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Better insulation for high-voltage cables could keep them dry during deluges and cut transmission loss. Larry Greenemeier reports
具有更好绝缘性能的高压电缆能够在潮湿环境下保持干燥，从而减少电能的损耗。
High voltage cables are typically insulated with special water-resistant polymers that have high-dielectric strength. When the cables get whacked by an especially strong rain or snow storm the insulation may not block all of the moisture. The leaks can lead to a loss of electrical current or even damage to the cables. Typically, the insulation will regain its ability to block water hours, or even days, later.
通常高压电缆使用的是特殊的防水高分子聚合材料，具有很高的绝缘强度。但是当电缆遭受到大雨或暴风雪的侵袭时，电缆的绝缘层就可能无法将水分完全排除在外。渗透进电缆中的水分将导致电流损耗甚至对电缆本身造成伤害。通常电缆的绝缘层在数小时甚至数天之后才能恢复其防水能力。
Engineers know that cable insulation can temporarily lose its ability to repel water under extreme conditions. Now researchers at IBM and Swiss electric-grid builder ABB think they can create an insulating material that can stay water repellent longer—or at least recover quicker. [Philip T. Shemella et al., "Surface Dynamics of Amorphous Polymers Used for High-Voltage Insulators," Journal of Physical Chemistry B]
工程师们已经了解到电缆绝缘层在极端条件下会暂时失去防水能力。现在，IBM公司和瑞士电网的承建商ABB公司也许可以创造出具有更长防水时间、或至少恢复能力更强的绝缘材料。
Using computer simulations, the researchers are studying the molecular dynamics of a new type of polymer under a variety of conditions. Based on the tests so far, the companies claim this virtual insulator can help prevent the 7 percent loss of electricity experienced on average in the U.S. during transmission.
在计算机模拟技术的帮助下，科研人员正在探究一种新型高分子聚合物在不同条件下的分子动力学特性。根据目前的试验数据，IBM和ABB两家公司宣称这种模拟的绝缘材料在美国电网中可以减少7%的电能损失。
Anything that can reduce stress on overtaxed electrical grids would be welcome. Just ask the one million people still in the dark from last weekend's early season snow storm in the northeastern U.S. —Larry Greenemeier
事实上，任何能够帮助不堪重负的电网减少其压力的措施都是受欢迎的。上周末美国东北部由于罕见的暴风雪而被迫停电，只要问问那里的人们就知道了。
n. 紧张，压力
v. 强调，着重
