (Mumbai), US (San Francisco), Norway and Brazil (San Paolo).

The graphs show the geographical spread of the Tutorial Sessions and the number

of tutorials delivered in the recent past years.

Of course, from this chart, it appears that South America and Africa/Middle East

are the fi elds of improvement for the years to come. As mentioned before, a Tutorial

Session is scheduled in Brazil, next September and 6 tutorials will be delivered. •••


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SC B1

By the end of 2012, the list of validated tutorials is: Thermal Environment of Underground Links

Thermal Monitoring of Underground Cables

Dynamic Rating of Underground Cables

Environmental Impact Assessment

Technical and Environmental Issues regarding the integration of a new cable

system in the Network

Special Bonding of High Voltage Power Cables

Large Cross-sections design

Composite Screens design

Maintenance for HV Cables and Accessories

Accessories for HV / EHV Extruded Cables

Earth Potential Rises

Lightning Impulse Transients on Long Cables

Statistics of AC underground cables in power networks

Up-Dating of Service Experience of HV Underground and Submarine Cable

Systems

Remaining Life Management and Replacement Program for HV Cables

Test procedures for HV transition joints

Third Party Damage

Advanced Design of Metal laminated Coverings

Construction, laying and installation techniques for cable systems

Other tutorials are under preparation and will be available soon. Tutorials Sessions

can be held by SC B1 Members or experts on demand.

Conclusion

In 2010, Study Committee B1 has aligned its Technical Strategies with the four

Technical Directions of the Technical Committee of CIGRE (Electra 249).

SC B1 Working Groups are currently working in these four directions.

Most of the Working Groups are dealing with Technical Direction 1 (Network of the

Future) and several are also covering Distribution Cable Systems.

Emphasis is given to Technical Directions 3 (Focus on Environment and

Sustainability) and 4 (Produce unbiased information for non-technical audience).

The three Preferential Subjects proposed for Session 2014 cover the Technical

Directions.

Future work is decided by the Study Committee on recommendation of the Strategic

Advisory Group. Most of proposals for further work are established by the Customer

Advisory Group which is the link of SCB1 to its Target Groups through questionnaires.

At present almost 290 cable experts are participating to this task with 430

contributions. Many high technical value publications (around 175) are available on

e-cigre.

Tutorials sessions have been organised to disseminate this information in several

countries.

Any further information is currently available on SC B1’s website: http://b1.cigre.org

Pierre Argaut

Chairman SC B1


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2013

SC B1

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