Cable Parameter Calculation for Typical Industrial Installation Methods and High-Frequency Studies

Cable models for high-frequency studies require the calculation of per-unit-length parameters in a wide frequency range. Analytical methods, such as the ones implemented in traditional electromagnetic transient simulators, are frequently used for this purpose. However, they are accurate only for cable systems in which the cables are sufficiently apart from each other, and for specific geometries in which the presence of other wired systems and metallic structures is neglected. This hampers their application to calculate the parameters of cable systems assembled in trays or pipes, which are frequently used in industrial installations. In this context, this paper presents a methodology based on finite element analysis to overcome these limitations. This methodology is used to investigate the influence of proximity effects on parameters associated with three different installation methods often found in the industry: cables laid on or above the earth surface, cables in an enclosing pipe, and cables in a tray. The results indicate the importance of considering proximity effects in the calculation of cable parameters in practical conditions, especially for high-frequency studies.