Abstract :
Tomorrow´s society will want data access and electrical power everywhere, at any time, at low cost and without problems in usage. Two key technologies make a complete new approach possible. The first key factor is the intrinsic conductivity of polymer materials. Even in the near future (say in the next 15 - 20 years) it will be possible to produce polymer materials, which have similar conductivity to metals such as copper. The energy cable of the future can then be produced by a simple triple-extrusion process, which will reduce costs and physical dimensions and will use DC as the current. The second key factor will be the availability of HV semiconducting power devices, which will be able to easily convert higher DC voltages to lower DC voltages all within an extremely compact design. The main advantages of DC current being smaller insulation thickness and lower dielectric losses. Given these two key factors, an elegant new solution for the supply networks of electrical power and data can be realised. A 20 kV DC cable, having integrated optical fibres, can then supply all electrical and electronic equipment with sufficient power as well as data transfer capabilities
Keywords :
organic insulating materials; polymers; power cable insulation; technological forecasting; 20 kV; HV semiconducting power devices; data transfer capabilities; dielectric losses; insulation thickness; intrinsic conductivity; polymer materials; power cables; technological prospects; triple-extrusion process; Cables; Conducting materials; Conductivity; Copper; Costs; Dielectric losses; Inorganic materials; Polymers; Semiconductor materials; Voltage;
