Electric Field and Temperature Distribution of High Voltage Cables with the Addition of Particles based on COMSOL Simulation

Abstract

Power cable plays a vital role in the transfer of electrical power between multiple areas as one of the most important types of equipment of power transmission and distribution system. Due to the possible existence of particles in the cable insulation, the insulation breakdown can occur, when the electric field appeared locally. The aim of this paper is to analyse the particle effect in the insulation of the electrical power cable by using the Finite Element Method (FEM) based on COMSOL simulation. First, the structure of the single-phase Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) cable is introduced. Second, the flowchart of the COMSOL based simulation is presented, with the addition of different types of particles. Third, the simulation is carried out, based on which the electrical field and temperature distribution near the particles are analysed. Since, the strength of the electrical field and temperature in the cable system depends upon various features such as cavity, permittivity, size & shape, and location with respect to the cable. By taking consideration of all these parameters, FEM simulation is carried out and the effect of particles placed inside the insulation of cables can be observed. The effect of different particles, size, and position on the electric field and temperature analysis has been observed. While it is noticed that the electric field around the conductor area is decreased compare with original electric field and increases as the particles move away from the conductor.