Dynamics model for electrical tree propagation in cross-linked polyethylene cable insulation under high frequency voltage

In this paper we investigated the structures and propagation characteristics of electrical trees observed in the high volatage cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable insulation samples under high volatage of 10 kV at frequency of 1000-2000 Hz. Based on the specific tree growth mechanism and the fractal nature of tree structures, a dynamic model has been developed to qualitatively predict the electrical tree growth characteristics in XLPE cable insulation when subjected to an electrical stress under high frequency voltage, and then the tree growth rate equation and life formula of tree growth to breakdown are derived. We performed electrical tree growth tests in XLPE cable insulation samples at high frequency and compared the results, which showed that the proposed model was in good agreement with the experiment. So, it seems that the proposeed model can be applied to the qualitative analysis of aging law of electrical tree in XLPE cable insulation.