Abstract
This paper describes the results of a basic study (on a model samples) for the development of 22.9 kV high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable. The authors have established that the factors that decide the performance of HTS cables are butt gaps in tape insulation and carbon particles from semiconductive layer. The insulation performance of HTS cables is determined by size and quality of these elements. In the model tests of HTS cables, the minimum PD inception stress of the tape insulation impregnated with liquid nitrogen was found and insulation thickness was calculated from this result.