System Versus Component Approach for Qualifying HV Cables, Terminations & Joints

System Versus Component Approach for Qualifying HV Cables, Terminations & Joints

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1. Component Approach

• Definition: Each element (cable, termination, joint) is tested individually and separately from the entire system.


• Focus: Isolates performance metrics of the individual components under test.


• Testing Process:
  
  
  
  • Cables are tested for dielectric strength, insulation resistance, partial discharge, etc.
  
  
  • Terminations and joints are tested separately for similar parameters.
  
  
  
  


• Advantages:
  
  
  
  • Easier identification of component-level failures.
  
  
  • Simplifies comparison between different manufacturers' components.
  
  
  • Cost-effective for manufacturers focusing on a single component.
  
  
  
  


• Disadvantages:
  
  
  
  • Limited insight into the interaction between components in a complete system.
  
  
  • May overlook issues that arise during integration (e.g., stress distribution issues, insulation compatibility).
  
  
  
  

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2. System Approach

• Definition: The entire cable system (cable + terminations + joints) is tested as a single unit.


• Focus: Evaluates the overall performance and interactions between components in a real-world configuration.


• Testing Process:
  
  
  
  • The complete system is subjected to high-voltage testing, thermal cycling, and mechanical stress tests.
  
  
  • Simulates real-life conditions more closely.
  
  
  
  


• Advantages:
  
  
  
  • Identifies compatibility issues and failure points under real operating conditions.
  
  
  • Provides a holistic view of system reliability and longevity.
  
  
  
  


• Disadvantages:
  
  
  
  • More expensive and complex.
  
  
  • Difficult to pinpoint the exact component responsible for a failure.
  
  
  • Harder to compare individual component performance across manufacturers.
  
  
  
  

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3. Key Differences and Use Cases:

Aspect	Component Approach	System Approach
Scope	Individual parts	Entire cable assembly
Testing Conditions	Controlled and isolated	Real-world operational simulation
Cost	Lower	Higher due to full-system testing
Failure Identification	Easier per component	Harder to pinpoint specific parts
Reliability Evaluation	Limited to component durability	Holistic system performance
Best Use Case	Component certification, R&D	Final qualification and field testing

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4. Conclusion and Recommendations:

• Component Approach: Ideal for initial product development, quality control of individual parts, and comparison between suppliers.


• System Approach: Essential for final qualification of complete HV cable systems in critical infrastructure projects to ensure overall reliability and interoperability.

A balanced strategy may involve both approaches—initial component-level testing followed by comprehensive system-level verification for optimal results.

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