Thermal analysis of buried power cables
Temperature Distribution in Round Cable |
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Temperature Distribution in Oval Cable |
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FE Model of 3 Oval Cables Lying Together |
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Temperature distribution in 3 Oval Cables Lying Together |
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Objective:
Underground power cables carrying high Ampere current generate large amount of heat. The metallic wires are bunched in various geometries and are enclosed inside a polymer cladding which protects them from the elements such as water, heat, corrosive materials and fire. Cable manufacturers need to determine the heat flow inside the cable so as to prevent meltdown of the cladding. Cladding meltdown results in obvious risks such as electrocution and disadvantages such as power transmission loss. When these cables are placed together in groups, the problem of cladding meltdown is compounded.
Methodology:
Conduction is the accepted mode of heat transfer below ground level. Two-Dimensional Thermal Analysis was carried out. For this evaluation of thermal capacitance for the model was done under steady state equilibrium conditions. The analysis was carried out for single cables and a group of cables laid together. Different conductor shapes like round and oval were considered.
Temperatures at steady state were found to be well within limits for the cases discussed.
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Case Studies