Top Applications of Medium Voltage Cables in Industrial and Utility Projects

By JianYunCable -

 

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Medium Voltage Cables

Medium voltage power cables operate within the 6–35 kV range, designed for applications requiring higher power than LV cables (up to 1 kV) but shorter distances than HV cables (above 35 kV). They feature robust insulation (e.g., XLPE or EPR), shielding (e.g., copper tape), and often armoring (e.g., steel wire armor) to withstand electrical, mechanical, and environmental stresses. MV cables are essential in industrial facilities and utility grids, ensuring efficient power delivery. Henan Province Jianyun Cable Co., Ltd. offers TUV- and CCC-certified MV cables, meeting global standards for reliability and safety.

2. Industrial Applications

MV cables are widely used in industrial settings to power heavy equipment and ensure reliable operations. Key applications include:

2.1. Manufacturing Plants

  • Purpose: Powering heavy machinery (e.g., CNC machines, presses, motors) and facility-wide distribution systems.
  • Voltage Range: 6/10 kV to 12/20 kV.
  • Cable Type: XLPE-insulated, steel wire armored (SWA) cables for underground or direct burial.
  • Example: Jianyun Cable’s 11 kV XLPE-insulated, SWA-armored cable for factory power distribution.

2.2. Mining Operations

  • Purpose: Supplying power to underground equipment (e.g., drills, conveyors, pumps) and surface facilities.
  • Voltage Range: 6/10 kV to 8.7/15 kV.
  • Cable Type: PUR-sheathed, SWA-armored cables for abrasion and chemical resistance.
  • Example: Jianyun Cable’s 6 kV PUR-sheathed, SWA-armored cable for mining equipment.

2.3. Oil and Gas Facilities

  • Purpose: Powering pumps, compressors, and offshore platforms in refineries or drilling sites.
  • Voltage Range: 12/20 kV to 18/30 kV.
  • Cable Type: EPR-insulated, lead-sheathed cables for chemical and moisture resistance.
  • Example: Jianyun Cable’s 33 kV EPR-insulated cable for offshore oil platforms.

2.4. Data Centers

  • Purpose: Supporting high-power loads for servers and cooling systems with minimal voltage drop.
  • Voltage Range: 8.7/15 kV to 12/20 kV.
  • Cable Type: LSZH-sheathed cables for fire safety in confined spaces.
  • Example: Jianyun Cable’s 12 kV LSZH-sheathed, XLPE-insulated cable for data center power distribution.

3. Utility Applications

MV cables are integral to utility infrastructure, facilitating efficient power transmission and distribution. Key applications include:

3.1. Power Distribution Networks

  • Purpose: Connecting substations to urban or rural distribution systems.
  • Voltage Range: 12/20 kV to 18/30 kV.
  • Cable Type: XLPE-insulated, SWA-armored cables for underground installations.
  • Example: Jianyun Cable’s 18 kV XLPE-insulated, SWA-armored cable for urban grid distribution.

3.2. Renewable Energy Integration

  • Purpose: Linking solar farms or wind turbines to the grid.
  • Voltage Range: 12/20 kV to 18/30 kV.
  • Cable Type: UV-resistant XLPE-insulated cables with optional armoring.
  • Example: Jianyun Cable’s 33 kV XLPE-insulated cable for solar farm grid integration.

3.3. Substation Interconnections

  • Purpose: Connecting transformers and switchgear within or between substations.
  • Voltage Range: 6/10 kV to 18/30 kV.
  • Cable Type: XLPE-insulated, copper-shielded cables for high reliability.
  • Example: Jianyun Cable’s 12 kV XLPE-insulated, copper-shielded cable for substation connections.

3.4. Infrastructure Projects

  • Purpose: Powering critical infrastructure like airports, rail systems, or industrial parks.
  • Voltage Range: 6/10 kV to 12/20 kV.
  • Cable Type: LSZH-sheathed, SWA-armored cables for fire safety and mechanical protection.
  • Example: Jianyun Cable’s 8.7 kV LSZH-sheathed, SWA-armored cable for airport runway lighting.

4. Technical Specifications for MV Cables

MV cables used in industrial and utility applications must meet stringent technical requirements:

  • Conductor:
    • Material: Copper or aluminum, Class 2 stranded (IEC 60228).
    • Cross-Section: 25–400 mm²; resistance <0.017 Îİ/km for 50 mm² copper, <0.028 Îİ/km for aluminum.
  • Insulation:
    • Materials: XLPE (90°C) or EPR; thickness 2.5–8 mm (e.g., 3.4 mm for 6/10 kV).
    • Dielectric strength: ≥20 kV/mm; partial discharge <10 pC.
  • Shielding:
    • Copper tape or wire for electric field management and grounding.
  • Sheathing and Armoring:
    • Sheathing: PVC, PE, LSZH, or PUR for environmental resistance.
    • Armoring: Steel wire (SWA) or steel tape for mechanical protection.
  • Voltage Rating:
    • 6/10 kV, 8.7/15 kV, 12/20 kV, 18/30 kV per IEC 60038.
  • Standards:
    • IEC 60502-2: MV power cables (6–30 kV).
    • IEC 60038: Voltage classification.
    • IEC 60332-3: Flame-retardant properties.
    • IEC 60754-1/IEC 61034: LSZH requirements for low smoke and toxicity.
    • RoHS/REACH: Restrictions on hazardous substances.
SpecificationDetails
ConductorCopper/aluminum, Class 2, 25–400 mm², <0.017 Îİ/km (copper).
InsulationXLPE or EPR, 2.5–8 mm, ≥20 kV/mm, <10 pC partial discharge.
ShieldingCopper tape/wire for grounding and field management.
SheathingPVC, PE, LSZH, or PUR; SWA or tape armoring.
Voltage Rating6/10 kV to 18/30 kV.
StandardsIEC 60502-2, IEC 60038, IEC 60332-3, IEC 60754-1.

5. Benefits of MV Cables in Industrial and Utility Projects

MV cables offer several advantages in industrial and utility applications:

  • Efficient Power Transmission: Support high-power loads (e.g., 200 A at 11 kV) with minimal voltage drop (<1.5%).
  • Durability: XLPE/EPR insulation and SWA armoring ensure 20–30 year lifespan in harsh environments.
  • Safety: LSZH sheathing reduces fire risks in public areas (e.g., airports, data centers).
  • Versatility: Suitable for underground, overhead, or ducted installations across diverse applications.
  • Compliance: Meet global standards (e.g., IEC 60502-2), ensuring reliability and regulatory adherence.

6. Challenges and Solutions

ChallengeSolution
Incorrect Voltage RatingMatch cable rating (e.g., 12/20 kV) to system requirements per IEC 60038.
OverheatingSelect XLPE insulation (90°C) and apply derating (e.g., 0.91 at 40°C per IEC 60364).
Counterfeit ProductsSource from Jianyun Cable with TUV/CCC certifications; verify via official databases.
Installation ComplexityUse SWA-armored cables; ensure proper jointing and 6–10D bending radius.
Environmental DamageChoose PUR/LSZH sheathing for chemical or fire safety needs; use conduits for protection.

7. Conclusion

Medium voltage power cables (6–35 kV) are indispensable for industrial and utility projects, powering manufacturing plants, mining operations, oil and gas facilities, data centers, utility grids, renewable energy systems, substations, and infrastructure. Their robust construction, including XLPE/EPR insulation, copper shielding, and SWA armoring, ensures reliability and safety. Compliance with standards like IEC 60502-2 and IEC 60038 guarantees performance. Henan Province Jianyun Cable Co., Ltd. provides TUV- and CCC-certified MV cables, tailored for these applications. By selecting appropriate cables and partnering with trusted suppliers, projects can achieve efficient, safe, and durable power distribution systems lasting 20–30 years.

Source: JianYunCable.

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