Evaluation of the loading capacity of a pair of three-phase high voltage cable systems using the finite-element method

A finite-element model is developed for the analysis of the heating of a pair of three-phase 110 kV underground cable systems in normal and emergency conditions. The main contribution of the paper is the inclusion of the solar emission and radiation in the evaluation of the ampacity of cables and the analysis of their effects. In addition, alternative approaches in dealing with emergency cases are studied providing a reference for future applications in practice. The model developed is used for the study of a practical case being under construction in Belgrade city area.

► We developed a finite element model for the analysis of the heating of a pair of 110 kV cable systems buried in a common trench.
► The radiation and solar emission at the trench surface are modeled, which enhances the previous approaches.
► The calculations performed have shown that these two phenomena may considerably affect the ampacity of cables.
► We analyzed also the effects of emergencies of various durations on the heating of cables and on the maximum allowable loading in normal cyclic operation.