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21/35(40.5)KV 3-core XLPE/PVC/steel tape armor power cabl e
jiguparmar
EHV/HV Underground Cable Sheath Earthing (part 1/2)
In urban areas, high voltage underground cables
are commonly used f or the transmission and
distribution of electricity. Such high voltage cables
have metallic sheaths or screens surrounding the
conductors, and/or armour and metallic wires
surrounding the cables.
During earth faults applied to directly earthed
systems, these metallic paths are expected to
carry a substantial proportion of the total f ault
current, which would otherwise f low through the
general mass of earth, while returning to system
neutrals. These alternative return paths must be
considered when determining the extent of the grid
potential rise at an electrical plant due to earth
f aults.
For saf ety and reliable operation, the shields and metallic sheaths of power cables must be grounded.
Without grounding, shields would operate at a potential considerably above ground. Thus, they would be
hazardous to touch and would cause rapid degradation of the jacket or other material intervening
between shield and ground. This is caused by the capacitive charging current of the cable insulation that is
on the order of 1 mA/f t of conductor length.
This current normally f lows, at power f requency, between the conductor and the earth electrode of the
cable, normally the shield. In addition, the shield or metallic sheath provides a f ault return path in the event
of insulation f ailure, permitting rapid operation of the protection devices.
In order to reduce circulating current and electric potential dif f erence between the sheathings of single core
three-phase cables, the sheathing is grounded and bonded at one or both ends of the cables. If the cable
is long, double bonding has to be carried out which leads to circulating currents and increased total power
loss. Raising the sheaths resistance, by decreasing its cross section and increasing its resistivity, can
reduce this almost to the level of the core losses.
However, in case of an earth f ault, a considerable portion of the f ault current f lows through the increased
sheath resistance, creating much higher power in the sheaths than in the f aulty core. A simple solution, a
conductor rod buried into the soil above or under the cable can divert this power f rom the sheaths.
Cable Screen
1. Purpose of cable screen
Cable screen controls the electric f ield stress in the cable insulation. It also
Cabl e constructi on
Cabl e
Trefoi l
Formati on
Cable screen controls the electric f ield stress in the cable insulation. It also
provides return path f or cable neutral and f ault current.
If the screen is earthed at two ends than it provides shielding f or
electromagnetic radiation. Enclosing dangerous high voltage with earth potential
f or saf ety.
2. Purpose of bonding cable screens at bot h ends
The electric power losses in a cable circuit are dependent on the currents f lowing in the metallic sheaths
of the cables so by reducing the current f lows in metallic sheath by dif f erent methods of bonding we can
increases the load current carrying capacity (ampacity) of the cable.
It provides low impedance f ault current return path and provides neutral point f or the circuit. It also provides
shielding of electromagnetic f ield.
3. Induced volt age & circulat ing circulat ing current in cable screen
Electromagnetic coupling between the core and screen Electromagnetic screen. If the cable screen is single
point bonded, no electrical continuity and mmf generates a voltage. If the cable screen is bonded at both
ends, the mmf will cause circulating current to f low if there is electrical continuity.
The circulating current produces an opposing magnetic f ield. Suitable bonding method should be employed
to meet the standing voltage limit and keep circulating current to an acceptable level.
Top
Laying Method Of Cable
The three Single core cables in a 3-phase circuit can be placed in dif f erent f ormations. Typical f ormations
include tref oil (triangular) and f lat f ormations.
1. Tref oil Format ion
To minimize the electromechanical f orces between the cables under short-circuit conditions,
and to avoid eddy-current heating in nearby steelwork due to magnetic f ields set up by load
currents, the three single-core cables comprising the three phases of a 3-phase circuit are
always run clamped in Tref oil f ormation.
Advant ages
This type of Formation minimizes the sheath circulating currents induced by the magnetic f lux linking the
cable conductors and metallic sheath or copper wire screens. This conf iguration is generally used f or
cables of lower voltages (33 to 132kV) and of smaller conductor sizes.
Disadvant ages
The tref oil f ormation is not appropriate f or heat dissipation because there is an appreciable mutual heating
ef f ect of the three cables. The cumulated heat in cables and cable trench has the ef f ect of reducing the
cable rating and accelerating the cable ageing.
2. Flat Format ion
Cabl e fl at
formati on
This is a most common method f or Laying LT Cable.
This f ormation is appropriate f or heat dissipation and to increase cable rating.
The Formation choice is totally deepened on several f actors like screen bonding
method, conductor area and available space f or installation.
Top
Type of Core and Induced Voltage
1. Three Core Cable
For LT application, typically f or below 11 kV.
Well balanced magnetic f ield f rom Three Phase.
Induced voltages f rom three phases sum to zero along the entire length of the cable.
Cable screen should be earthed at both ends
Virtually zero induced voltage or circulating current under steady state operation.
2. Single Core Cable
For HV application, typically f or 11 kV and above.
Singlecore cables neglects the use of f erromagnetic material f or screen, sheath and armoring.
Induced voltage is mainly contributed by the core currents in its own phase and other two phases.If
cables are laid in a compact and symmetrical f ormation, induced in the screen can be minimized.
A suitable screen bonding method should be used f or singlecore cables to prevent Excessive
circulating current, high induced standing voltage.igh voltage.
Ref erences
1. Mitton Consulting.
2. EMElectricals
jiguparmar - Jignesh Parmar has completed his B.E(Electrical) f rom Gujarat University. He is
member of Institution of Engineers (MIE),India. Membership No:M-1473586.He has more
than 12 years experience in Transmission -Distribution-Electrical Energy thef t detection-
Electrical Maintenance-Electrical Projects (Planning-Designing-Technical Review-
coordination -Execution). He is Presently associate with one of the leading business group
as a Assistant Manager at Ahmedabad,India. He has published numbers of Technical Articles
in "Electrical Mirror", "Electrical India", "Lighting India", "Industrial Electrix"(Australian Power Publications)
Magazines. He is Freelancer Programmer of Advance Excel and design usef ul Excel base Electrical
Programs as per IS, NEC, IEC,IEEE codes. He is Technical Blogger and Familiar with English, Hindi, Gujarati,
French languages. He wants to Share his experience & Knowledge and help technical enthusiasts to f ind
suitable solutions and updating themselves on various Engineering Topics.