The P-Laser cable series is designed with HPTE (High Performance Thermoplastic Elastomer) insulation - a polypropylene (PP) based compound specially developed and used by Prysmian for MV and HV cables.
There are several benefit from using HPTE insulation over PE (XLPE) both in terms of higher performance reliability, eco-friendly production and end-of-life recycling.
Prysmian introduced P-Laser back in 2005, which since 2012 is part of the international standard CENELEC HD620. Today, P-Laser is mass-produced at several of plants, including Delft (Netherlands) on a dedicated 10-52 kV line. Higher voltage classes up to 110 kV, 150 kV, 320 kV, 525 kV and 600 kV are produced in Gron (France) and Pignataro (Italy).
BENEFIT
Renewable energy generated via wind turbines, solar panels or hydro systems requires distribution cables that can cope with fluctuating voltage levels. P-Laser cable solution ensure a 20% higher performance compared to conventional cable technology as they are manufactured with thermoplastic HPTE material.
P-laser cables can be loaded more heavily due to their higher conductor temperature of continuous 110°C and up to 130°C compared to XLPE cables with 90°C and 105°C respectively. With a 20% higher conductor temperature, P-laser cables have more capacity and there is less risk of overload.
BENEFIT
P-laser cables use HPTE insulation, which differs from XLPE in that it is not a cross-linked material. This means that the production process is cleaner and more environmentally friendly as a chemical process is omitted.
This means that P-Laser cables are manufactured without a cross-linking and degassing process - that emits methane or other by-products during manufacture.
BENEFIT
HPTE insulation is a 100% recyclable material at end-of-life. For every kilometer of a P-Laser 185 mm2 cable - a total of 500 kg of HTPE plastic can be recycled.
To document the sustainability of P-Laser selected factories offer a certificate of compliance with ISO14067 standard, that specifies principles, requirements and guidelines for the quantification and reporting of the carbon footprint of a product (CFP), consistent with a life cycle assessment (LCA)
BENEFIT
HPTE insulation, although PP based, is characterized by a high flexibility, good thermo-mechanical properties and excellent electrical behavior - similar to XLPE.
As the insulation is not cross-linked it possesses a higher resistance towards developing water trees, cavities and crystallization. In addition, even at very low temperatures down to -25°C, HPTE material has a breakage extension of 300%.
These advantages make P-Laser electrically stronger and more reliable for renewable energy.
