Undergrounding Innovation: Materials Science
Innovation: Heat management
Description/Definition: Reducing the amount of copper used with application of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE).
Impact: Increased Life: Reduced copper in medium voltage, three-phase cable with concentric wire neutrals, paired with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) increases the maximum cable jacket temperature rating without concern that a fault on the system will overheat and damage the jacket.
David Lindsay, Commercial Director of Wire & Cable
Borealis Compounds Inc.
David has over 25 years experience in wire and cable including cable design, manufacturing, installation and product management. He is an active member of and has served leadership roles at IEEE ICC, Cigre and PDi2.
Nathan Rochel Technical Manager of UG & Submarine Cables
Burns & McDonnell
Electrical engineer in the Transmission and Distribution Division of Burns & McDonnell specializing in the design of underground transmission lines. Mr. Rochel has been involved in the design of underground transmission projects ranging from 15-kV through 500-kV.
Patrick Coplen, Application Development Engineer,Wire & Cable
Borealis Compounds Inc.
Patrick has over 35 years experience in the cable industry with a focus on material and compound development, lab testing and cable manufacturing. He is an active member of IEEE-PES ICC.