Implementation of Non-Destructive Condition Monitoring Techniques on Low-Voltage Nuclear Cables: II. Thermal Aging of EPR/CSPE Cables

Abstract

Determining the aging state of low-voltage nuclear power plant cables using a nondestructive and reliable condition monitoring technique is highly desirable as the cables experience multiple aging stresses during the service period. This paper deals with the implementation and investigation of such nondestructive techniques, which can detect the overall aging state of low-voltage instrumentation and control (I&C) cables, which are subjected to accelerated thermal aging. The dielectric spectroscopy, extended voltage response, and polarization–depolarization current as nondestructive electrical aging techniques were used for the investigation purpose, while the elongation at break was also adopted as a mechanical measurement and for comparison. Prominent variations in the electrical parameters for the insulation and jacket were observed, whereas the elongation at break for both materials also decreased under thermal aging. Based on the electrical techniques, aging markers were selected that showed a strong correlation with the aging and elongation at break, proving the ability of the adopted electrical methods as a nondestructive condition monitoring technique.

Keywords

• nuclear power plant
• low-voltage cables
• thermal aging
• electrical aging markers
• dielectric spectroscopy
• extended voltage response