Dry-type branched joint for 72-kV extruded cable systems

摘要

A branched joint is a joint to connect three (3) extruded cables. A dry-type branched joint gives significant advantages in comparison to traditional fluid-filled/gas-filled branched joints, in term of costs, compactness installation and maintenance. The fast developing offshore wind industry, which requires solutions that keep the investment, installation and maintenance costs of the wind farms as low as possible, led to the development of the 72-kV dry-type branched joint. This paper will start with the advantages of utilizing branch joints in the inter-array network of future wind farms, then focus on the design steps and development tests and qualification of the joint. As there is no standard currently available for this type of accessory, a special test procedure was followed.