Calculation of frequency-dependent parameters of power cables:: Matrix partitioning techniques

In this paper, a new algorithm for the calculation of the frequency-dependent parameters of arbitrarily shaped power cable arrangements is presented. The algorithm uses digital images to discretize the cable geometry and partial subconductor equivalent circuit method to estimate the cable parameters. The proposed methodology adapts itself to the physical memory of the computer, allowing the program to partition the partial subconductor impedance matrices when their sizes exceed the available physical memory. Coaxial cables and sector-shaped cables are studied, and the results are compared with those obtained from analytical formulae and the finite-element method.