Influence of metallic trays on the ac resistance and ampacity of low-voltage cables under non-sinusoidal currents

This paper investigates the influence of metallic trays on the ac resistance of PVC insulated, low-voltage (0.6/1.0 kV) cables made according to CENELEC standard HD603. The investigation is made with a validated finite element model for the fundamental and higher harmonic frequencies. It is shown that the cable's effective resistance is affected significantly by the relative magnetic permeability and specific conductivity of the tray, while the tray's dimensions do not affect it. The orientation of the cable with respect to the tray also influences the ac resistance of the phase and neutral conductors. An ampacity derating factor is defined and calculated for various cable cross-sections and harmonic loads. The presence of a metallic tray is shown to cause an additional derating of cable's ampacity which is relatively significant at large cable cross-sections. Working examples demonstrate the application of the results in calculating the ampacity of low-voltage cables and in assessing the energy savings that will result from the use of active harmonic filters.