Nexans Power Cable Accessories For Wind Energy Projects – MV & HV Cables

Published 12 Feb 2018

Nexans WINDLINK cable joints terminations and connectors for onshore and offshore wind energy projects

Nexans Power Cable Accessories for Wind Energy Projects

By Chris Dodds – Thorne & Derrick

Nexans WINDLINK Cable Accessories for Wind Energy Projects

Nexans WINDLINK is a range of electrical cable accessories developed for wind energy applications.

The range includes medium and high voltage cable joints, terminations and connectors for suitable onshore and offshore wind installations.

Wind farms require reliable electrical connections between turbines, transformers, switchgear and collection networks.

For example, cable accessories connect internal tower cables to electrical equipment. In addition, they support the connections between turbines and the wider wind farm network.

Consequently, the correct selection of cable accessories is essential for electrical reliability.

Thorne & Derrick distribute Nexans Euromold power accessories for suitable wind energy applications.

What Is Nexans WINDLINK?

WINDLINK brings together specialist cable connection products for wind energy infrastructure.

According to the original product range, the offering includes:

Low voltage cable connections for suitable generator and tower applications.
Medium voltage cable joints for electrical distribution within wind farms.
Cable terminations for transformers, switchgear and other equipment.
Screened separable connectors for compatible electrical bushings.
Offshore junction cabinets and frames for cable interconnections.
Prefabricated cable jumpers with factory-installed accessories.
Surge arresters and equipment bushings for suitable MV and HV applications.

Furthermore, selected accessories support applications up to 66kV, depending on the exact model and electrical system.

Cable Accessories for Onshore and Offshore Wind Farms

Wind turbines contain electrical equipment that must connect to the wind farm’s power collection system.

However, the connection arrangement depends on the turbine design and network voltage.

For example, some accessories connect internal tower cables. Others connect transformers, switchgear and external array cables.

Onshore Wind Farm Cable Connections

Onshore wind projects use electrical cables to distribute power from individual turbines.

For example, suitable cable joints and terminations provide connections within the wind farm network.

In addition, separable connectors can connect compatible cables to switchgear and transformers.

Therefore, accessory selection must consider the cable construction, voltage and equipment interface.

Offshore Wind Farm Cable Connections

Offshore wind farms introduce additional environmental and installation requirements.

For example, electrical connections may be located inside turbine towers or offshore substations.

Furthermore, subsea array cables must connect to the relevant turbine electrical infrastructure.

Consequently, offshore installations may require specialist junction arrangements and cable accessories.

The original Nexans WINDLINK offering included Offshore Junction Cabinets (OJC) and Offshore Junction Frames (OJF) for these applications.

Nexans Low Voltage Cable Accessories

The Nexans power accessories portfolio also includes products for low voltage electrical networks.

For example, these products can support suitable generator, tower and auxiliary electrical connections.

LV Cable Joints and Terminations

Low voltage cable accessories provide connections between compatible cables and electrical equipment.

Depending on the application, the original range included:

Straight cable joints.
Branch cable joints.
Gel-filled connection systems.
Resin-filled cable joints.
Heat shrink accessories.
Cold shrink accessories.
Cable terminations.

However, each product must match the cable construction and installation requirements.

Mechanical Cable Connectors and Lugs

Nexans also manufactures mechanical connection products for electrical conductors.

These include ferrules, cable lugs and connectors.

For example, suitable mechanical connectors can join aluminium and copper conductors.

In addition, selected products use shear-off-head bolts to achieve the specified connection.

Therefore, installers must confirm the approved conductor sizes, materials and installation procedure.

Nexans Medium Voltage Cable Terminations

Medium voltage cable terminations connect power cables to electrical equipment or other suitable connection points.

For example, wind turbines may require terminations at transformers, switchgear or busbars.

Furthermore, the correct termination depends on whether the equipment is installed indoors or outdoors.

Indoor Cable Terminations

Indoor terminations are designed for suitable controlled environments.

For example, they may connect polymeric-insulated cables to electrical equipment inside turbine towers.

However, the product must suit the expected environmental conditions and electrical rating.

Outdoor Cable Terminations

Outdoor terminations face additional environmental demands.

For example, equipment may be exposed to sunlight, rain and changing temperatures.

Therefore, outdoor accessories must have a suitable design and environmental rating.

Explore our Nexans MV and HV Cable Terminations.

Nexans Cable Joints for Wind Farms

Cable joints provide electrical connections between prepared sections of power cable.

For example, wind farm cable systems may require joints along underground routes or at designated connection points.

The original WINDLINK range included heat shrink, cold shrink and slip-on jointing technologies.

Heat Shrink Cable Joints

Heat shrink accessories use specially designed components that recover when heated.

For example, the original range included the Nexans 36GTS1 joint for suitable 33kV wind farm cables.

However, installation requires the correct heating technique and accessory preparation.

Cold Shrink Cable Joints

Cold shrink cable joints use elastomeric components that recover without applying installation heat.

For example, the original range included the Nexans 24CSJ-S.

In addition, different cold shrink products suit different conductor sizes and voltage classes.

Explore our Nexans Cold Shrink Cable Joints.

Slip-On Cable Joints

Slip-on cable accessories use preformed insulating components.

For example, the original WINDLINK range included the Nexans 72MSJ straight joint.

Furthermore, suitable versions incorporate mechanical connectors for compatible conductors.

Nexans WINDLINK Offshore Junction Solutions

Offshore wind turbines require suitable connections between internal tower cables and external power cables.

For this reason, Nexans developed specialist junction solutions for offshore wind installations.

Offshore Junction Cabinets (OJC)

The Nexans Offshore Junction Cabinet provides a designated connection arrangement for suitable offshore wind applications.

For example, it can form a connection point between internal tower cabling and external subsea array cables.

In addition, the cabinet provides a defined location for the applicable electrical connections.

Offshore Junction Frames (OJF)

The original WINDLINK portfolio also included Offshore Junction Frames.

These provide another configuration for suitable cable interconnections.

However, the correct arrangement depends on the turbine, cable design and installation requirements.

Explore our information about Subsea Cables, Joints and Terminations.

Nexans Euromold Separable Connectors

Screened separable connectors provide electrical connections between compatible power cables and equipment bushings.

For example, they are commonly used with medium voltage switchgear and transformers.

The original WINDLINK portfolio included several Nexans Euromold connector families.

Elbow and Tee Connectors

Elbow and tee connectors provide different connection arrangements.

For example, a tee connector may connect a power cable to a compatible bushing interface.

However, the precise model must match the voltage, current, cable dimensions and interface specification.

Explore the Nexans Euromold Separable Connector Range.

Screened EPDM Construction

Selected Nexans Euromold connectors use an electrically conductive outer screen over an insulating EPDM construction.

This provides a screened connection arrangement when correctly installed and earthed.

However, the term safe to touch must only be used within the manufacturer’s stated operating conditions.

Therefore, personnel must continue to follow all applicable electrical safety procedures.

Nexans WINDLINK Cable Jumpers

Cable jumpers are prefabricated cable assemblies with suitable accessories fitted at their ends.

For example, an assembly may include a separable connector or cable termination at each end.

Furthermore, a prefabricated arrangement can reduce the amount of accessory installation work required on site.

However, the assembly must match the installation’s electrical and mechanical requirements.

Customised Medium Voltage Cable Jumpers

The original WINDLINK portfolio included customised medium voltage cable jumpers.

These could be produced with specified cable lengths and compatible connection accessories.

Therefore, engineers needed to identify the exact cable and equipment interfaces before ordering.

Nexans Surge Arresters and Equipment Bushings

Wind farm electrical networks may require protection against transient overvoltages.

For example, lightning and electrical switching can produce voltage surges.

Consequently, suitable surge arresters can form part of the network’s protection system.

Surge Arresters

Surge arresters help limit transient overvoltages within their specified ratings.

For example, they may be installed to protect suitable switchgear, transformers and cable equipment.

However, selection depends on the system voltage and insulation coordination requirements.

Equipment Bushings

Equipment bushings provide insulated interfaces for electrical connections.

For example, suitable bushings can connect cables to transformers or switchgear.

Furthermore, the original WINDLINK range included epoxy-insulated bushing designs.

However, the bushing interface and rating must match the selected connector.

Nexans High Voltage Cable Accessories up to 66kV

The original WINDLINK range included products for 66kV wind energy applications.

For example, these products supported suitable cable connections within wind parks and electrical distribution networks.

In addition, selected accessories were designed for equipment with a highest system voltage of 72.5kV.

66kV Separable Connectors

Suitable separable connectors provide connections between high voltage cables and compatible switchgear or transformers.

For example, the original portfolio included Nexans Euromold connector systems for 66kV applications.

However, engineers must confirm the exact model and approved equipment interface.

66kV Slip-On Cable Terminations

Slip-on terminations support suitable cable connections to electrical equipment.

For example, the range included AIN indoor terminations and AFN products for applicable outdoor connections.

Furthermore, these accessories must match the cable insulation diameter and voltage class.

66kV Slip-On Cable Joints

The original range also included the Nexans 72MSJ.

This slip-on straight joint was designed for compatible single-core power cables.

In addition, its original description included a mechanical connector.

Explore our Nexans 66kV Cable Joints, Terminations and Connectors.

Nexans power cable accessories manufacturer

Nexans WINDLINK Product Range

The following table reproduces the 22 cable accessory products and families featured in the original article.

These include mechanical connectors, cable joints, terminations, separable connectors and offshore junction equipment.

Furthermore, the table explains the intended application of each product within a wind energy installation.

Note: The product references and applications come from the original WINDLINK article. Current availability, ratings and compatibility must be confirmed before specification.

Mechanical Connectors and Cable Terminations

Product	Application	Image
Mechanical Cable Lug – C-Series	Connecting suitable low voltage cables to the generator.
Mechanical Split Bolt Connector – SB-Series	Connecting compatible tower cables between turbine tower segments.
Roll-On Sleeve – RS-Series	Providing a suitable connection sleeve arrangement between tower cable sections.
Mechanical Transition Connector – M-Series	Connecting compatible conductors of different sizes or materials within tower cable systems.
Slip-On Cable Termination – AIN and AFN	Connecting suitable loop or tower cables to transformers and other electrical equipment.
Heat Shrink Cable Joint – 36GTS1	Jointing suitable 33kV power cables within the wind farm network.
MV WINDLINK Cable Jumper	Customised cable assembly with compatible connectors or terminations installed at the ends.

Euromold Connectors and Medium Voltage Joints

Product	Application	Image
Euromold 480TB Tee Connector	Connecting suitable tower cables to 33kV switchgear.
Euromold 484TB Tee Connector	Connecting compatible array cables to switchgear or designated connection points.
Euromold 804PB Coupling Connector	Providing a suitable coupling arrangement for array cables and compatible switchgear connections.
Heat Shrink Cable Terminations – TTGI1 and TTGI3	Terminating suitable medium voltage cables at switchgear or transformers.
Cold Shrink Cable Joint – 24CSJ-S	Jointing compatible medium voltage power cables within wind farm installations.
Junction Box – Euromold 400J4/M	Interconnecting suitable cable sections and accommodating specified cable transitions.
Offshore Junction Cabinet – OJC	Providing a connection or disconnection point between internal tower cables and external subsea array cables.

High Voltage Connectors, Bushings and Accessories

Product	Application	Image
Euromold 158LR Elbow Connector	Connecting compatible MV/HV generator cables to generators or transformers.
Euromold 800SA Surge Arrester	Providing suitable surge protection for switchgear or transformers.
Euromold 400AR-1 Equipment Bushing	Providing an electrical interface between a compatible connector and transformer or generator.
Euromold 909TB Tee Connector	Connecting compatible power cables to switchgear or transformers in applications up to 66kV.
Euromold 909PB Coupling Connector	Providing a coupling connection for suitable switchgear or transformer arrangements.
Mechanical Cable Lug / Connector – C/M-Series	Mechanical connections for large conductor cross-sections. The original range included shear-off-head bolt designs for suitable applications up to 52kV.
Nexans AFN72 Slip-On Cable Termination	Terminating compatible cables at equipment or suitable outdoor connections to overhead lines and busbars.
Nexans 72MSJ Slip-On Cable Joint	Single-core straight cable joint with a mechanical connector for suitable wind farm cable systems.

How to Select Cable Accessories for Wind Energy Projects

Choosing the correct accessory requires several technical checks.

First, engineers must identify the cable construction and electrical system voltage.

Next, they should confirm the connection method and equipment interface.

Furthermore, offshore and onshore installations may have different environmental requirements.

Wind Farm Cable Accessory Selection Checklist

Voltage Rating: Confirm the nominal and highest system voltages.
Cable Construction: Identify the conductor, insulation and screen arrangement.
Conductor Size: Check the permitted cross-sectional area.
Conductor Material: Confirm copper or aluminium compatibility.
Equipment Interface: Match separable connectors to compatible bushings.
Installation Location: Identify indoor, outdoor, onshore or offshore requirements.
Environmental Protection: Consider moisture, contamination and temperature exposure.
Jointing Technology: Select the approved heat shrink, cold shrink or slip-on system.
Mechanical Requirements: Consider cable movement, support and installation forces.
Testing and Certification: Confirm the applicable standards and approved product ratings.

In addition, engineers should follow the manufacturer’s approved installation instructions.

Therefore, final product selection must be based on the complete electrical and mechanical specification.

Thorne & Derrick – Nexans UK Distributors

Thorne & Derrick International distribute Nexans Euromold cable accessories for electrical power networks.

Our offering includes heat shrink, cold shrink and EPDM rubber connection systems.

Furthermore, we supply suitable joints, terminations and connectors for 11kV, 33kV and selected 66kV applications.

Nexans Cable Accessories for Wind Farm Contractors

Wind energy projects require reliable electrical connections throughout the installation.

For example, contractors may need cable accessories for turbine towers, transformers, switchgear and array networks.

In addition, suitable products are required for both installation and maintenance projects.

Thorne & Derrick can assist with product identification, specifications and availability enquiries.

VIEW NEXANS EUROMOLD CABLE ACCESSORIES

MV and HV Cable Joints and Terminations

We also supply products for electrical distribution projects outside the wind energy sector.

For example, these include utilities, substations and industrial power systems.

Explore our Cable Joints and Terminations Price List for further information.

Heat shrink cable joints and terminations for 11kV triplex power cables

Heat Shrink Cable Accessories for 11kV Triplex Cables

Additional Electrical Installation Equipment

Thorne & Derrick also supply specialist equipment for power cable installation and maintenance.

Our wider range includes:

Consequently, customers can source specialist products for wind farms, substations and other power infrastructure projects.

Nexans Euromold medium and high voltage cable joints terminations and connectors

Euromold MV and HV Cable Accessories | Joints, Terminations, Elbows and Connectors