On October 8, the State Grid Hunan Electric Power Company successfully launched China’s first inflatable composite high-voltage cable in Changsha’s 110 kV Red Circuit. This innovative cable, independently developed by the company, enhances the self-protection capabilities of in-service cable lines and represents the first application of such technology on Chinese power lines. The project lays a solid foundation for the safe and stable operation of critical power supply lines in the Changsha area.
Traditional high-voltage cables lack active suppression and protection capabilities against risks such as fire and water seepage, relying primarily on external detection methods. To address this limitation, since 2023, the “Cable Doctor” team from the Hunan Electric Power Research Institute has been spearheading the development of inflatable composite high-voltage cables. By injecting a mixed gas into the cable’s cushioning layer, the device provides active suppression and protection against fire and water seepage. The team also tackled key technical challenges related to insulation, mechanical strength, and sealing performance under the composite structure.
The 110 kV Red Circuit serves as a critical power supply line for Changsha’s Yuhua District, supporting electricity needs for hundreds of thousands of users. With the adoption of inflatable composite high-voltage cable technology, the line now features enhanced capabilities such as active water resistance, flame retardancy, and rapid fault section localization. These advancements significantly improve the self-protection capabilities of high-voltage cables and boost maintenance efficiency.
Next, the inflatable composite high-voltage cable system will be rolled out in additional regions, including Yueyang, Xiangtan, and Shanghai, aiming to achieve breakthroughs in major technical equipment for the energy sector.
