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For safety and reliable operation, the shields and metallic sheaths of power cablesmust 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 jacketor
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/ft of conductor length.
This current normally flows, at power frequency, between the conductor and the earth
electrode of the cable, normally the shield. In addition, the shield or metallic sheath provides a
fault return path in the event of insulation failure, permitting rapid operation of the protection
devices.
In order to reduce circulating current and electric potential difference 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 sheath’s 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 fault, a considerable portion of the fault current flows through the
increased sheath resistance, creating much higher power in the sheaths than in the faulty core.
A simple solution, a conductor rod buried into the soil above or under the cable can divert this
power from the sheaths.
Cable Screen
1. Purpose of cable screen
Cable screen controls the electric field stress in the cable insulation. It
also provides return path for cable neutral and fault current.
The electric power losses in a cable circuit are dependent on the currents
flowing in the met allic sheat hsof the cables so by reducing the current flows in metallic sheath
by different methods of bonding we can increases the load current carrying capacity (ampacity)
of the cable.
It provides low impedance fault current return path and provides neutral point for the circuit. It
also provides shielding of electromagnetic field.
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 flow if there is electrical
continuity.
The circulating current produces an opposing magnetic field. Suitable bonding method should
be employed to meet the standing voltage limit and keep circulating current to an acceptable
level.
phases of a 3-phase circuit are always run clamped in ‘Trefoil’ formation. T ref oil
Formation
Advantages
This type of Formation minimizes the sheath circulating currents induced by the magnetic flux
linking the cable conductors and metallic sheath or copper wire screens. This configuration is
generally used for cables of lower voltages (33 to 132kV) and of smaller conductor sizes.
Disadvantages
The trefoil formation is not appropriate for heat dissipation because there is an appreciable
mutual heating effect of the three cables. The cumulated heat in cables and cable trench has
the effect of reducing the cable rating and accelerating the cable ageing.
2. Flat Formation
This formation is appropriate for heat dissipation and to increase cable Cable
rating. f lat
f ormation
The Formation choice is totally deepened on several factors like screen
bonding method, conductor area and available space for installation.
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 formation, induced in the
screen can be minimized.
A suitable screen bonding method should be used for single–core cables to prevent
Excessive circulating current, high induced standing voltage.igh voltage.
References
1. Mitton Consulting.
2. EMElectricals
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