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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5 mins read
The methods for calculating the current rating of multiple cables installed in ventilated tunnels are explained with example calculations. Overall tunnel length and air velocity inside the tunnel have a significant impact on cable current ratings.
3 mins read
The calculation of current ratings for groups of (multiple) cable circuits require the quantification of the mutual heating component between the groups of circuits. This example is for multiple groups of circuits in air on the same cable ladder. This article will discuss the IEC 60287 approach.
2 mins read
A report investigated 6214 cable failures over a 14 year period. The main causes were insulation breakdown, excavation, joints or switchgear failure. The results may surprise you.
5 mins read
Charging current in power cables is 10-20 times larger than for overhead lines. The maximum length of cable circuits is determined by their capacitance. This report provides equations and shows how critical cable length depends on voltage level, cable size and frequency.
3 mins read
The effects on the current rating of cables buried in soils with different thermal resistivities are examined with software using the finite element technique.
10 mins read
The definition of emergency rating is the permissible short-term rating of a cable already loaded and at a steady-state, considering the thermal capacitances and the thermal resistances of an installed cable system. The definition of cyclic rating is the maximum current of a cable when the load is varied in a sequence of steps that are repeated cyclically. The cyclic rating differs for different sequences and different cycle periods. Both emergency and cyclic ratings deal with time-varying loads
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.
10 mins read
This article analyses the magnetic fields produced by electrical power cables installed in various configurations under varying conditions in the context of a health and safety-related issue. A software program has been used for calculating the results based on the Biot-Savart law. Techniques for the mitigation of magnetic fields are also presented.
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