Power Grid Renovation: A Comprehensive Review of Technical Challenges and Innovations for Medium Voltage Cable Replacement

The rapid growth of electrical energy demands raises the need for the modernization of distribution grids. Medium-voltage (MV) aged cables are infrastructures facing significant challenges that can compromise the security of supply and reduce the reliability of power grids. To address the challenges, there is a growing interest in optimizing cable replacement and management strategies. This comprehensive review focuses on the technical challenges and innovations associated with MV cable replacement, highlighting defect detection, lifetime estimation, reliability assessment, and management strategies. Various methods for detecting and monitoring cable defects and discussing their advantages and limitations are surveyed. Moreover, different models and techniques for estimating the remaining useful life of MV cables are explored, emphasizing the importance of accurate predictions for assessing cable reliability and optimizing replacement schedules. Furthermore, emerging technologies that enhance cable management strategies are also highlighted. This review provides insights and recommendations for future research and development, paving the way for the sustainable evolution of power grids.