01

Introduction to Wind Turbine Cables

Wind turbine cables represent a critical component in renewable energy infrastructure, designed to transmit electrical power from nacelle-mounted generators to ground-level collection systems. These medium voltage (MV) XLPE power cables operating at 12/20 (24) kV voltage ratings must withstand unique mechanical stresses including continuous torsional movement, thermal cycling, and environmental exposure inherent to wind energy applications.

According to standards established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC 60502-2:2014), medium voltage cables for wind applications require longitudinal water-blocking capabilities, enhanced conductor flexibility (Class 2 per IEC 60228), and robust metallic screening for electromagnetic compatibility. The designation codes N2XS(F)2Y, 2XS(F)2Y, and XUHKXS identify specific construction configurations compliant with DIN VDE, CENELEC HD, and national standards respectively.

Industry Reference

For comprehensive wind energy cable solutions and technical specifications, Feichun Cable provides detailed product catalogs covering medium voltage power cables designed specifically for wind turbine installations, including tower cables, inter-array cables, and export cable systems.

02

Cable Designation & Standards Compliance

Wind turbine MV cables follow standardized designation systems that communicate construction details and performance characteristics. Understanding these nomenclatures enables proper specification and selection:

Designation Code Breakdown: N2XS(F)2Y
  • NStandard construction per DIN VDE
  • 2XXLPE (Cross-linked polyethylene) insulation
  • SCopper wire screen
  • (F)Longitudinal water-blocking
  • 2YPE (Polyethylene) outer sheath

Applicable International Standards

STANDARDS COMPLIANCE MATRIX Verified
StandardOrganizationEditionScope
HD 620 S3CENELEC2023, Part 10 Sec. RDistribution cables 3.6/6 to 20.8/36 kV
IEC 60502-2IEC2014Power cables 6 kV to 30 kV
BS 7870-4.10BSI2011LV/MV cables for UK installations
DIN VDE 0276-620DKE2018Power cables (German national)
03

Cable Construction & Materials

The multi-layer construction of wind turbine MV cables ensures electrical performance, mechanical durability, and environmental protection. Each component serves specific engineering functions:

1

Conductor — Copper, Circular Stranded Compacted (Class 2)

High-purity annealed copper conductor per IEC 60228 Class 2. Circular stranded and compacted design optimizes current density while maintaining flexibility. Cross-sectional areas: 35 mm² to 1000 mm².

2

Conductor Screen — Extruded Semi-conductive Compound

Bonded semi-conductive layer ensures uniform electrical stress distribution at the conductor-insulation interface, eliminating corona discharge initiation points.

3

Insulation — XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene)

5.5 mm nominal thickness XLPE insulation rated for 90°C continuous operation (250°C short-circuit). Provides dielectric strength, thermal stability, and moisture resistance.

4

Insulation Screen — Strippable Semi-conductive Layer

Extruded semi-conductive compound enabling clean stripping for termination while maintaining electrical stress control during operation.

5

Metallic Screen — Copper Wire Screen with Water-blocking

Helically applied copper wires (16–50 mm²) with integrated swellable tapes for longitudinal water penetration barrier. Provides fault current return path and electromagnetic shielding.

6

Outer Sheath — High-density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Black HDPE outer jacket providing mechanical protection, UV resistance, and chemical resistance for direct burial and outdoor exposure applications.

04

Technical Specifications & Parameters

The following tables present comprehensive electrical and physical parameters for medium voltage wind turbine cables. Data derived from manufacturer specifications conforming to applicable standards and validated under reference operating conditions.

Operating Conditions Reference

Ground Installation

Depth: 0.7 m | Ground temp: 20°C | Soil thermal resistivity: 1.0 K·m/W

Air Installation

Ambient temp: 25°C | Protection from direct solar radiation required

Physical Parameters

DIMENSIONAL & MECHANICAL DATA — 12/20 (24) kV RMC Conductors
Cable TypeConductor Ø (mm)Insulation (mm)Screen (mm²)Cable Ø (mm)Weight (kg/km)Pull Force (kN)Min Bend Radius (m)
1×35RMC7.05.51627.99901.750.42
1×50RMC8.255.51629.11,1402.50.44
1×70RMC9.65.52530.51,4503.50.46
1×95RMC11.55.53532.41,8304.750.49
1×120RMC12.95.55033.82,2306.00.51
1×150RMC14.55.55035.42,5207.50.53
1×185RMC16.05.55036.92,8909.250.55
1×240RMC18.55.55039.43,46012.00.59
1×300RMC20.55.55041.44,06015.00.62
1×400RMC23.55.55044.44,94020.00.67
1×500RMC26.55.55048.16,05025.00.72
1×630RMC30.35.55052.57,46031.50.79
1×800RMC34.65.55057.49,17040.00.86
1×1000RMC38.25.55061.411,13050.00.92

Electrical Parameters

RESISTANCE, REACTANCE & CAPACITANCE DATA Per IEC 60287
Cable TypeRDC 20°C (Ω/km)RAC 90°C (Ω/km)Capacitance (µF/km)XC (Ω/km)IC (A/km)Inductance (mH/km)
1×35RMC/160.5240.6680.1521.80.550.47
1×50RMC/160.3870.4940.1619.80.610.45
1×70RMC/250.2680.3420.1818.00.670.43
1×95RMC/350.1930.2470.2015.90.750.40
1×120RMC/500.1530.1960.2214.70.820.39
1×150RMC/500.1240.1590.2313.50.890.37
1×185RMC/500.09910.1280.2512.60.950.36
1×240RMC/500.07540.09780.2811.31.060.34
1×300RMC/500.06010.07870.3010.41.150.33
1×400RMC/500.04700.06280.349.41.280.32
1×500RMC/500.03660.05030.388.51.420.31
1×630RMC/500.02830.04080.427.51.590.30
1×800RMC/500.02210.03400.486.71.790.29
1×1000RMC/500.01760.02930.526.21.950.29

Current Carrying Capacity

AMPACITY RATINGS — GROUND & AIR INSTALLATION 90°C Max
Cable TypeShort Circuit (kA/s)Ground — FlatGround — TrefoilAir — FlatAir — Trefoil
BE (A)SPB/CB (A)BE (A)SPB/CB (A)BE (A)SPB/CB (A)BE (A)SPB/CB (A)
1×35RMC/165.0244246231231250252215215
1×70RMC/2510.0351358335337369375318319
1×120RMC/5017.2461493457463502531443449
1×185RMC/5026.5567631579590638694574584
1×240RMC/5034.3643736672689740825677692
1×300RMC/5042.9708834756779829947770792
1×400RMC/5057.27859588578899401107889920
1×500RMC/5071.5864109396510091057128510201063
1×630RMC/5090.19491249108211421185149611681227
1×800RMC/50114.410321410119812771312172513191398
1×1000RMC/50143.011001561129713971417194114521553

Legend: BE = Both Ends bonding | SPB = Single Point Bonded | CB = Cross Bonded

05

Applications & Installation

Medium voltage XLPE cables for wind energy applications serve multiple functions within the wind farm electrical collection system. Proper selection requires consideration of installation environment, thermal constraints, and system voltage requirements.

Primary Application Scenarios

Tower Power Cables

Internal tower routing from nacelle generator to tower base. Subject to torsional stress during yaw operations.

Inter-Array Cables

Underground connections between turbines. Direct burial with longitudinal water-blocking for soil moisture protection.

Substation Feeder

Collection system feeder cables from wind farm collector busbars to grid-connected transformers.

Installation Configurations

  • Trefoil FormationCables touching in triangular arrangement (spacing = De)
  • Flat Formation — GroundHorizontal with spacing De + 70 mm
  • Flat Formation — AirHorizontal with spacing 2 × De
  • Minimum Burial Depth700 mm (per standard conditions)
06

Key Performance Characteristics

Longitudinal Water Blocking

Swellable tape technology prevents water migration along cable length per IEC 60502-2 requirements for Type F designation.

High Thermal Rating

90°C continuous conductor temperature with 250°C short-circuit rating enables maximum power transmission efficiency.

EMC Performance

Copper wire screen provides electromagnetic shielding and low-impedance fault current return path for protective relay coordination.

Mechanical Robustness

Class 2 stranded conductor provides flexibility for tower loop installations while maintaining electrical performance.

References & Technical Resources