Nexans EDR MAX cable ensures faster and easier grid connections for renewables

A new generation of medium voltage (MV) cables for the connection of power sources to the grid

Known as EDR MAX, the new cable is eco-designed for a reduced environmental impact. It allows easier installation compared to the previous EDR version, particularly in challenging conditions like hard or rocky ground.

EDR MAX cable ensures faster and easier grid connections for renewables. EDR MAX solution has been designed specifically to enable the grid connection of renewable energy resources such as solar panels or wind turbines. This development is an illustration of Nexans’ contribution to address the growing demand for energy across the world. EDR MAX is compliant with the NFC 33-226 standard. It is available in single or three-core versions, with either aluminium or copper conductor. EDR MAX allows a maximum permissible current in permanent service above 400 A and has a Class 2 (C2) rating for flame non-propagation performance.

The cable can be buried directly into the ground with no need for an additional sand layer

A key advantage of the EDR MAX design is the high mechanical strength provided by its oversheathing that enables the cable to be buried directly into the ground with no need for an additional sand layer. Furthermore, the flexibility of the cable makes it easy to handle and this combined with its high stripability with standard tools provides a faster connected cable solution.

A new cable to meet one of the environmental impact reduction targets

Nexans technical teams have co-designed this new cable to meet one of the environmental impact reduction targets. It is one of the first cables to comply with Nexans’ new Eco-design approach that takes account of the entire product life cycle spanning manufacture, use and end-of-life. An additional benefit of EDR MAX is that the joule losses have been reduced significantly compared with the existing EDR and this contributes to a 12%[1] lower impact on global warming across the whole cable life cycle from sourcing of raw materials to recycling.

Nexans is manufacturing the EDR MAX cable at its facility in Bourg en Bresse, France.

[1]

The result is given for one kilometer of EDR 3x240 sq. mm aluminum conductor cable with a life span of 40 years, an average usage scenario (1/4 time at 25, 50, 75 and 100% of max. intensity where max. intensity is 466A), and considering the French energy mix. The result is computed from the life cycle analysis performed in accordance with the 14040-44 standard.

The life cycle stages taken into account are manufacture, transportation, installation, use and end-of-life. For the 13 environmental indicators assessed, the impact reductions are similar to those observed for climate change.