Calculation of Temperature Distribution at Cable Joints Using Hybrid Boundary Elements Method

In addition to the strength of the electric field, the reliability and robustness of electrical cable networks is also affected by the temperature that exists in the places where the internal and external conductors of a cable are connected. Also, unequable distribution of electric field and temperature leads to rapid aging of cable equipment. Hybrid Boundary Elements Method (HBEM) was used in order to precisely calculate and detect the places where maximum values of the EM field and temperature are higher than critical values, reduce the undesirable temperature level of the cable connection. This paper shows the distribution of electro-thermal fields in power cable joints using HBEM. For the calculation of the electric field, equivalent electrodes and equivalent point charge source are used, while for the calculation of the thermal field, equivalent volumetric heat sources are used.