The impact of current load on mine-trailing cable thermal life

The US Bureau of Mines has determined a method for calculating coal mine portable power cable thermal life for a specified temperature loading. This work was the culmination of a multifaceted research project involving: (1) accelerated life tests of insulation and jacket materials; and (2) steady-state and cyclical loading of cables. Composite Arrhenius curves were derived for common insulation and jacket materials to identify the key cable quality that precipitates thermal failure. Plots of temperature rise versus current for popular cable sizes were then referenced to develop a correspondence between cable life based on thermal degradation and current loading. Predictions of cable thermal life were made through integration over variable load cycles and, consequently, variable operating temperatures. This procedure may have utility for both the US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and mining machine designers in determining the appropriate cable size for new equipment.<
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