On-line monitoring device for dry zone formation in the soil surrounding underground power cables

Formation of dry zones around power cables is an important factor affecting the cable loading and may lead to cable failure. This phenomenon is ignored by some standards in the calculation of power cables capacity. Numerous efforts have been done by many researchers for cable monitoring. In this study, monitoring system based on measurements of temperature distribution surrounding the cable route is suggested. When reaching the temperature of the dry zone formation the system will produce a warning alarm. To the best of the authors knowledge, the invention of a device that gives a warning in the case of drying layers formation around the power cables has not received attention so far. The proposed device is characterised by cheap price, high accuracy and its simplicity in the design. The system is tested in the laboratory using different soil types. Field tests are done to verify the reliability of the device.