Heat Dissipation From the Power Cable in the Casing Pipe

The current carrying capacity of a power cable determines its ability to carry a specific current and is related to the efficiency of dissipation of heat generated in the cable laid in a specific environment. The studies were conducted in order to determine how the characteristics of the medium around the cable affected its temperature, and thus the ability of the cable to transmit electricity. The experimentation in the lab and real measurements of the temperature values at various locations in the casing pipe constitute the article's uniqueness. The article presents an innovative concept of a laboratory stand, designed to measure the dissipation of heat emitted by a cable in separated casing pipes with various filling materials. The assessment of heat removal is made based on the recorded distribution of temperatures and related voltage drops in individual casing pipes. It has been demonstrated for the instance under investigation that using the right fillers around the cable may reduce cable temperature, boost the cable's current carrying capability, and provide more efficient heat dissipation. Extended tests include measuring the temperature distribution in casing pipes: (i) filled partially with a heat-dissipating substance, (ii) with substances a year earlier and newly introduced into casing pipes, (iii) for extended values of the current flowing through the cable, as well as (iv) with additional measurements of voltage drops on the cable in individual segments of casing pipes. The obtained results can be used in diagnostics procedures to locate sections of the casing pipe not completely filled with the material that removes heat from the cable.