Thermal Instability on TR-XLPE 12/20 kV Ground Cable : Non Adiabatic and Adiabatic

Comparison Method

Syamsir Abduh

Electrical Engineering Department, Trisakti University

Jl. Kyai Tapa No. 1 Grogol Jakarta 11440
E-mail: the_abduh2006@yahoo.co.id;syamsir@trisakti.ac.id
Tel./Fax:021-5663232 ext. 421/021-5605841

Abstract

Short circuit current constitutes one of the forms of disturbance on transmission

system of electric energy, including transmission system through underground
cable. Effects of short circuit current disturbance are, among other things:
mechanical damage on cable due to electromagnetic force from repulsion
between conductors or between conductor and wrapper; the sharp increased
temperature due to joule heat on the conductor and wrapper causing thermal
instability on the cable. This will further causes the occurrence of tree electric or
the failure on insulation; the occurrence of aging on the cable. This is certainly
of disadvantage since the continuity of voltage distribution may be disturbed and
investment is of disadvantage. The calculation of capacity of thermally
permissible short circuit currents in cable is determined by the transfer of heat
occurring in cable parts into its surrounding This paper explains calculation/
determination of short circuit currents by comparing two methods, namely
adiabatic method and non-adiabatic method. The result of study shows that non-
adiabatic method better than adiabatic method in determining value of short
circuit capacity due to thermal instability on the use of underground TR-XLPE
cable of 12/20kV especially on the selection backfill type, cable burial depth,
distance among cables, and distance among lines and also non-adiabatic method
is applicable for all durations of short circuit.

Key word: short circuit current; thermal instability.