What special materials are usually used in the insulation layer of photovoltaic cables to ensure that they can maintain excellent electrical performance in high temperature environments?
Publish Time: 2025-01-09
Photovoltaic cables play a key role in solar power generation systems. They need to transmit high voltage and high current, and have to cope with various extreme conditions in outdoor environments, such as high temperature, ultraviolet radiation, humidity and chemical corrosion.1. Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)Cross-linked polyethylene is a polyethylene material that has been chemically cross-linked and has excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance and mechanical strength. The temperature resistance level of XLPE can usually reach 90°C to 105°C, and it can still maintain good electrical insulation properties at high temperatures. In addition, XLPE also has good UV resistance and is suitable for outdoor use.2. Fluoroplastic (such as FEP, PFA)Fluoroplastic is a class of materials with excellent heat resistance and chemical stability. Common ones are polytetrafluoroethylene (FEP) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PFA). The operating temperature range of these materials can usually reach above 200°C, and they have excellent chemical corrosion resistance and UV resistance. Fluoroplastics can still maintain excellent electrical insulation properties at high temperatures, so they are often used in photovoltaic cables with extremely high requirements.3. Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE)Thermoplastic elastomers are a class of materials that have rubber elasticity but can be processed like thermoplastics. Some types of TPE have good heat resistance and UV resistance, making them suitable for the insulation layer of photovoltaic cables. TPE generally has good flexibility and weather resistance, and can maintain good electrical properties in certain high temperature environments.4. Silicone RubberSilicone rubber has excellent high temperature resistance and can maintain good physical and electrical properties in the temperature range of -60°C to 200°C. Silicone rubber also has good UV resistance and weather resistance, making it suitable for photovoltaic cables in outdoor environments. However, the mechanical strength of silicone rubber is relatively low, which usually needs to be considered in the design.5. Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR)Ethylene Propylene Rubber is a synthetic rubber with excellent heat resistance and weather resistance, which can maintain good electrical insulation properties in high temperature environments. EPR also has good UV resistance and chemical corrosion resistance, and is suitable for the insulation layer of photovoltaic cables.The choice of insulation layer material for photovoltaic cables needs to be determined according to the requirements of the specific application environment. Generally speaking, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), fluoroplastics (such as FEP, PFA), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), silicone rubber and ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) are common choices. These materials can still maintain excellent electrical properties in high temperature environments, and have good weather resistance and chemical corrosion resistance, which are very suitable for the design and manufacture of photovoltaic cables.
