Water diffusion modeling in power cables: Addressing 1D to 3D geometries using FEM

This paper presents a comprehensive Finite Element Method (FEM) approach to model water diffusion in power cables, a critical degradation mechanism leading to water treeing. The study examines all possible geometrical representations, including 1D, 1D-axisymmetric, 2D, 2Daxisymmetric, and 3D models, to analyze water transport. The goal is to provide a complete understanding of water ingress, moisture accumulation, and the effectiveness of water barriers in delaying the critical humidity threshold within the insulation. The model incorporates experimentally measured material properties, including non-Fickian behavior and temperaturedependent effects. The findings aim to support the design and optimization of cable components and water barrier systems, thereby enhancing the long-term…