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EHV/HV Underground Cable Sheath Earthing (part 1/2) Page 1 of 6

Cables / High Voltage

EHV/HV Underground Cable Sheath Earthing


(part 1/2)

In urban areas, high voltage


underground cables are
commonly used for the
transmission and distribution
of electricity. Such high
voltage cables have metallic
sheaths or screens
surrounding the conductors,
and/or armour and metallic
wires surrounding the cables.

During earth faults applied to


directly earthed systems,
these metallic paths are
expected to carry a substantial proportion of the total fault current,
which would otherwise flow through the general mass of earth, while
returning to system neutrals. These alternative return paths must be
considered when determining the extent of the grid potential rise at
an electrical plant due to earth faults.

For safety and reliable operation, the shields and metallic


sheaths of power cables must be grounded.

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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 jacket or 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

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Cable screen controls the electric field stress in the cable


insulation. It also provides return path for cable neutral and fault
current.

If the screen is earthed at two ends than it provides shielding for


electromagnetic radiation. Enclosing dangerous high voltage with
earth potential for safety.

2. Purpose of bonding cable screens at both ends

The electric power losses in a cable circuit are dependent on the


currents flowing in the metallic sheaths of 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.

3. Induced voltage & circulating circulating current in cable screen

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.

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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.

Laying Method Of Cable


The three Single core cables in a 3-phase circuit can be placed in
different formations. Typical formations include trefoil (triangular) and
flat formations.

1. Trefoil Formation

To minimize the electromechanical forces between the cables under


short-circuit conditions, and to avoid eddy-current heating in nearby
steelwork due to magnetic fields set up by load currents, the three
single-core cables comprising the three phases of a 3-phase circuit
are always run clamped in ‘Trefoil’ 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.
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2. Flat Formation

• This is a most common method for Laying LT Cable.


• This formation is appropriate for heat dissipation and to
increase cable rating.
• The Formation choice is totally deepened on several factors
like screen bonding method, conductor area and available
space for installation.

Type of Core and Induced Voltage


1. Three Core Cable

• For LT application, typically for below 11 kV.


• Well balanced magnetic field from Three Phase.
• Induced voltages from three phases sum to zero along the
entire length of the cable.
• Cable screen should be earthed at both ends
• Virtually zero induced voltage or circulating current under
steady state operation.

2. Single Core Cable

• For HV application, typically for 11 kV and above.


• Single–core cables neglects the use of ferromagnetic material
for screen, sheath and armoring.
• 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.

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• 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

About Author

Jignesh Parmar

Jignesh Parmar has completed M.Tech (Power System Control) ,B.E


(Electrical). He is member of Institution of Engineers (MIE),India.
Membership No:M-1473586.He has more than 13 years experience in
Transmission -Distribution-Electrical Energy theft detection-Electrical
Maintenance-Electrical Projects (Planning-Designing-Technical
Review-coordination -Execution). He is Presently associate with one
of the leading business group as a Deputy Manager at
Ahmedabad,India. He has published numbers of Technical Articles in
"Electrical Mirror", "Electrical India", "Lighting India", "Industrial
Electrix"(Australian Power Publications) Magazines. He is Freelancer
Programmer of Advance Excel and design useful Excel base
Electrical Programs as per IS, NEC, IEC,IEEE codes. He is Technical
Blogger and Familiar with English, Hindi, Gujarati, French languages.
He wants to Share his experience & Knowledge and help technical
enthusiasts to find suitable solutions and updating themselves on
various Engineering Topics.

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