CONDITION BASED MAINTENANCE ON MV CABLE CIRCUITS AS PART OF ASSET

MANAGEMENT; PHILOSOPHY, DIAGNOSTIC METHODS, EXPERIENCES, RESULTS

AND THE FUTURE
N. van Schaik, E.F. Steennis, A. van Dam, B.J. Grotenhuis, M.J. van Riet, C.J.
Verhoeven
KEMA, KEMA, ENECO, REMU, NUON, Essent, the Netherlands

SUMMARY
Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) is an
important part of asset management in a
liberalised market place for electric
energy. For service aged medium voltage
cable circuits it is realised by means of
cable diagnostics as part of the condition
assessment of the underground cable
network. Results of the condition
assessment are input for the economical
and technical assessment. Result will be a
maintenance concept for cable circuits as
part of the total maintenance concept for
the network.
Repair before breakdown will be possible
after determination of the local condition of
the cable circuit. Repair before breakdown
reduces operational costs and customer
claims, increases availability and reliability
and postpones investments to a later date.
For new MV cable circuits certain
diagnostics may be applied to verify the
fitness for use after installation and to
enable future CBM.
A method for CBM is presented, next to
the diagnostic methods used in the
Netherlands by the major electric network
companies, covering 90% of the Dutch
users. Since 1994 a huge reduction of the
financial losses related to non-delivered
energy was realised. Measurements of
problem circuits have shown that large
investments could be postponed to a later
date.
The
recommendations
for
maintenance of cable circuits, made
possible because of the results of
diagnostic
measurements
have
an
important position within management of
cable assets. Knowledge rules, making
use of the diagnostic results and to be
used for preparing recommendations, are
an essential part of the data-handling
system.

The current partial discharge diagnostic

(PDD) methods used, ranging from 100 to
6000 m circuit length will be described
shortly. The method is based on
measuring and locating partial discharges,
originated by weak spots. One of the
methods is extended to lengths up to 10
km and to branched cable circuits. Also
very short lengths, like transformer tails,
can be diagnosed. It became clear that
cable joints and terminations are the weak
spots in more than 90% of the cases. Next
to that the methods for diagnosing XLPE
cables,
based
on
loss
factor
measurements and on measurement of
the change of the capacitance value, will
be handled.
The partial discharge diagnostic method
has shown to be a very powerful tool for
CBM on medium voltage cable networks.
Major Dutch electric network companies
use these methods.
In the near future, also on-line partial
discharge diagnostic measurements on
MV cable circuits will be realised. On-line
partial
discharge
diagnostic
measurements will enable the network
owner to operate his cable network near to
the upper limits, in the meaning of repair
not too early and not too late.
Management of cable assets will become
even more effective.

LA MAINTENANCE BASE SUR LA CONDITION DES CIRCUITS DE CBLES

MOYENNE TENSION COMME LMENT DE LA GESTION DES RESSOURCES ;
PHILOSOPHIE, DIAGNOSTIQUE, MTHODES, EXPRIENCES, RSULTATS ET AVENIR
N. van Schaik, E.F. Steennis, A. van Dam, B.J. Grotenhuis, M.J. van Riet, C.J.
Verhoeven
KEMA, KEMA, ENECO, REMU, NUON, Essent, Pays-Bas
RSUM
Sur le march libralis de lnergie
lectrique, la Maintenance Base sur la
Condition (abrg CBM en anglais)
constitue une partie importante de la
gestion des ressources. Pour les circuits
de cbles de service moyenne tension
vieillis, cette maintenance est ralise au
moyen dun diagnostique de ltat des
cbles comme partie de lvaluation de la
condition du rseau de cbles souterrains.
Les rsultats du contrle de la condition
constituent un input pour le contrle
conomique et technique. Il en rsulte un
concept de maintenance des circuits de
cbles intgr au concept de maintenance
totale du rseau.
Lorsque la condition locale du circuit de
cbles a t dtermine, il est possible de
rparer avant la panne. Les rparations
effectues avant la panne rduisent les
frais dexploitation et diminuent le nombre
de rclamations des clients, accroissent le
niveau de fiabilit et de disponibilit et
retardent le moment des investissements.
Certains diagnostiques peuvent tre
appliqus certains nouveaux circuits de
cbles MT afin de vrifier leur adaptation
lutilisation et permettre de futures CBM.
Outre les mthodes de diagnostique
utilises aux Pays-Bas par les principales
compagnies de distribution dlectricit,
qui couvrent 90% des utilisateurs
nerlandais, une mthode de CBM est
prsente. Depuis 1994, une importante
rduction des pertes financires dues
une nergie non-livre a pu tre ralise.
Des mesures effectues sur les circuits
problmes ont dmontr quil tait
possible
de
retarder
dimportants
investissements. Les recommandations de
maintenance pour les circuits de cbles,
rendues possibles grce aux rsultats des
mesures de diagnostique, jouent un rle
important dans la gestion des stocks de
cbles. Les rgles de connaissance, qui
utilisent les rsultats des diagnostiques et
doivent tre utiliss dans la prparation

des recommandations, sont essentielles

pour le systme de traitement.
Nous donnerons une brve description
des mthodes de diagnostique de
dcharge partielle actuellement utilises,
allant dune longueur de circuit de 100
6000 m. Cette mthode est base sur le
mesurage et la localisation des dcharges
partielles cres par des points faibles.
Une de ces mthodes est tendue des
longueurs de 10 km et des circuits de
cbles branchs. Des longueurs trs
courtes, telles que les queues de
transformateurs peuvent galement tre
soumises des diagnostiques. Il est
apparu clairement que les jonctions et
extrmits de cbles constituent des
points faibles dans plus de 90% des cas.
Les mthodes de diagnostique des cbles
de polythylne rticul, bases sur les
mesurages des facteurs de perte et sur les
mesurages des changements de la valeur
de capacit seront ensuite traites.
La mthode du diagnostique de dcharge
partielle sest rvl tre un outil trs
puissant pour la CBM sur les rseaux de
voltage moyen. Ces mthodes sont
utilises par les principales compagnies
nerlandaises dlectricit.
Dans un avenir proche, il sera galement
procd des mesurages diagnostiques
en ligne de dcharge partielle. Les
diagnostiques de dcharge partielle enligne permettront au propritaire du rseau
dexploiter son rseau de cbles prs des
limites
suprieures,
autrement
dit
deffecteur des rparations ni trop tt, ni
trop tard. La gestion des cbles deviendra
de plus en plus efficace.

CONDITION BASED MAINTENANCE ON MV CABLE CIRCUITS AS PART OF ASSET MANAGEMENT;

PHILOSOPHY, DIAGNOSTIC METHODS, EXPERIENCES, RESULTS AND THE FUTURE
N. van Schaik, E.F. Steennis, A. van Dam, B.J. Grotenhuis, M.J. van Riet, C.J. Verhoeven
KEMA, KEMA, ENECO, REMU, NUON, Essent, the Netherlands
1 INTRODUCTION

circuits may be part of the commissioning tests

after installation (1).

Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) is an

important part of asset management in a
liberalised market place for electric energy. For
service aged medium voltage cable circuits it is
realised by means of cable diagnostics as part of
the condition assessment of the underground
cable network, see Figure 1. Results of the
condition assessment are input for the economical
and technical assessment. This will give a
maintenance concept for cable circuits as part of
the total maintenance policy for the network.
CONDITION BASED MAINT. POLICY
MAINTENANCE CONCEPT
CONDITION ASSESSM.
DIAGNOSTICS

Economical
assessment
Technical
assessment

Figure 1 CBM structure

Repair before breakdown will be possible after
determination of the local condition of the cable
circuit. Repair before breakdown reduces
operational costs and customer claims, increases
availability and reliability and postpones
investments to a later date. For new MV cable
circuits certain diagnostics may be applied to
verify the fitness for use after installation and to
enable future CBM.
In this paper, a method of CBM on power cables
is given. Also diagnostic methods used at
ENECO, ESSENT, NUON, REMU (all utilities in
the Netherlands) and at KEMA are presented. The
results show a huge reduction of the financial
losses related to non-delivered energy. Large
investments could be postponed to a later date,
specifically for older problem circuits.
2 CBM ON POWER CABLES AS PART OF
ASSET MANAGEMENT
CBM on power cables has its focus on service
aged cable circuits. However, certain diagnostic
measurements on new circuits may be applied to
enable the introduction later on of these new
circuits to the CBM program on service aged
circuits. The diagnostic measurements on new

2.1 New circuits

2.1.1 New paper insulated cable circuits. After

installation, the DC withstand test (4Uo) is
applied. However new paper-insulated cables are
less installed nowadays.

2.1.2 New XLPE cable circuits. After installation

the XLPE cable circuits are tested as follows, in
accordance with the Dutch standard:
voltage withstand test; series resonant
(2.5Uo, 10 min) or 0,1 Hz (4.24Uo peak, 15
min)
outer sheath test (PE 5 kV DC, PVC 2,5 kV
DC, 5 min)
loss factor at 0,1 Hz
partial discharge diagnostics (PDD) to detect
bad workmanship on accessories; PDD
methods are applied more and more
nowadays (0.1 Hz, OWTS, CDA) (2, 3, 4).
After fulfilling those tests, the XLPE cable circuit
will be commissioned. The test data will be
registered and the cable will be offered to the
CBM management system.
2.2 Service aged circuits
In Figure 2, the philosophy of CBM on cable
circuits is given as a flow chart of the steps to be
taken.

Condition
of cable
circuit

Condition
further
network
parts

Maintenance Investment
Strategy

Figure 2. Structure of CBM on power cables

Usually, the starting point is the history of cable
circuits, very often in the meaning of the history of
failures. The history, the operational and the
laying conditions, together with the importance of
the cable circuit in the network, give clues for the

determination to perform diagnostic testing (yes or

no). In the case of diagnostic testing, the result
will be a recommendation regarding the condition
of the cable circuit. This recommendation is also
based on external conditions such as installation,
loading, required circuit performance in the future
and so on.
Together with the recommendations of other
diagnosed circuits with the same background, a
decision can be made regarding the selection of
further network parts of which the condition has to
be determined. The actual condition of diagnosed
circuits and of similar circuits and of similar parts
of the network will be known. Decisions about
maintenance/repair before failure and regarding
investments can be made.
For the selection of circuits, the following points
may be taken into account:
history and condition of the circuit:
type of cable, joint, termination; age of the
circuit
failure rate of the relevant type of cable or
accessories; number of short circuits
load conditions of the circuit: average,
maximum, overloading, dynamic loading
laying conditions, type of soil, g-factor of the
soil, thermal aspects in the cable bed
importance of the circuit in the MV network
MV network structure, mashed network, star
network, network with or without insulated
neutral
feeder cables, back-bones, user cables
importance of the circuit in relation to the
network, redundancy
importance of the customers fed by the circuit:
contract with the customer; penalties
type of customer, household, hospital, industry,
hotel etc.
power consumption
influence on environment
possibilities for repair, street crossings
2.2.1 Diagnostic methods for service aged MV
paper insulated cable circuits. The following
diagnostic methods are available nowadays:
partial discharge location for locating bad spots
in joints, terminations and in cable (2, 3, 4)
dc withstand testing; for instance as prediagnostic method for cast resin joints
visual checks on terminations, can be done
regularly
loss factor for instance at 50 Hz or at 0.1 Hz
corrosion of the lead sheath; samples of the
lead are needed; only for lead problems
paper insulation; samples of the paper are
needed

determination of the g-factor of the soil in the

cable trench, as part of the determination of
the thermal aspects
Some utilities use the PD diagnostic (PDD)
method on cables selected as given before (2, 3).
Some other utilities use this method after two
failures or when a decision has to be made for
(partial) replacement. After repair the PDD
method will be applied to check the fitness for
use. In case of problems with cast resin joints, DC
withstand testing may be applied as a first step.
PDD testing may be done on those circuits
showing inequality in the DC current during DC
testing.
PDD will show defects generating partial
discharges. Other defects, like conductive paths,
will not be detected with PDD. Defects generating
partial discharges with a moderate or low growth
rate will be detected. Defects generating
discharges with a high growth rate (months or
less) will lead to breakdown on a short time notice
(before measurement). However, the starting
point in time for growth of defects is not known.
Consequence is that now and then short-term
defects will be measured and long-term defects
will come to breakdown during or shortly after
measurement.
2.2.2 Diagnostic methods for service aged
XLPE cable circuits. The following diagnostic
methods are available:
Partial discharge location in cable circuits.
Intended to locate defective accessories (they
should be discharge free) and for locating
faulty semi-conductive layers next to the
insulation (e.g. degradation because of oil
ingress via terminations or external damage of
the insulation screen)(2, 4).
loss factor (at 0.1 Hz or (near) operating
frequency) as an integral measurement of the
quality of the XLPE insulation; so far, it is
shown that the loss-factor only is giving an
indication of very severe degradation by water
trees(5, 6).
Dielectric
spectroscopy,
an
advanced
measurement of watertree deterioration and for
the quality of the insulation (7)
Outer sheath test with DC, to check the
integrity of the outer sheath; mainly for
detection of external damage
Ac withstand testing, either with 0.1 Hz or near
operating frequency with series resonant
testing
Determination of the g-factor of the soil in the
cable bed, as part of the determination of the
thermal aspects

Some utilities use the 0,1 Hz loss factor

measurement to diagnose deviations in the XLPEcircuit (1). When the value of the loss factor is too
high, PDD diagnostics is applied too. The outer
sheath test is applied on a regular base mainly to
detect external damage.
2.3 Condition of cable circuits and knowledge
rules
Partial discharge diagnostics (PDD) has shown to
be the best indicator for defects in cable circuits
(the Dutch utility REMU reported even that in
about 90% of the cases defects were found
indeed). The PDD measurements result in
discharge maps (discharge against location).
Based on these results, recommendations
regarding the condition of the circuit diagnosed
have to be made. KEMA bases its
recommendations on so-called knowledge rules.
The knowledge rules interpret the diagnostic
results in view of type of cable and of accessory
involved. They are based on PDD measurements
and visual inspections of parts, taken out because
of the diagnostic measurements. The major Dutch
electric
companies,
applying
diagnostic
measurements, have drawn up their own
knowledge rules, valid for the components in their
network. KEMA has assisted most of these
companies in this aspect. Next to that KEMA has
a lot of experience gained in other countries.
The recommendations regarding the condition of
the circuit are based on the interpretation of the
PDD measurements delivered by the knowledge
rules, on the history of the circuit (if known), on
the network situation (solidly earthen or others)
and on experience. Inspection of parts that are
taken out of service are very important, because
they give information to improve the knowledge
rules for certain types of cable or accessory. The
number of inspections may be reduced when
experience is gained.

importance of the circuit in the network,

costs of an unexpected outage,
satisfaction of customers, contract with
customers, claims of customers,
available budget, personnel,
and others.
The network owner will define his maintenance
strategy based on those points
The next step will be the analysis of other parts of
the network, in view of the results of the
diagnostic measurements.
3 Partial Discharge Diagnostic (PDD) method
3.1 The PDD Method in principle. The Partial
Discharge Diagnostic method is a diagnostics test
method designed to localise (pinpoint) the site of
defects where failures are likely to occur. In (2)
and (3), the method is described in detail. In short,
the principle is based on the time-of-flight principle
of partial discharge signals, originated by weak
spots, see figure 3. The time difference measured
between the direct pulse (at T1) and the reflected
pulse (at T2) presents the location of the weak
spot in the cable circuit. It is the same principle as
is for fault location after breakdown. After the
measurements, the discharge map will be drawn
up, see figure 4, presenting the discharge
magnitude in relation to position in the circuit.
T2
T3
T1

defect

Figure 3. Principle of locating the discharge spot.

The recommendations can be:

replace (as soon as possible)
replace at a convenient time
visual inspection from outside of a termination,
a joint or a cable part
repetition of the measurement in one or two
years time, to see how things will develop
no action needed
2.4 CBM steps after applying diagnostic tests.
The first step will be actions based on the
recommendations. However the network owner
will set his own priorities, based on the
recommendations and on other points, such as:

Figure 4 Discharge map

3.2 PDD on very long lengths and on branched

circuits.
The PDD reflection method, given in 3.1, has an
upper limit for the circuit to be diagnosed up to
3.5-4 km, because of the dispersion of the pdsignal when travelling along the cable line.
Simultaneously measurements at both sides, or at
multiple nodes as for branched circuits extents the
length to be measured up to 8-10 km, see figure
5.

K1

K2

terminations. The capacitance will neither be

influenced by partial discharges nor by conducting
paths. The behaviour of the loss factor in relation
with voltage and with frequency, correlated to the
change in capacitance will discriminate between
the existence of severe watertree deterioration in
the cable and between presence of PDs or
conducting paths in accessories.
By means of additional partial discharge
diagnostics, the presence of discharging
accessories can be shown. In the case that no
discharges are present, there will be conducting
paths in one or more accessories.

K3

"

1,5kV
3kV
4,5kV
6kV
1,5kV

0
10

defect
K1
K2
K3

Figure 5. Simultaneous measurement at 2/3 sides

Synchronisation of the timing at the different
measurement posts is essential for the accuracy.
KEMA has patented a method enabling the
synchronisation. After the measurement, the data
from the posts have to be correlated, resulting in a
discharge map.
4 Dielectric spectroscopy on extruded cable
circuits
Extruded cable circuits may suffer from
watertrees. Watertrees will be spread over the
whole length of the circuit. Since 1991
measurement of the loss factor at 0,1 Hz is used
as an indicator for very severe watertree
deterioration (5, 6). An even more effective
method was developed at the University of
Stockholm, in close co-operation with utilities (6,
7).
The Dielectric Spectroscopy method is based on
the fact that watertrees will influence the value of
the loss factor (tan ) and the value of the
capacitance of the cable. By measuring the
change in loss factor and in capacitance, as a
function of the voltage, at different frequencies,
insight is given in the degree of deterioration of
the XLPE-insulation because of watertrees, see
Figure 6.
However, the loss factor may also be influenced
by partial discharges in accessories or by
conducting paths in accessories, e.g. dirty

-1
10

-2
10

-3
10

-4
10
0,01

0,1

Frequency

10

Figure 6a. Loss factor

'
3kV
6kV
9kV
12kV
6kV
3kV

-1

10

-2

10

-3

10

0,01

0,1
1
Frequency (Hz)

10

Figure 6 b. Capacitance
FIGURE 6 Watertree diagnostics on extruded
cables; change in loss factor (Figure 6a) and
change in capacitance (Figure 6b).
5 Experiences
REMU is using the 0,1 Hz PDD method since
1994. The 10 kV cable network consists of PILC
belted type. The total circuit length measured was
1.040 km (1994 2000). The number of circuits
diagnosed was 668. The number of repaired joints
was 165 and the number of repaired cable parts
was 12. During measurement 44 circuits did
breakdown, their condition was too bad. The
number of substations with prevented outage was
1.290. The net total savings in 7 years time were
about 60% (EURO 2.100.000) of the total savings.

The number of failures in cable circuits reduced

significantly. The availability was increased.
NUON is using the 0,1 Hz PDD method since
1996. The 10 kV cable network consists mainly of
PILC. The PILC network is diagnosed with DC
testing as pre-diagnostic method in case of cast
resin joints and with the 0,1 Hz PPD. Problem
circuits were cured. Nowadays, the PDD method
will be applied after two failures and before
decisions about renewal. Since 1996 only XLPE
cable is installed. The commissioning test is as
given in 2.1.2, enabled by recent investment in
test equipment. Diagnostic tests are an important
part of their cable asset management program.
NUON is also using OWTS as an alternative. This
is subject of discussion in another paper
presented at CIRED 2001.
ENECO is using the 0,1 Hz PDD method since
1997 on its 10 kV, 13 kV and 25 kV PILC network.
OWTS is also used as an alternative. Nowadays it
is an essential part of their asset management
program. ENECO is using PDD on problem
circuits (circuits with suspected remaining life), on
important
circuits
(network
or
customer
importance), on circuits for improvement of the
usage with respect to loading and for
commissioning after repair (service aged) and
after installation (new).
Essent is using the 0,1 Hz loss factor
measurement on its 10 kV XLPE cable network
for detection of watertree deterioration. More than
5000 km has been diagnosed. Since 1998 they
perform the CDA PDD method in case of a high
loss factor, to exclude accessories in bad
condition from diagnosing watertree deterioration
of the cable. PILC circuits will be diagnosed with
PDD only after two failures.
KEMA has developed the 0,1 Hz PDD method in
1992-1994 and has extended its range
significantly since then. All over the world cable
circuits were diagnosed (2, 3). A lot of defective
spots were detected. Customers in the
Netherlands, Europe, North America, South East
Asia and The Caribbean have reported savings
ranging from 80%-90% after diagnosing so-called
problem circuits. Instead of replacing complete
cable circuits, only parts of circuits had to be
replaced. Several customers reported reduced
failure rates.

diagnosed, using the results of the diagnostic

measurements and of the inspection of the parts
that has been taken out, the proper criteria can be
set for further evaluation of the condition of
important parts of the network.
At each further step, the criteria for selection of
cable
circuits
and
the
criteria
for
recommendations based on diagnostic testing will
be improved. The result will be a decrease in
investment costs with an increased availability
and reliability. Next to that, knowing the condition
of the cable circuit and knowing the thermal
aspects of the circuits, further steps in managing
your cable network can be taken, resulting in
decisions regarding up-rating of cable circuits,
without investment.
In the near future, also on-line partial discharge
diagnostic measurements on MV cable circuits will
be realised. On-line partial discharge diagnostic
measurements will enable the network owner to
operate his cable network near to the upper limits,
in the meaning of repair not too early and not too
late. Effective cable management will be realised.
7 References
1. Schaik N. van, Steennis E.F. et al,
Standardisation, prequalification, diagnostics
as part of cable system management, CIRED
2001, Amsterdam
2. Schaik N. van, et al, Medium voltage cable
diagnostics; experiences and results, CEPSI
2000, Manilla.
3. Schaik N. van, Boone W, Hetzel E,
Grotenhuis B.J., MV cable maintenance,
practices and results, Jicable 1999, Versailles
4. Gulski E, et al, PD detection in power cables
using oscillating wave test system, IEE, IESEI
2000, Anaheim, USA
5. Plath R., Kalkner W., Krage I., Comparison of
diagnostic systems for service aged
PE/XLPE-insulated medium voltage cables,
Elektrizittswirtschaft 20/97, p. 1130-1140
6. Hvidsten S., Faremo H., Benjaminsen J.T.,
Ildstad E., Condition assessment of watertree
service aged XLPE cables by dielectric
spectroscopy, Cigr 2000, paper 21-201

6 Conclusion
CBM on power cables is possible nowadays. A
step by step approach is often used. By at first
selecting a limited number of circuits to be

7. Schaik N. van, Wirelius P., Dielectric

Spectroscopy, the diagnostic method for
diagnosing watertree deteriorated MV XLPE
cables, ERA 2000, Linkebeek