B1 ANNUAL

REPORT
2013 Insulated cables
By Pierre Argaut, Chairman SC B1

SC B1

SC B1 Scope and Membership

The first Study Committee dealing with power cables was founded in 1927, a few years after the foundation of CIGRE
in 1921, under the designation of SC2. It became SC 21 in 1967 and SC B1 in 2002, as one of the five Study Committees
dealing with subsystems (SC «B»).

During most part of its history, SC B1 (formerly 21) had focused its activities on technical work and issued a large
number of technical documents, including recommendations to prepare IEC standardization, for example the IEC 62067,
which was urgently needed by Utilities to specify tests for qualification of 400 kV cable systems. Following CIGRE's
new orientation towards enhanced satisfaction of needs of target groups, SC B1 has extended its work to economical,
environmental and social aspects to better accompany the evolution of the EPI.

The field of activity of SC B1 is the development and operation of all types of AC and DC insulated cable systems for
Land and Submarine Power Transmission. If it was focused mainly on HV and EHV applications, MV cable applications
are now more and more considered.

The scope of work of SCB1 covers the whole life cycle of Insulated Cables which means theory, design, applications,
manufacture, installation, testing, operation, maintenance and diagnostics techniques of insulated cables. This can be
illustrated by the following diagram where most of current working bodies are positioned along the life cycle.

At the end of 2013, more than 300 experts worldwide are participating to the work of SC B1 for a total of 430 contributions
in various Advisory or Working Bodies of the Study Committee and in Joint Working Bodies with other Study Committees
or Organizations. The number of experts has constantly increased in the recent past as shown in the following chart.

The current membership of SC B1 consists of 24 regular members and 13 observer members. In 2012 nearly 30% of the
members had been renewed. In 2014, similar change is expected.

After the approval of three WG by the Technical Committee Chairman in 2013 and the disbanding of two Working
Groups (WG B1.30 and WG B1.31), SC counts currently four Advisory Groups, 18 WG or JWG, and 5 Task forces or Joint

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2013

SC B1

Evolution of the numbers of experts and participations in Groups within SC B1.

Task Forces. In order to reduce the time from decision to effective work, Task Forces achieve preparatory work including
recommendations for new work items, and write preliminary drafts of Terms of Reference (TOR) for future Working
Groups. This is done to facilitate the decision of Study Committee members regarding approval of TORs and future
participation of experts from their country in new Working Groups.

Factors shaping the future of SC B1

The Strategic Plan of the Technical Committee of CIGRE published in Electra 249 dated April 2010 has inventoried and
analysed the factors shaping the future of the Electrical Power Sector:
· Changes in Electricity demand
· Challenges caused by environmental needs
· Influences of regulation, legislation, and targets of the various countries
· New technologies as enablers for significant changes
· Maintaining and expanding the existing power system

Later, in Electra 256 dated June 2011, a CIGRE white paper entitled “ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SYSTEMS OF THE
FUTURE” detailed the Ten Technical Issues associated to this prospect.
TI1: Active Distribution Networks resulting in bidirectional flows within distribution level and to the upstream
network
TI2: The application of advanced metering and resulting massive need for exchange of information
TI3: The growth in the application of HVDC and power electronics at all voltage levels and its impact on power
quality, system control, and system security, and standardisation
TI4: The need for the development and massive installation of energy storage systems, and the impact this can have
on the power system development and operation.
TI5: New concepts for system operation and control to take account of active customer interactions and different
generation types
TI6: New concepts for protection to respond to the developing grid and different characteristics of generation
TI7: New concepts in planning to take into account increasing environmental constraints, and new technology
solutions for active and reactive power flow control
TI8: New tools for system technical performance assessment, because of new Customer, Generator and Network
characteristics
TI9: Increase of right of way capacity and use of overhead, underground and subsea infrastructure, and its
consequence on the technical performance and reliability of the network
TI10: An increasing need for keeping Stakeholders aware of the technical and commercial consequences and keeping
them engaged during the development of the network of the future. •••

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For Insulated Cables, the main relevant Technical Issues are TI 3, TI 5, TI 7, TI 8 and TI 9
2013 In this prospect, the structure of SC B1, and the organisation of its technical activities (Advisory Groups, Task Forces,
Working Groups and Preferential Subjects for Paris Sessions and Symposia) are fully oriented towards this target as
described in the Strategic Directions of the Study Committee.

SC B1 Strategic Directions
The Strategic Directions of SC B1 are both Technical (TD) and Administrative (AD):

Technical Directions (TD)

The technical strategies of SC B1 for the period 2010-2020 have been fully aligned on the four Technical directions
adopted by the Technical Committee as published in Electra 249 and take into consideration the relevant Technical Issues
inventoried in Electra 256.

Technical Direction 1: The electrical power system of the future:

Typical issues addressed by SC B1 are
 The growth in the application of HVDC at all voltage levels and the impact on standardisation
 The increase of right of way capacity and the use of underground and subsea infrastructure and the consequence on
technical performance and reliability of the network. The use of superconducting cables is one of the examples in this field.

Technical Direction 2: Making best use of the existing power system:

Most cables installed in the last thirty years and even before will be still in operation in the tens of years to come:
maintenance, remaining life expectancy, diagnostics, upgrading and removal are the main topics to cover for all types of
these insulated cables (lapped and extruded) in order to inventory best practices and prepare guidelines.

Technical Direction 3: Focus on environment and sustainability:

One major concern is obviously the global warming and the reduction of losses. The design of cables is more and
more environmental-conscious. Work is in progress to better identify the interaction of underground cable systems on the
environment. New materials and manufacturing processes are considered to improve the impact on the environment. Life
cycle assessment is therefore a major topic in SC B1.

Technical Direction 4: Communication on power system issues for decision-makers:

This is achieved through high-quality Technical Brochures prepared by the Working-Groups and by simultaneous
production of Tutorials.

As mentioned in the administrative directions here after, this work has to be completed by preparation of documents
for non-technical audiences.

Recently completed technical work and publications:

Published in 2013

Electra issue and number of Technical

WG number Name of the Publication Publication date Brochure

Electra 260
WG B1.30 Cable systems electrical characteristics (TD1) April 2013 Technical Brochure 530
Testing of superconducting cable systems Electra 261
WG B1.31 (TD1) June 2013 Technical Brochure 538

Impact of EMF on Current Ratings and Cable Electra 271

WG B1.23 Systems (TD1) December 2013 Technical Brochure 559

Guideline to maintaining the Integrity of XLPE Electra 271

WG B1.29 Cable Accessories (TD2) December 2013 Technical Brochure 560

To come in 2014
WG number Name of the Publication Expected Publication date

WG B1.11 Upgrading and uprating of existing cable systems June 2014

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WG B1.28 On-site Partial Discharge Assessment of HV and EHV cable systems June 2014
Feasibility of a common, dry type interface for GIS and Power cables of Expected 2013
JWG B1/B3.33 52 kV and above June 2014

Testing of transition joints between HVDC cables with lapped and Expected
WG B1.42 extruded insulation up to 500 kV October 2014

Current Technical Activities SC B1

Working bodies in activity

18 WG or JWG are currently at work to cover each of the four Technical Directions:

WG B1.28 On-site Partial Discharge Assessment of HV and EHV cable systems (Technical Direction 2)
Cable Systems undergo various steps in testing, specifically tests after installation. To provide additional information
after installation, on-site pd measurements may be undertaken. Such measurements under field conditions may be
complicated to perform, and complex to analyze, but can provide valuable data on the quality of the cable installation.
There is a significant interest from the owners of using these techniques both for verifying the sound installation, but also
for the purpose of diagnostic testing during the life of the cable system.

The work has been achieved and the final report will be sent very soon for publication.

JWG B1/B3.33: Feasibility of a common, dry type interface for GIS and Power cables of 52 kV and above (Technical
Direction 1)
The interface between cable terminations and GIS is ruled by existing IEC standards. The dry-type GIS termination is more
and more used and a need for standard products has been expressed by some target groups, mainly target groups of SCB3.

The work has been achieved and the final report is in the approval process from both SC B1 and SC B3. It covers all
voltages and all cross sections and gives recommendations for further work. Main recommendations are:

“Taking into account the market trend in some countries towards a commoditisation of the High Voltage cables lower
or equal to 145kV, the Working Group thinks that there is room in these voltage levels for a standard design in parallel with
the present designs”.

As per the TOR of the Joint Working Group, B1/B3.33 recommends Study Committees B1 and B3 to set up a new (joint)
working group with the following Terms of Reference.

“The (future) Working group should recommend a functional design of an insulator with a common interface with the
following scope of work:
- Voltage is ≤145kV AC (Um)
- Current is ≤ 1000A, short circuit ≤ 40kA 1 sec.
- Cross sections are ≤ 1000mm² Cu or 1600mm² Al
- Technology has to be defined (inner or outer cone), with a detailed evaluation of technical advantages/disadvantages
of the two technologies.
- The number of sizes has to be defined, the short circuit current can be altered for the smallest sizes.
- Dimensions of insulator components have to be defined (current connection, electric design and properties,
mechanical design and properties).
- The type and dimension of the main current connection has to be defined
- Consider the consequence of a termination failure.
- Consider the upgrading of the cable link for higher current loads.
- Consider the installation constraints, with a special focus on the basement dimensions.
- Adopt a design which meets the requirements of IEC 62271-209 and IEC 60840
- Define the initial and cross qualification processes

The stress cone design and material, the lubricant and the design of the compression device should be left to the discretion of
the accessory manufacturer within the limits of the standardised insulator properties.”

SB1 has already approved this report and recommendations for a new JWG (JWG B1/B3.49)

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WG B1.34: Mechanical forces in large cross section cable systems (Technical Direction 1)
2013 To increase the Right of Way capacity (Technical Issue 9), one major trend is to adopt larger and larger conductor cross
sections. TB 272 published by WG B1.03 in June 2005 covers the design of large cross section cables. Possible thermo-
mechanical issues have been identified. For SC B1 target groups, it is felt that a technical guide can give recommendations
and limit the risk of poor design and inappropriate installation.

SC B1 The work of B1.34 has been limited to polymeric cables, since lapped cables are no longer used for new cable systems,
but the Working Group will study all types of sheaths and the different installation arrangements such as rigid, flexible,
and transitions as inventoried in TB 194 published by WG 21.17 in October 2001.

WG B1.35: Guide for rating calculations of HV cables (Technical Direction 1 and 2)

The topic of underground power cable ratings is a complex topic for which several numerical methods and analysis
approaches have been developed over the years. Many engineers are familiar with the International Electrotechnic
Commission (IEC) standards such as 60287 and 60853 or with their historical predecessors such as the classic 1957 paper
by J.H. Neher and M.H. McGrath, but the concept of cable ratings dates back even earlier to the first cables used for
transmitting signals and low power applications in the late 1880s.

Over the years, as the cable industry has matured with new materials, increasing commercial operating voltages to
500 kV and more complex installation configurations and environments, the industry’s understanding of how to perform
rating calculations has also evolved. However, despite the increase in understanding, rating methodologies do not always
address the industry requirements.

A goal of the report prepared by WG B1.35 is to summarize available rating methodologies and provide a subjective
assessment of their applicability and quality for a particular purpose, with peer-reviewed standards having the highest
pedigree and “rules of thumb”, proprietary or empirical methods ranking lower. There are also circumstances where
methods may not exist despite situations where cables may being applied in these situations.

Although the focus of this report is on medium voltage to ultra-high voltage cable systems, there may be circumstances
where distribution or low voltage cable users may benefit from the information contained in the coming technical brochure.

The Working Group B1.35, approached the evaluation by distributing a questionnaire to utilities in various countries
and regions throughout the world. Responses were received from over a 100 utilities, which provided useful insight to
cable rating practices worldwide.

This work is being made in very close cooperation of IEC TC 20 WG 19 (see Administrative Direction 3 below).

WG B1.36: Life cycle assessment and environmental impact of underground cable systems (Technical Direction 3)
Different High Voltage Cable types as well as their associated civil works and installation techniques do not impact the
environment in the same way (See WG B1.48 hereafter) . In order to minimize such impact, it is important to develop
the necessary tools that would enable the engineers and the decision makers to compare the Global Environmental
Impact (GEI) of different underground cable systems over their whole life cycle (including end of life and disposal). The
Working Group analyzes the existing methodologies and tools, and develops methodologies appropriate for Life Cycle
Assessment of Underground HV Cable systems and, when possible, to MV Cable systems. A picture of the interaction of
an Underground HV Cable system on the Environment is being prepared.

As they are not in the scope of work of SC B1, this Working Group does not cover environmental or biological effects
of EMF.

WG B1.37: Guide for operation of fluid filled cable systems (Technical Direction 2)
The paper cables are very reliable and should continue their service as long as possible. The present risk is to see the cable
suppliers leaving the field, without anybody able to repair the existing cable circuits. The Working Group will produce a
brochure recommending guidelines on the best practices for the continued operation of self contained fluid filled cable
systems. The WG will address the technical aspects on the continued operation of these cables such as: recommended
maintenance, testing (routine and after repair), refurbishment and modifications for improved performance, operational
availability and constraints, fault repairs, oil system capacity reviews, fluid monitoring and analysis, leak location
techniques and a cable and accessories suppliers list. The scope of work excludes pipe type cables. It will cover AC and
DC land and submarine cables which have in principle similar problems. The voltage range is from EHV to distribution
levels. •••

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WG B1.38: After laying tests on AC and DC cable systems with new technologies (Technical Direction 1)
2013 The WG will examine the present status, including limitations, of available methodologies and voltage sources capable
of testing HV and EHV, AC and DC, land and submarine transmission cable systems. The WG will also investigate the
practical implications, risks and test burden related to the different test methods. The WG will examine the technical
considerations involved to establish test parameters for AC and DC cable systems such as voltage levels, test durations
and frequency ranges for the different voltage sources and recommend what work needs to be done to establish these

SC B1 parameters if the technical background is not available.

WG B1.39: On shore generation cable connections (Technical Direction 1)

Today a lot of onshore generation plants have been built or are under construction being connected through underground
cables and even more are already planned. The power ranges are from tens of MW for small solar or wind farms up to two
thousands of MVA for huge nuclear power plants.

There is already a lot of experience about cables installed on the transmission network, but there are far less when
considering generation connections and associated specific issues.

As the way to operate cable systems in case of on shore generation connections is different from the links on the grid,
WG B1.39 will address the potential gaps in standards and make recommendations for future work to cover these gaps.

WG B1.40: Off shore generation cable connections (Technical Direction 1)

Today a lot of offshore wind farms have been built or are under construction - and even more farms are already planned.
Wind farms have got the main focus, but also cable connections to other types of offshore generations will come.

There is a need for guidance for asset owners, TSOs, turnkey park builders, cable manufacturers etc. about relevant studies
and surveys to get permission from the authorities, and about the choices between technological solutions, cable design
and installation methods for cable connections to offshore generations. All topics are treated to obtain a comprehensive
guide to cables for offshore generation and interconnection.

WG B1.41: Long term performance of soil and backfill of cable systems (Technical Direction 2)
Existing and up-rated cable systems are loaded increasingly higher. This can be driven particularly by real time rating
systems and by re-conductored systems with new high stress dielectrics permitting larger conductor sizes within the same
duct or pipe. In all cases the higher loads result in higher operating temperatures for the backfill even if the rated operating
temperatures remain the same. The higher loads will increase the cable / duct to soil interface temperatures that will
impact the external thermal environment of the backfill and native soil. Depending on the aged backfill and soil condition,
this can severely limit the potential capability of the technological advances.

Many of the existing circuits have been in service for 40 or more years when engineered backfills were in their infancy.
Limited knowledge is available of past backfill design and how it will change over time. Recent work showed that properties
have changed, such as degree of compaction and stratification of backfill components. Reason for the changed physical
backfill conditions could be road vibration, ground water movement or settling.

Of particular interest is how high load conditions, change in physical properties and environmental changes will impact
aged backfill and soil conditions.
As part of the work a review of an improved soil thermal stability test method is being considered. The existing Cigre
critical temperature gradient test is difficult to conduct. A current US test does not offer information on cable operating
with a controlled dry region around the cable. Collaboration with IEEE / ICC would be possible to develop a better critical
temperature gradient test.

WG B1.42: Testing of transition joints between HVDC cables with lapped and extruded insulation up to 500 kV
(Technical Direction 1)
Although the extruded HVDC cable technology is developing very fast, lapped HVDC cables will still be on the market
for many years. There are current projects that consider mass-impregnated cables for the submarine part of the route and
extruded cables for the land part of the route. There is a need to define test specifications for how to qualify transition joints
between these two cable technologies.

WG B1.43: Recommendations for mechanical testing of submarine cables (Technical Direction 1)

Update of mechanical tests for submarine cables is needed since submarine cable installations are growing for higher
powers and new applications (wind farm connections, dynamic power cables and deeper sea installations etc.).

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The existing recommendation from 1997 (Electra 171) needs to be updated in the light of the experience gained during
the last 15 years. The work will cover both lapped and extruded cables, AC and DC, in any configuration.
2013
WG B1.44: Work under induced voltages or currents (Technical Direction 1)
As hazardous conditions could occur, it is important to provide Target Groups (utilities, manufacturers) with guidelines
for safe work on cable systems. The Working Group B1.44 is addressing extruded and lapped cable systems for voltage
ranges from EHV to MV and LV when these distribution cables are part of the connection scheme.
SC B1
During several phases of a cable system life (installation / maintenance / testing / upgrading / removal), it can be
necessary to work under induced voltages or induced currents:
 During the pulling or the laying of a cable in the vicinity of an energized system: underground cable or overhead line
 During the jointing operations in the installation process
 When checking maintaining link boxes
 During the repair of the cable after fault
 When removing the cable for disposal at the end of its life.

As hazardous conditions could occur, it is important to provide Target Groups (utilities, manufacturers) with guidelines
for safe work on cable systems.

After several years of active work, IEEE/PES/ICC has published a similar guide, covering installations in ducts and
manholes since this is the main configuration in the US. The work of B1.44 will cover all configurations and will address
Jointing, Terminating and work on Link Boxes.

Recently launched Working Bodies

New Working Groups
In 2013, during the Annual Plenary Meeting, SC B1 decided to launch four new Working Groups and four preparatory
Task Forces. One Joint WG with SC B3 has been approved by SCB1 and is subject to SCB3 Decision (JWG B1.B3.49) as
explained hereabove.
In 2013, following recommendations of relevant Task Forces, four Working Groups have been launched:

WG B1.45: Thermal Monitoring Hardware of Cable Circuits & Man Machine Interface (Technical Direction 1)
Nowadays, due to a more variable situation and increasing loads in the power grids, a dynamic rating system and other
measurement values aid the asset manager in making optimal decisions in planning investments in the High Voltage grid.
Based on measurement a grid operator can on the one hand decide if a hotspot in network should be taken away to increase
the capacity or if the hotspot should be managed with the dynamic rating system and on the other hand will know the load
and overload possibilities in real time and for the coming hours.

WG B1.46: Conductor Connectors: Mechanical and Electrical Tests (Technical Direction 1)

Current IEC 61238-1 standard applies to connectors for medium voltage cables. There is no IEC standard for connectors
for HV cables. The procedures from IEC 61238-1 along with manufacturer and user specifications have been used to type
test HV cable connectors. The thermal, mechanical and resistance stability tests specified in current standard are applicable to
HV but some requirements are specific to high voltage applications. These include dimensional and functional requirements
of connectors within HV cable accessories, typically larger cable sizes, versatility of the conductor constructions as well as
different circuit load patterns, short circuit levels and mechanical stresses due to tensile and thrust loads.

The IEC WG16 of the TC20 commenced work on revision of current IEC61238-1 standard. During this work, some
members of WG16,expressed interest that the scope of this standard is extended to high voltage cable application. The IEC
TF in charge of the revision believes this work needs to be done by a dedicated group of high voltage experts. SC B1 decided
that the topics should be expended to cover mechanical loads, (not only thermal), to include all connectors (mechanical
and other types) and to cover terminations and joints connectors.

WG B1.47: Implementation of Long AC HV & EHV Cable Systems (Technical Direction 1)

The power transmission network has been developed during the last decades based on the use of overhead lines.
EHV underground cables systems have been available since a long time, but their development has been limited by large
capacitance and dielectric losses as well as relatively low current rating compared to OHL. However with the use of new
materials and processing technology the situation has changed significantly, so that the constraints on maximum length
and power transfer have been largely overcome. •••

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The difficulties in installing new overhead lines are making it essential to consider the use of longer underground cables
2013 links, as demonstrated by the increasing number of long underground projects. There are still however technical challenges
to consider whilst planning new cable installations. The most sensitive topics are those concerning reliability, impact on the
transmission grid and installation.

Excellent work has been done by Cigre Working Group C4.502, “Power System Technical Performance Issues Related to

SC B1 the Application of Long HVAC Cables” and by WG B1.30 “Electrical Cable Characteristics”

The WG proposes the following definition of long length of HVAC cables for this topic:-
“A long length of insulated cable is one where the load due to the capacitive current (at power frequencies cables
behave as capacitors therefore they generate reactive power) needs to be taken into account in the system design.
Typically this would be 40 km for voltages less than 220 kV and 20 km for 220 kV or greater”.

WG B1.48: Trenchless Technologies

In October 2001 Technical Brochure 194 was published, describing “Construction, laying and installation techniques for
extruded and self-contained fluid filled cable systems”. The Technical Brochure included a brief description of innovative
techniques including horizontal drilling, pipe jacking and micro-tunnelling. TB 194 describes the techniques, their
limitations and the changes in cable design necessary to make use of each technique (for example, the changes needed in
order to match the ampacity of a shallow, direct buried installation).

Although much of the information on trenchless cable installation in TB 194 is still valid, it is relatively brief and few
practical examples are given.

There is increasing pressure to underground transmission circuits and it is becoming more common for a length of
underground cable to be introduced into an overhead line circuit. There is also increasing pressure to reduce the cost of
undergrounding and reduce the disruption (e.g. to traffic flow) caused when underground circuits are installed.

A number of significant technical changes to underground cable circuits have been seen since TB 194 was written; for
example, extruded cable has almost completely superseded fluid filled cable for new installations, delivery lengths for land
cable have increased and there is a trend towards larger conductor sizes.

There has been a large increase in the use of cable in sensitive habitats (e.g. shore landings for AC cable from offshore
wind farms and DC cable interconnectors). In some cases the landing sites of submarine cables have been contaminated
by prior use. Trenchless technologies do not disturb such sensitive areas and have been used in these applications.

In addition to changes in cable technology and attitudes to undergrounding, there have been technical advances in the
methods used for trenchless installation since TB 194 was written.

SCB1 believes that a Technical Brochure devoted to trenchless technologies will be valuable for target Groups.

New Task Forces

As said before, it is common practice in SC B1 to launch task forces to achieve preparatory work before deciding to
install a new Working Group. Taking into account SAG recommendations for new Work Items, and proposals made during
SC Meeting, four Task Forces have been installed:

TF B1.50 SVL and bonding systems (design, testing, operation and monitoring)
TF B1.51 Fire issues for cable installed in air
TF B1.52 Fault location on land and submarine links
TF B1.53 Preventing installation related cables damages

Following the decisions taken by SCB1 in its Annual Plenary Meeting, by the end of 2013, SC B1 thus counted 4 advisory
Groups, sixteen WGs, two JWGs and four TFs and participated in several WGs or JWGs led by other SCs and in one JTF
with anther organization.

Administrative Directions (AD)

These administrative strategies of SC B1 are aimed to follow with the highest flexibility and speed the changes decided
by the Technical Committee of Cigre. They are currently focused on five main targets: •••

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Administrative Direction 1: Maintain and develop technical competence (Study Committee):
2013 Young members are welcome in SC B1 Working Groups. The internal rules of nomination of experts in the WG allow
extra (young) members in addition to senior members from the same country. This is a way to introduce and train young
members.

Administrative Direction 2: Align SC B1 activities with the needs of SC B1 target groups (Customer Advisory Group):

SC B1 Through questionnaires distributed during the Sessions, the Customer Advisory Group is preparing recommendations
for new work items submitted to the Strategic Advisory Group for final approval by the Study Committee during the Annual
plenary meeting. In the meantime, the CAG is giving to SCB1 target groups an easy access to relevant documentation
through SC B1 web-site.

Administrative Direction 3: Consolidate and improve the interaction with partners (Strategic Advisory Group):
Each member of the Strategic Advisory Group is dedicated to liaise with another Study Committee (B2, B3, B4, C3, C4,
C6, D1) or another organization (JICABLE, IEEE/ICC, IEC/TC 20)

Administrative Direction 4: Detect at the earliest stage the signals of emerging items that could affect SC B1 (Prospective
Advisory Group):
This group is dedicated to understand and prepare the Network of the Future for insulated cables, and identify the needs
for future standardisation requesting preparatory work for SC B1.

Administrative Direction 5: Maintain a leading position in the field of Power Cables by providing and actively
presenting unbiased and neutral information on all essential cable aspects (Tutorial -and publication- Advisory
Group):
Since 1970, SC B1 has already produced around 180 publications (Technical Brochures and articles in Electra) which
are available on e-cigre.

Most of these publications are of technical interest and are rather dedicated to a technical audience.

One of the main objectives of SC B1 for the period 2010-2020 is to produce also unbiased information for non-technical
audience. This will be done through dedicated papers (“white books”), educational programs, participation to workshops
under the leadership of the TAG.

Meetings and Events in 2013

AORC B1 Pannel meeting & Workshop Cigre India

The 9th AORC meeting was held in New Delhi in January 2013. It was the first meeting to be held in India. The Chairman
of SC B1 was present and explained the relationship between the AORC B1, SC B1 and the CIGRE organization as a whole.

Members were informed about all current SC B1 issues and Working Groups and there were more than 10 presentations
covering several topics including special reports from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand

It was felt that CIGRE should provide more support for MV systems and there was a considerable interest in cross
bonding systems, reliability and maintenance.

AORC B1 members were also invited to attend a workshop on “Latest trends and Best Practices in HV and EHV cable
systems” organized by CIGRE India. This workshop was attended by more than 200 delegates from all over India and the
program allowed for plenty of interaction between speakers and participants. Two CIGRE tutorials were presented and well
received. The Indian national Committee suggested that in view of the interest, this might be an annual event.

The 10th meeting will be held in Japan end of May 2014.

Milano (March 7th): Workshop and Tutorial Session organized by CIGRE Italy : Insulated cables for power transmission,
asset management and testing. Several members of SC B1 attended this meeting and made presentations of Tutorials
(B1.25; B1.06; B1.27; B1.09).

Study Committee Meeting in Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) early September (2nd to 5th)
On September 2nd, a Technical Visit of ITAIPU Hydropower Plant and Foz do Iguaçu EHV Substation was arranged for
SC B1 members.

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The SC B1 meeting was held on September 3rd and 4th. On September 4th, 22 National Contributions were received
from SC Members to share informations regarding projects in various countries.
2013
On September 5th, eight tutorials were presented to SC Members and attendees from Latin America (B1.19, B1.30, B1.07,
B1.24, B1.04, B1.09, B1.28 and B1.23).

On September 6th, a Latin America Workshop was proposed by JICABLE and CIGRE Brazil. 9 invited Presentations
were given to cover Distribution and Transmission issues. SC B1
Auckland Symposium (September 14th to 20th)
The Auckland Cigre Symposium was organized by SC B2 and A3 with the support of other SCs including SC B1. One
Session was chaired by SC B1 and structured by a Special Report prepared by Richard Joyce (Australian SC B1 Member). A
tutorial Session was also scheduled with two tutorials (B1.19 , B1.28 and B1.23)

During discussions in another Session, SC B1 was asked to establish recommendations for construction, laying and
installation techniques of cable systems in liquefaction zones of seismic areas in addition of the existing TB 194.

Nara (October 15th and 16th)

This EMF Colloquium organized in conjunction with C3 Study Committee meeting. Several members and experts of
SC B1 attended this meeting. A presentation of the work of WG B1.23 was made by the WG Convener.

Jicable HVDC (Perpignan November 18th-20th) : European Seminar on materials for HVDC cables and accessories :
Performance, Modeling, Testing, Qualification.

This seminar was organized with the sponsoring of Cigre. Many SC B1 members and experts attended this seminar and
prepared contributions. A Technical Visit of INELFE 320 kV HVDC project was also arranged for attendees.

Tutorials (TAG) and Workshops

In compliance with TD 4 and AD 3, SC B1 offered in 2013 various tutorials all along the year: India (New Delhi), Italy
(Milano), The Netherlands, Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu), USA and New Zealand (Auckland) for a total of 22 tutorials.

The graphs show the geographical spread of the Tutorial Sessions and the number of tutorials delivered in the recent
past years.

Africa/Middle East is now the field of improvement for the years to come. Contacts will be taken in this prospect.

By the end of 2013, the list of validated tutorials is:

 Thermal Environment of Underground Links
 Thermal Monitoring of Underground Cables
 Dynamic Rating of Underground Cables
 Environmental Impact Assessment
 Technical and Environmental Issues regarding the integration of a new cable system in the Network
 Special Bonding of High Voltage Power Cables
 Large Cross-sections design
 Composite Screens design
 Maintenance for HV Cables and Accessories
 Accessories for HV / EHV Extruded Cables
 Earth Potential Rises
 Lightning Impulse Transients on Long Cables
 Statistics of AC underground cables in power networks
 Up-Dating of Service Experience of HV Underground and Submarine Cable Systems
 Remaining Life Management and Replacement Program for HV Cables
 Test procedures for HV transition joints
 Third Party Damage
 Advanced Design of Metal laminated Coverings
 Construction, laying and installation techniques for cable systems
 Impact of EMF on Current Ratings and Cable Systems
 Electrical Cable Characteristics •••

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2013

SC B1

 Testing of Superconducting Cables

 Accessories Workmanship

Other tutorials from recent WGs are under preparation and will be available soon. Tutorials Sessions can be held by SC
B1 Members or Experts from the Study Committee (after approval by TAG) on request.

Events in 2014
 Brussels (Mars)
 Lyon (May)
 Paris Session (August) and SC B1 Meeting
 Spring ICC (May)
 Fall ICC (October)

Conclusion
Since 2010, Study Committee B1 has aligned its Technical Strategies with the four Technical Directions of the Technical
Committee of CIGRE (Electra 249).

Most of the Working Groups are dealing with Technical Direction 1 in several of the issues inventoried by CIGRE TC
(Network of the Future Electra 256 June 2011) and several are also covering Distribution Cable Systems.

SC B1 Working Groups are currently working in these four directions to cover each of the Technical Issues inventoried
by Technical Committee of CIGRE (Electra 256).

For the years to come, emphasis is given to Technical Direction 3 (Focus on Environment and Sustainability) and 4
(Produce unbiased information for technical and non-technical audience).

The three Preferential Subjects adopted for Session 2014 were intended to cover the Four Technical Directions. A great
number of Papers have been received to address these Preferential Subjects.

Future work is decided by the Study Committee based on recommendations from the Strategic Advisory Group. Most
of proposals for further work are prepared by the Customer Advisory Group which is the link of SCB1 to its Target Groups
through questionnaires distributed during the Group Discussion meetings.

At present almost 300 cable experts with an increasing part of young experts are participating to the Work of SC B1 with
430 contributions. Many high technical value publications (around 180) are available on e-cigre.

Tutorials sessions have been organised to disseminate this information in all continent (22 Tutorials).

Any further information is currently available on SC B1’s website: http://b1.cigre.org 

26 No. 273 - April 2014 ELECTRA