Analysis of local hot spots within cable tunnels using thermal simulations

Goddard, Kevin, Vryonis, Orestis, Callender, George, Andritsch, Thomas, Lewin, Paul and Gao, Simon (2023) Analysis of local hot spots within cable tunnels using thermal simulations. In 2023 IEEE Electrical Insulation Conference (EIC). IEEE. 4 pp . (doi:10.1109/EIC55835.2023.10177300).

Abstract

High voltage (HV) cable tunnels are often a thermally limiting section of modern electrical networks. Accurately calculating heat transfer within such systems is important to determine suitable cable ampacities and prevent accelerated ageing of insulation material. In this paper, finite element analysis (FEA) simulations are constructed, based on a real world installation, to model heat transfer within a HV cable tunnel system. Models are constructed for the tunnel section, which represents the majority of the length, and the outlet shaft, where the cables exit the tunnel with the heated air. Simulations demonstrate that increases in cable temperature of approximately 5°C within the shaft can occur, which has an impact on the power flow capability of the circuit. The increase in temperature is due to a decrease in air velocity in the outlet shaft and as a result the convective cooling of the cables. This paper demonstrates the need to accurately calculate heat transfer in complex cable installations to avoid premature failure of equipment.

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Contributors

Author: Orestis Vryonis

Author: Thomas Andritsch

Author: Paul Lewin

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