High Voltage Cables - HV

Tratos is an international manufacturer and supplier of High Voltage Cables (HV cables) and (EHV) Extra High Voltage  Cables up to 245 kV. Established in 1966, it has been involved in this emerging market segment, starting production of HV Cables up to 245 kV since 2009.

Tratos High Voltage cables are distinguished by Tratos’ ongoing investment in the latest technology, materials and human resources needed to meet the highest safety and performance requirements demanded of HV and EHV cables installed in Electrical Transmission Systems around the world.

Total overall control of the design, manufacture and quality procedures ensures cables produced by Tratos have the pliability, strength, reduced weight and, above all, reliability demanded by installers in this important market segment. High Voltage cables produced by Tratos have been independently tested by KEMA Testing Laboratories in Arnhem, the Netherlands.

Tratos is proud to be the supplier of HV cable to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’s (ITER) Fusion4Energy project.

A reliable, successful Transmission system needs more than simply a high-quality cable. In collaboration with suppliers of compatible, new-generation joints and terminations, Tratos is able to supply turnkey projects involving design, production, installation and maintenance. Be it AC or DC power transmission on land or subsea, Tratos is able to supply any HV cable with accessories up to 245 kV.

Tratos not only supplies insulated Power Transmission high voltage cables but also manufactures a complementary range of High-Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) overhead conductors made from an innovative hybrid lightweight carbon fibre/glass/aluminium sheathed central strength member with high-temperature zirconium-aluminium wires (TAL) as the conducting element.

THE LARGEST FARADAY CAGE IN EUROPE
Tratos constructed the largest Faraday cage test site in Europe at its headquarters in Pieve Santo Stefano, Italy. Measuring 24m x 16m and standing at 14m high, the new cage enables Tratos to carry out AC resonant tests on site of up to 245kV of nominal voltage cables and up to 20 km in length. AC resonant testing is now the standard method of testing higher voltage cables. However, it is vital that AC resonant tests are carried out in a controlled environment, which is exactly what the Faraday cage provides.

The facility incorporates a new innovative locking system to ensure perfect shielding from any external interference. Inside is state-of-the-art instrumentation and equipment for testing and an adjustable high voltage reactor, which, together with the exciter and the regulator, comprise the heart of the system. The reactor is insulated in oil and comprises of two identically wound high voltage coils mounted on a platform, with a motorised drive mechanism providing variable air gaps. Its upper part includes space for oil expansion, and it offers 12MW of resonance power, allowing three taps of 350kV, 150kV and 70kV.

Mounted in a separate oil-filled steel tank, the exciter section contains a single-phase, step-up transformer which supplies the AC voltage for the resonant circuit. The regulator provides an adjustable input voltage to the exciter and controls the input voltage of the reactor. This sophisticated equipment can detect even very low levels of electrical discharge, down to pico coulomb level. It is governed by a modern control system incorporating a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), which is designed for multiple inputs and output arrangements, immunity to electrical noise, and resistance to vibration and impact. This allows incredibly precise measurements to be recorded, ensuring cables meet exacting IEC 60840 test parameters.

Tratos supplies High Voltage cables (up to 245 kV) to international markets. Its HV cables benefit from advanced technology and construction, producing cable that is flexible, light and strong.

LARGE, MODERN TESTING FACILITIES – Tratos’ manufacturing HQ in Pieve Santo Stefano is home to Europe’s largest Faraday cage test facility as well as extensively equipped chemical, electrical and physical laboratories.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY – Tratos High Voltage Cable is flexible, light and strong and delivers consistent low-maintenance service.

CABLES UP TO 245KV – To produce HV cables, Tratos works with new-generation accessory suppliers on turnkey projects to deliver design, production, installation and maintenance.

Tratos manufactures HV Cables from 76kV to 132kV(145kV) and 38kV to 66kV – (72.5kV).

Read more:

• What is voltage rating?

HV – HIGH VOLTAGE CABLE

It should be noted that International technical specifications (CENELEC and IEC) refer  to values of Um rather than country-specific rated voltages for HV cables and higher voltages

• 36/66 kV referred to as 72 kV Cables
• 64/110kV referred to as 132 kV Cables
• 76/132kV referred to as 145 kV Cables
• 87/150kV referred to as 170 kV Cables