Boron Nitride Polymer Composite for Cable Insulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

High voltage cable junctions experience overheating issues due to low thermal conductivity of polymer materials, leading to degradation and electrical failure, while replacing these polymers with higher thermal conductivity materials compromises mechanical and rheological properties.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating at least 4% by volume of boron nitride into the electrically insulating layer of cable accessories, combined with a polymer material, to enhance thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and dielectric rigidity, thereby improving heat evacuation and maintaining good mechanical and rheological properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If polymer materials with low thermal conductivity are used in cable junctions, then mechanical and rheological properties are maintained, but overheating occurs leading to degradation and electrical failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidelectrical failure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining polymer materials with boron nitride particles to create an electrically insulating layer that achieves both high thermal conductivity and good mechanical properties. The boron nitride particles are distributed within the polymer matrix to form a composite structure that transfers heat effectively while maintaining the mechanical integrity and electrical insulation properties of the polymer base material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If polymers with higher thermal conductivity are used to reduce overheating, then heat evacuation improves, but mechanical and rheological properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials combining polymer matrix with boron nitride particles to achieve high thermal conductivity while preserving mechanical strength. The boron nitride particles serve as thermal conductors without compromising the polymer's mechanical properties, creating a synergistic composite that simultaneously addresses both thermal management and structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the concentration of boron nitride particles (at least 4% by volume) within the polymer matrix to achieve the desired thermal conductivity while maintaining mechanical integrity. By carefully controlling the filler content and distribution, the patent finds the optimal balance between thermal performance and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If boron nitride is added to improve thermal conductivity, then heat evacuation improves, but dielectric rigidity must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoiddielectric rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by incorporating boron nitride particles into the polymer matrix to enhance thermal conductivity while preserving dielectric rigidity. The boron nitride particles are electrically insulating, allowing them to conduct heat without compromising the electrical insulation properties of the material, thus achieving both thermal management and electrical safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively addresses overheating in high voltage cable junctions by improving thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and dielectric rigidity, ensuring reliable performance without degrading electrical or mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

boron nitride having a minimum proportion of 4% by volume relative to the total volume of the electrically insulating layer... guaranteeing good thermal conductivity, inducing better evacuation of the heat generated within the accessory

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3806112A1Accessory for cable with improved dielectric strength
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 NEXANS SA
  • EP3806112A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3806112A1 patent drawing
  • EP3806112A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cable accessory, said accessory comprising at least one electrically insulating layer comprising at least one polymer material, and at least 4% by volume of boron nitride relative to the total volume of the electrically insulating layer, and a method for manufacturing said accessory.