Newly Developed High Voltage Cables for the Power Grids of the Future

Jointly organized by Shanghai Electric Cable Research Institute and Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., wire China 2012 will be held concurrently with Tube China 2012 from 25 to 28 September, at Shanghai New International Expo Centre. As a perfect display platform for wire and cable manufacturers home and abroad, wire China 2012 will actively align itself with the rapid development of China's wire and cable industry by showcasing advanced products, technologies and solutions from local and overseas. More importantly, the exhibition will introduce new technology, concepts and designs to various industries and demonstrate high value-added innovative products in large scale to meet the procurement needs of buyers all over the world.

At present, power generation is still dominated by traditional methods, i.e. the burning of lignite and hard coal as well as nuclear fission and hydropower. Over the next few decades, however, we are going to see some radical changes in the production of power.

Seen globally, the generation of electricity is set to rise substantially, regardless of whether electric power comes from nuclear energy, fossil fuels or renewable energy sources. By the year 2035 the International Energy Agency (IEA) is expecting a rise in the world's total power generation capacities to almost twice the level of 2007. The annual growth rate is likely to be about 2.5%. In many places there is therefore a need to modernise the existing power transport systems, to expand the grid and to integrate renewable energy sources into the grid, e.g. wind, solar and hydropower. And the expansion of renewables-based power generation capacities requires new power lines.

There is often a low level of acceptance among residents about the construction of new overhead power lines. As well as being concerned about the negative impact on the surrounding landscape, people are worried about health problems caused by electrosmog. If an area is highly populated or if the beautiful scenery would be spoilt by big pylons, it might make sense to opt for an underground solution for high-voltage cables. However, this method would require complex insulation, so that it is several times more expensive. Therefore cable manufacturers are looking for solutions that combine public acceptance and a high level of economic efficiency.

It seems obvious to try and solve the issue through the material. Some new high-performance materials can lead to a dramatic capacity increase in the current electric power grid, thus reduces the need for new overhead power lines. For example, the "Pernifer 36 MoW" developed by ThyssenKrupp VDM. Meanwhile, superconducting cables are suitable for eco-friendly, yet highly efficient energy transport. Some cables may operate continuously even at temperatures reaching up to 250 degrees C; and some boasts a very light weight thanks to the unique conductor core of composite materials. These new cables offer numerous advantageous chances to build modern overhead lines with optimal properties.
 
Nowadays, high-voltage cable has been used for offshore wind farms. According to ABB, high voltage DC cables are the only way to transport electric power from wind turbines across long distances without incurring losses along the way.

More latest developments in the wire and cable sector will also be an important exhibition focus at wire China 2012. The main product groups include wire manufacturing and finishing machinery, process technology tools, auxiliary process technology materials, materials, special wires and cables, measuring and control technology, test engineering, and specialist areas, etc.

As estimated, this year the two exhibitions will be further expanded to occupy 7.5 halls, covering a total of 85,000 square meters. 1,500 exhibitors from all over the world are expected to participate, demonstrating the innovative technologies, products and solutions from the areas of global wire, cable and tube industry.

Current information for exhibitors, visitors and the press is available at: http://www.wirechina.net