Research on simulation calculation of thermal conductivity and 220 kV cable carrying capacity of different XLPE insulating material

Due to its outstanding electrical, mechanical and heat-resistant properties, XLPE has emerged as the primary material for DC 500 kV and AC 500 kV and below power cable insulation. In this paper, the single core 220 kV 2500 square millimeter cable was selected as the research target, we conduct tests on the thermal conductivity based on two different insulation material, and performs simulations and comparisons on the current carrying capacity of 220kV cables with these insulation materials. It was discovered that the thermal conductivity of the #1 XLPE insulating material was 0.194 W/(mꞏK), which was lower than that of the #2 insulating material. The current carrying capacity in the direct buried laying environment of the 220kV cable based on the #1 insulating material was 4.6% less than that of the 220kV cable based on #2 insulating material. The research results could provide theoretical and experimental support for the optimization of the thermal conductivity of insulating materials.