Power Systems Technical Articles

Our experts continuously work on power systems problems, and we share solutions with Practical Reference Articles.

The main topics are earthing system modeling, power cable ratings, HV/LV electrical design, protective device coordination, and arc flash studies. We cover IEC and IEEE standards.

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2 mins read
The AS/NZS 3000 Standard provides different rules in Appendix C for maximum demand with socket-outlets for domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical installations. Calculation examples are provided involving double socket-outlets.
This article explains how to calculate the current rating of cables in J-tubes. Typically J-tubes are the thermal bottleneck of submarine power cable routes.
8 mins read
A new calculation method based on FEM and IEC 60287 for current rating of HV cables in soils with multiple different thermal resistivities is explained with an example calculation. Modelling the different soil thermal resistivity zones (multiple backfills) is important for obtaining accurate cable current ratings.
6 mins read
The principle of economic cable sizing is to select a minimum cable size that is safe to use and the cost of the losses over the lifetime is also minimised.
4 mins read
Reach touch voltages are different to touch voltages and automatically set to zero when the distance between the voltage point on the ground surface and the grid conductor which is touched exceeds a reach distance.
5 mins read
Copper is often preferred for its superior electrical properties, while aluminum and galvanized steel are chosen for cost-effectiveness. Copper-clad steel can offer a balance between cost and performance. This article demonstrates which option is best for different scenarios.
3 mins read
Explains the fundamentals of oil-filled cables current rating calculations to IEC 60287 and provides and example calculation for a 400 kV single core cable.
This article explains why dynamic ratings are important when dealing with long AC cables for wind farms. An example calculation of a dynamic rating which uses the measured load profile is given.
Waveform cables are commonly used in the UK for low-voltage power networks. The term waveform refers to the way the neutral/earth wires are laid around the cores/bedding. Using this configuration enables the neutral/earth wires to be opened so a connection can be made to the conductors anywhere along its length.
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