polymers

Article
Analysis on the Temperature Field and the
Ampacity of XLPE Submarine HV Cable Based
on Electro-Thermal-Flow Multiphysics
Coupling Simulation
Yiyi Zhang 1 , Xiaoming Chen 1 , Heng Zhang 1, * , Jiefeng Liu 1, * , Chaohai Zhang 1 and
Jian Jiao 2
1 College of Electrical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China;
yiyizhang@gxu.edu.cn (Y.Z.); xiaomingchen19960@163.com (X.C.); zdsizyy@126.com (C.Z.)
2 Electric Power Research Institute, Guangxi Power Grid Corporation, Nanning 530002, Guangxi, China;
15235030639@163.com
* Correspondence: hengzhang_gxu@163.com (H.Z.); liujiefeng9999@163.com (J.L.)




Received: 30 March 2020; Accepted: 10 April 2020; Published: 20 April 2020


Abstract: The operating temperature and the ampacity are important parameters to reflect the
operating state of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) submarine high voltage (HV) cables, and it
is of great significance to study the electrothermal coupling law of submarine cable under the
seawater flow field. In this study, according to the actual laying conditions of the submarine cable, a
multi-physical coupling model of submarine cable is established based on the electromagnetic field,
heat transfer field, and fluid field by using the COMSOL finite element simulation software. This
model can help to analyze how the temperature and ampacity of the submarine cable are affected by
different laying methods, seawater velocity, seawater temperature, laying depth, and soil thermal
conductivity. The experimental results show that the pipe laying method can lead to the highest cable
conductor temperature, even exceeding the maximum heat-resistant operating temperature of the
insulation, and the corresponding ampacity is minimum, so heat dissipation is required. Besides, the
conductor temperature and the submarine cable ampacity have a linear relationship with the seawater
temperature, and small seawater velocity can significantly improve the submarine cable ampacity.
Temperature correction coefficients and ampacity correction coefficients for steady-state seawater are
proposed. Furthermore, the laying depth and soil thermal conductivity have great impact on the
temperature field and the ampacity of submarine cable, so measures (e.g., artificial backfilling) in
areas with low thermal conductivity are needed to improve the submarine cable ampacity.

Keywords: XLPE submarine cable; temperature field; ampacity; seawater velocity; multiphysics
coupling

1. Introduction
In recent years, with the change of energy use and the development of the power grid, the
submarine cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) power cable has been increasingly used [1,2]. The
submarine cable is the hub connected to the land-based power grid, and the research on the submarine
cable transmission technology is conductive to better engineering applications. The accurate calculation
of the temperature field and the ampacity of submarine cable is vital for optimizing the cost of submarine
cable construction and improving the efficiency of submarine cable utilization [3]. The submarine
cable ampacity refers to the current-carrying capacity under steady-state operation at the maximum
operating temperature, with a given laying method and environmental conditions. Presently, XLPE

Polymers 2020, 12, 952; doi:10.3390/polym12040952 www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers

Polymers 2020, 12, 952 2 of 16

is widely used in submarine cables due to its good electrical and thermo-mechanical behaviors, and
relatively low cost [4,5]. The maximum heat-resistant operating temperature of XLPE insulation is
90 ◦ C [6]. If the operating temperature of the cable conductor is higher than 90 ◦ C for a long time, the
cable will fail [7,8]. In addition, high temperature will accelerate XLPE insulation aging and shorten the
cable service life [9,10]. On the contrary, if the operating temperature of the cable conductor is much
lower than 90 ◦ C the operating efficiency of the cable will be reduced [11]. Therefore, the conductor
temperature will directly affect the aging of the XLPE insulation and the operation of cable.
There are two common methods for calculating the temperature and the ampacity of submarine
cable. One is the equivalent thermal resistance method that is based on the international standard
IEC 60287 [12,13]. This method has high efficiency and accuracy in calculating the temperature
and the ampacity of the direct buried cables. It can satisfy the calculation of the load in the simple
scenario, but it is not suitable for the forced scenario [14]. For instance, the IEC calculation cannot
address the physical problems coupling with air convection, radiation, and heat transfer, and it will
cause large errors in calculation of the multi-loop and complex environment. Another method is the
numerical method, including the boundary element method [15], difference method, and finite element
method [16–18]. The finite element method that is based on COMSOL can simulate actual working
conditions and perform the coupling calculation of multiple physical fields. Therefore, it has become
the main research method for analyzing the temperature and ampacity of cable in recent years [19].
There are three laying methods of the submarine cable, namely, pipe laying, direct burial laying,
and sub-sea laying [20]. For the pipe laying method, the buried submarine cable is put into the PVC
pipe, which is generally applied in the landing section of cable. For the direct burial laying method,
the submarine cable is directly put in seabed soil, which is generally applied in the shallow sea. For
the sub-sea laying, the submarine cable is put in seawater, which is generally applied in the deep sea.
Different laying methods have different effects on the temperature and the ampacity of submarine
cables. Certain submarine cables with the excessively high operating temperature need heat dissipation
in order to prevent waste that is caused by low ampacity. The operation of the submarine cable is
closely related to the marine environment; the heat is generated by the loss of conductors, and the
solid heat transfer occurs in the cable body and soil when the fluid transfer occurs in water. Changes
in seawater velocity and external temperature will change the operating temperature of the cables and
affect the cable ampacity. Therefore, it is of great significance to consider the law of electric coupling of
the submarine cable in the flow field.
The electro-thermal-flow multiphysics coupling of the submarine high voltage (HV) cable is a
complex physical process and it has been a research hotspot. However, most studies only focus on
underground cables and land cables from the aspects of electro-thermal, electromagnetic-thermal
coupling, etc. Xu et al. used COMSOL software to simulate the influence of various factors on the
temperature field of the tunnel cable and pointed out that the laying position in the tunnel is critical
to the temperature and current capacity of the cable [21]. Hwang et al. focused on the thermal
analysis on underground cable in PVC pipe, and showed that the cable temperature of direct burial
laying is considerably lower than that of pipe laying [22]. Based on the research that analyzed the
boundary problem in the coupling of multiple physical fields with the electromagnetic-thermal model
of underground three-phase power cables, calculating the cable temperature with the finite element
method can cover the shortage of IEC standard [17]. Xiong et al. studied the temperature field and
air velocity field of cable trench with an irregular distribution, and results showed that the cable
temperature of irregular laying is higher than that of normal laying [23]. Zhu et al. used a variety of
methods, including the finite element method, in order to analyze the cable ampacity of different laying
methods, and put forward the strategy of cable ampacity from the view of insulation itself [24]. The
finite element method is used in the research [25] to study the heat transfer characteristics of submarine
cables, which showed that the submarine soil temperature has a certain impact on the temperature of
submarine cables. Emeana et al. pointed out the heating capacity of cables was related to the physical
properties and thermal properties of the sediment while focusing on the effect of sediment on the
Polymers 2020, 12, 952 3 of 16

submarine cable temperature [2]. Hughes et al. proved that the permeability has a significant influence
on submarine cable temperature, according to the finite element simulation [26].
In summary, most scholars investigated cables from the perspectives of the electro-thermal and
electromagnetic-thermal coupling, with certain environmental parameters and boundary conditions,
but the impact of seawater velocity was not fully considered. Most of the studies focused on the
analysis of underground cables and land cables. In this study, the research object is the three-core
220 kV AC submarine XLPE cable used in engineering. Combining the fluid field to the coupling
of electromagnetic field and heat transfer field, a coupling model that is based on electromagnetic
field, fluid field, and heat transfer field is built. The cable ampacity is obtained by iterative calculation
using the Newton–Raphson method. The influence of different laying methods, seawater temperature,
seawater velocity, laying depth, and soil thermal conductivity on the temperature distribution and the
ampacity of submarine cables is investigated.

2. Control Equations
In the electro-flow-thermal coupling model, the electromagnetic calculation of the submarine cable
uses the magnetic field control equation. The flow of seawater is obtained by the stratospheric flow
control equation. The fluid heat transfer control equation and solid heat transfer control equation are
used for the finite element calculation of temperature distribution, and the heat source in the heat transfer
control equation comes from the Joule heat that is produced by electromagnetic coupling heating.
(1) Applying the electromagnetic physics to the submarine cable, the control equation is:



 ∇×H = J

 B = ∇×A


(1)
J = σE + jωD + σv × B + Je





 E = −jωA


where, H is magnetic field strength, A/m; J is a current density vector, A/m3 ; B is magnetic flux density,
T; A is extra-surface magnetic potential, Vs/m; σ is conductivity, S/m; E is electric field strength, V/m;
Je is external injection current density, A/m3 ; and, v is speed (Lorenz), m/s. In this equation, the
extra-surface magnetic potential A is used as a dependent variable to solve the Maxwell–Ampere law.
(2) Applying the stratospheric physics to seawater, the control equation is:

ρ(u · ∇)u = ∇ · [−ρI + µ(∇u + (∇u)T )] + F

(
(2)
ρ∇(u) = 0

where, ρ is the density of the fluid, kg/m3 ; u is an velocity vector of fluid, m/s; I is an unit matrix; µ is
power viscosity, Pa · s; T is the temperature of fluid material, K; and, F is volume force (general default
is 0).
(3) Applying the solid heat transfer physics to the model other than seawater, the control
equation is:
∇ · q + ρ1 Cρ1 ∂T
(
∂t
=Q
(3)
q = −k∇T

where, ρ is the density of the material, kg/m3 ; CP is solid constant pressure heat capacity, J/(kg · k); q
is local heat flux density, W/m2 ; k is thermal conductivity, W/(m · k); and, Q is the heat source in solid
materials, W/m.
Applying the fluid heat transfer physics to model in seawater, the control equation is:

∂T
ρCρ u · ∇T + ∇ · q + ρCρ =Q (4)
∂t
where, u is speed of fluid, m/s.
 ∂T
ρ Cρ u ⋅∇T + ∇ ⋅ q + ρ Cρ =Q (4)
∂t
where, u is speed of fluid, m/s.
(4) In12,the
Polymers 2020, 952cable,
the heat source in the solid heat transfer field and fluid heat transfer field is16
4 of the
Joule heat that is generated by the load current, so the control equation of the electromagnetic
heating module is:
(4) In the cable, the heat source in the solid heat transfer field and fluid heat transfer field is the
 ρ C ρ u ⋅so
Joule heat that is generated by the load current, ∇ Tthe
=∇ ⋅ ( k ∇ T equation
control ) + Qe of the electromagnetic heating
 (5)
module is: Qe = J  E
ρCρ u · ∇T = ∇ · (k∇T ) + Qe
(
(5)
Qe = J·E
where, Qe is the heat source in the material, W / m ; and, T is the material temperature, K.
where, Qe is the heat source in the material, W/m; and, T is the material temperature, K.

3. 3.The
TheSimulation
SimulationModel
Model

3.1.
3.1.The
TheSimulated
SimulatedGeometric
GeometricModel
Model
The
Theresearch
researchobject
objectofof
this paper
this is is
paper thethe
220 kVkV
220 ACACsubmarine
submarine XLPE
XLPEcable.
cable.Figure
Figure1 shows
1 shows the
the
specific structure of the cable, and Table 1, below, illustrates specific parameters. In the simulation,
specific structure of the cable, and Table 1, below, illustrates specific parameters. In the simulation, the
laying environment
the laying of the submarine
environment HV cable
of the submarine HVis divided
cable is into two areas,
divided andareas,
into two the upper
and isthethe seawater
upper is the
area when the lower is the soil area. For direct burial laying, the submarine cable is placed
seawater area when the lower is the soil area. For direct burial laying, the submarine cable is placed in the lower
soil
in area. For sub-sea
the lower laying,
soil area. the submarine
For sub-sea laying,cable is placed incable
the submarine the upper seawater
is placed in thearea.
upper Forseawater
pipe laying,
area.
the
For pipe laying, the submarine cable is placed in the pipe in the soil area. Figure 2 showsits
submarine cable is placed in the pipe in the soil area. Figure 2 shows the submarine cable and the
laying environment.
submarine cable and its laying environment.

Figure
Figure 1. Schematic
1. Schematic diagram
diagram of submarine
of submarine cablecable structure
structure.

Table 1. The
Table specific
1. the parameters
specific ofof
parameters submarine cable.
submarine cable.
Structure Outer
Outer Diameter (mm) ThermalThermal Conductivity
Diameter
Structure
Conductor （mm）26.6 Conductivity 30.11
Conductor screen
Conductor 26.6 29.7 30.11 10
Insulating layer 83.7 2.3
Conductor screen 29.7 10
Insulation shielding 86.1 10
Insulating layer
Semi-conductive 83.7 92.1 2.3 10
LeadInsulation
sheath 99.7 35.3
86.1 10
PE shielding
sheath 107.3 0.37
Taped covering
Semi-conductive 92.1 109.3 10 0.37
Steel wire armor 121.3 44.5
Lead sheath 99.7 35.3
PP rope and brea bed 129.3 0.37
PE sheath 107.3 0.37
Taped covering 109.3 0.37
In order toSteel
improve the
wire armorcomputation efficiency
121.3 of the model,
44.5 the following assumptions can
be made: PP rope and brea
(1) The conductivity 129.3 0.37
bedof the core conductor and metal sheath of the cable changes with temperature,
and the change is as follows:
1
σ= (6)
ρ20 (1 + α20 (T − 20))
where, ρ20 is the resistivity of a core conductor at temperature 20 ◦ C, Ω · m; α20 is the resistance
temperature coefficient of core conductor, 1/K;
Polymers 2020, 12, 952 5 of 16

(2) The frequency electromagnetic field of the cable can be treated as the steady field, ignoring the
effect of displacement current.
(3) The hysteresis effect of ferromagnetic substances is ignored, treating as homogeneous medium.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure
Figure 2. Laying
2. Laying environment
environment of submarine
of submarine cable.
cable. (a) Typical
(a) Typical laying
laying environment
environment mapmap of submarine
of submarine
cable.
cable. (b) Sub-sea
(b) Sub-sea laying.
laying. (c) Direct
(c) Direct burial
burial laying.
laying. (d) Pipe
(d) Pipe laying.
laying.

3.2. The Boundary Conditions

In order to improveand the Grid Division ofefficiency
computation Simulation
of the model, the following assumptions can be
made:
The simulation model in this paper uses four physics interfaces.
(1) The conductivity
(1) Electromagnetic of the core
field boundary conductor
conditions. and the
Applying metal
loadsheath
currentofwith
theancable
anglechanges
differencewith
temperature,
◦ and the change is as follows:
of 120 to the three-phase conductor of the submarine cable. Using the coil interface to load the current,
the coil boundary can be expressed, as: 1
σ= (6)
ρ 20 (1 + α 20 (T − 20))
NI coil
Je = ecoil (7)
A
where, ρ20 is the resistivity of a core conductor at temperature 20 °C, Ω ⋅ m ; α20 is the resistance
temperature
where, coefficient
J is a current densityofvector, A/m3 ; N is1/K;
core conductor, number of turns (N = 1); A is extra-surface magnetic
potential,(2) The frequency
Vs/m; and, ecoil iselectromagnetic
the electric field,field
V/m.of the cable can be treated as the steady field, ignoring
the
(2)effect
Fluid of displacement
field current. Seawater flows from the left to the right interface of the water,
boundary conditions.
(3) The
and the rest hysteresis
of interfaces areeffect
closed.ofInferromagnetic substances
this case, the “inlet” is ignored,
is connected treating
in the as homogeneous
front interface of the
medium.
water, i.e., water flows from front to back along the cable. The seawater velocity can be expressed as:

u =ofu0Simulation
3.2. The Boundary Conditions and Grid Division ·n (8)

where, UThe simulation model in this paper uses four physics interfaces.
0 is the rate of legal inflow, m/s; n is an unit direction vector of the interface.
The “exit” is connected field
1) Electromagnetic in theboundary conditions.
rear interface Applying
of the water, i.e., thethe load current
interface pressurewith
of theanrear
angle
difference
interface of The
is 0 Pa. 120°boundary
to the three-phase
condition conductor
formula is: of the submarine cable. Using the coil interface to
load the current, the coil boundary can be expressed, as:
p=0 (9)
NIcoil
Je = ecoil (7)
A
where, J is a current density vector, A / m 3 ; N is number of turns( N =1); A is extra-surface
magnetic potential, Vs / m ; and, ecoil is the electric field, V / m .
2) Fluid field boundary conditions. Seawater flows from the left to the right interface of the
Polymers 2020, 12, 952 6 of 16

(3) Solid heat transfer boundary conditions. Except for the seawater area, the solid heat transfer
physics is used in all areas, and the soil area boundary is set at the constant temperature of 20 ◦ C.
(4) Fluid heat transfer boundary conditions. The seawater area uses the fluid heat transfer physics,
and a constant temperature is set to the seawater area boundary. The convective heat flux is applied to
the upper and lower interface of the seawater area, and the cooling effect of seawater is simulated. The
convective heat flux can be expressed, as:

q = h · (Text − T ) (10)

where, q is heat flux, J/s; h is the heat transfer coefficient; Text is the external temperature, K; and, T is
the temperature of the fluid, K.
The simulation model uses the tetrahedron cell to mesh. Refined mesh is applied for the smaller
geometric dimensions in the model (submarine cable body), and sparse mesh is applied for the other
regions with larger geometric dimensions to reduce the calculations. The number of meshes after the
final division is 244,189.

3.3. The Calculated Model of Cable Ampacity

In practice, in addition to the cable temperature distribution, the maximum load current that cables
can transmit (i.e., the load current that flows into the conductor) is also an key factor of cable operation
when the cable conductor operates at the maximum allowable temperature (90 ◦ C) [11,27]. The
relationship between the conductor temperature and the current can be expressed by a one-dimensional
nonlinear equation. In this study, the cable ampacity is calculated by the Newton– Raphson method
using the equation below:
∆θc (Ik )
Ik+1 = Ik − (11)
∆θ0c (Ik )
where, ∆θk (I ) is the maximum allowable temperature of conductors (90 ◦ C), ∆θk 0 (I ) is the first-order
differential of the conductor temperature, Ik is the current estimated value of the cable ampacity, and
Ik+1 is the next estimated value of the cable ampacity. Since the temperature differential ∆θk 0 (I ) for
each iteration cannot be exported, the difference quotient of each iteration is used to approximate the
differential, then:
∆θ0c (Ik ) − ∆θ0c (Ik−1 )
∆θ0c (I ) ≈ (12)
Ik − Ik−1
Write the upper formula in discrete form:

∆θc (Ik )
Ik + 1 = Ik − (Ik − Ik−1 ) (13)
∆θc (Ik ) − ∆θc (Ik−1 )

The initial value of the current iteration I0 can be calculated by the IEC 60287 standard. The
corresponding conductor temperature θc (Ik ) is derived from the simulation model, and the submarine
cable ampacity is calculated by the Newton–Raphson iteration. In the iterative calculation, when
the calculated temperature difference ∆θc (I ) is less than 0.01 ◦ C, the cable conductor temperature is
considered to be stable at the maximum allowable temperature, and the submarine cable ampacity is
the load of the cable. The corresponding carrier iterative algorithm is programmed in MATLAB based
on the aforementioned analysis of finite element calculation method. The submarine cable ampacity
under each parameter is solved by COMSOL with MATLAB simulation. The calculation flow chart of
the ampacity (Figure 3) is as follows:
 calculation, when
calculation, when the
the calculated
calculated temperature difference ΔΔθθcc((II)) isis less
temperature difference less than
than 0.01
0.01 °C,
°C, the
the cable
cable
conductor temperature
conductor temperature isis considered
considered toto be
be stable
stable at
at the
the maximum
maximum allowable
allowable temperature,
temperature, andand the
the
submarine cable ampacity is the load of the cable. The corresponding carrier iterative algorithm isis
submarine cable ampacity is the load of the cable. The corresponding carrier iterative algorithm
programmed in
programmed in MATLAB
MATLAB based based onon the
the aforementioned
aforementioned analysis
analysis of of finite
finite element
element calculation
calculation
Polymers 2020,
method. The 12, 952
The submarine
submarine cable
cable ampacity
ampacity under
under each
each parameter
parameter isis solved solved by COMSOL7 ofwith
by COMSOL 16
with
method.
MATLABsimulation.
MATLAB simulation.The
Thecalculation
calculationflow
flowchart
chartofofthe
theampacity
ampacityisisas asfollows:
follows:

Figure
Figure
Figure 3.3.The
3. The Theflow
flow flow chart
chartchart ofcalculated
of calculated
of calculated ampacity
ampacity
ampacity.

4.
4.4. Results
Results and
Results and
and Discussion
Discussion
Discussion

4.1. Effects
4.1. Effectsof ofLaying
LayingMethod
Method
4.1. Effects of Laying Method
Laying
Laying the three-core
the three-core submarine
submarine HVHV cable
cablebybythree
three methods,
methods, namely,
namely, direct
directburial
buriallaying,
laying, pipe
pipe
Laying the three-core submarine HV cable by three methods, namely, direct burial laying, pipe
laying,
laying, andand sub-sea
sub-sea laying.
laying. ItItisisassumed
assumed that
thatthe
theload
load current
current ofofthethesubmarine
submarine cable
cable isis926.3
926.3A,A,
laying, and sub-sea laying. It is assumed that the load current of the submarine cable is 926.3 A,
◦ C, seawater velocity is 1 m/s, the soil thermal conductivity is 1.05 W/ (m · k),
seawater temperature
seawater temperature is 20
temperature isis 20 20 °C,°C, seawater
seawater velocity
velocity isis 11 m/s,
m/s, the
the soil
soil thermal
thermal conductivity
conductivity isis 1.05
1.05
seawater
and W the
/ (m laying
⋅ k) , and depth
the of submarine
laying depth cable
of in the
submarine pipe and
cable soil
in is
the 200
pipe cm.
and The
W / (m ⋅ k) , and the laying depth of submarine cable in the pipe and soil is 200 cm. The effects of effects
soil is 200of different
cm. The laying
effects of
methods on
differentlaying the submarine
layingmethods
methodson cable
onthe temperature
thesubmarine
submarinecable and the submarine
cabletemperature
temperatureand cable
andthe ampacity
thesubmarine are
submarinecable studied
cableampacity under
ampacityare are
different
these conditions.
studied under these conditions.
studied under these conditions.
Figure
Figure 4 shows thethe
temperature distribution of the
ofsubmarine cablecable
for three laying methods. The
Figure 44 shows
shows temperature
the temperature distribution
distribution of the submarine
the submarine cable forfor three
three laying
laying methods.
methods.
conductor
The conductortemperature
conductor temperature (the maximum
temperature (the temperature
(the maximum
maximum temperature of the
temperature of submarine
of the cable)
the submarine for
submarine cable) direct burial
cable) for
for direct laying,
direct burial
burial
The ◦ C, respectively.
pipe laying
laying, pipe and sub-sea
laying and laying
sub-sea is 69.95,
laying90.55
is and90.55
69.95, 35.83and 35.83 °C, respectively.
laying, pipe laying and sub-sea laying is 69.95, 90.55 and 35.83 °C, respectively.

(a)
(a) (b)
(b) (c)
(c)
Figure
Figure
Figure 4.4.4.
TheThe
The temperature
temperature
temperature field
field
field distribution
distribution
distribution of
ofof submarine
submarine
submarine cable
cable
cable for for
for three
three
three laying
laying
laying methods.
methods.
methods. (a)
(a)
(a) The The
The
temperature
temperature
temperaturefieldfield distribution
fielddistribution of submarine
distributionofofsubmarine cable
submarinecable
cableforfor direct
fordirect burial
directburial laying.
buriallaying.
laying.(b)(b)
(b)TheThe temperature
Thetemperature field
temperaturefield
field
distribution of submarine cable for pipe laying. (c) The temperature distribution of submarine cable for
sub-sea laying.

Figure 5 shows the radial temperature changes of the submarine cable for three laying methods.
The overall temperature along the submarine cable radius is the highest by pipe laying, and that is
the lowest by sub-sea laying. In the multi-layer structure of the submarine cable, the temperature
 distribution
distributionof
ofsubmarine
submarine cable
cable for
for pipe
pipelaying.
laying. (c)
(c) The
Thetemperature
temperature distribution
distribution of
of submarine
submarine cable
cable
for
forsub-sea
sub-sealaying.
laying.

Figure
Figure 55 showsshows the the radial
radial temperature
temperature changes
changes of of the
the submarine
submarine cable cable for for three
three laying
laying
methods.
methods.
Polymers The
2020, The overall temperature along the submarine cable radius is
overall temperature along the submarine cable radius is the highest by pipe laying,
12, 952 the highest by pipe laying,
8 of 16
and
and that
that isis the
the lowest
lowest by by sub-sea
sub-sea laying.
laying. InIn the
the multi-layer
multi-layer structure
structure of of the
the submarine
submarine cable, cable, thethe
temperature
temperature distribution
distribution isis uniform.
uniform. Copper
Copper conductor
conductor and and metalmetal armor
armor have have relatively
relatively large
large
distribution
thermal is uniform.and
thermal coefficients,
coefficients, andCopper
the conductor and
the temperature
temperature in metal
in those armor is
those places
places have therelatively
is the highest.
highest. Thelargeinsulation
The thermal coefficients,
insulation layer
layer isis the
the
and the
thickest, temperature
thickest, with
with the in
the lowestthose
lowest thermal places is the
thermal conductivity,highest.
conductivity, and The
and itsinsulation
its temperature layer is
temperature decreases the thickest,
decreases the with
the most. the
most. TheThelowest
shield
shield
thermal
layer isisconductivity,
layer thin
thin andand ititand its temperature
closely
closely relies
relies onon decreases
the
the conductorthe most.
conductor andThe
and shield layer
insulation,
insulation, andis its
and thin and it closelyisis
its temperature
temperature
relies on the
approximately conductor
approximately equal equal to and
to the insulation,
the temperature
temperature ofand its
of thetemperature
the nearby
nearby layer. is approximately
layer. TheThe internal
internal andequal to
and external the temperature
external sheath
sheath layers
layers
ofare
the nearby
are thick,
thick, with layer.
with small The internal
small thermal and
thermal coefficients, external
coefficients, and sheath
and its layers
its temperatureare thick,
temperature decay with small
decay isis fast. thermal
fast. The
The armored coefficients,
armored layer
layer isis
and
made
madeits temperature
of
ofsteel wire,decay
steelwire, which
which isisis
fast.
thinThe
thin and
and armored
has
hasaalargelayer
large is madeconductivity,
thermal
thermal of steel wire,and
conductivity, which
andits itsis thin and hasisisaalmost
temperature
temperature large
almost
thermal
unchanged. conductivity,
unchanged. The and
The temperature its
temperature of temperature
of the is
the submarine almost
submarine cable unchanged.
cable can
can decrease The
decrease to temperature
to approximately
approximately 10 of the submarine
10 °C
°C from
from the the
cable
inside
insidecan todecrease
to the
theoutside to approximately
outside for
forall
allmethods.
methods. 10 ◦ C from the inside to the outside for all methods.

Figure
Figure 5.5.5.Radial
Figure Radial temperature
Radialtemperature
temperaturedistribution
distribution
distributioncurve
curve ofof
curve of submarine
submarine cable
cable
submarine for
for
cable three
three
for laying
laying
three methods
methods.
laying methods

The
Thesubmarine
The submarine
submarine cable ampacity
cable
cable ampacity
ampacity of of
three
of three laying
three methods
laying
laying is calculated
methods
methods and and
isis calculated
calculated shown in Figure
and shown
shown in 6. The6.
in Figure
Figure 6.
cable
The ampacity
The cable of sub-sea
cable ampacity
ampacity of layinglaying
of sub-sea
sub-sea is 39.53%
laying higher higher
isis 39.53%
39.53% than that
higher of that
than
than direct
that ofofburial
directlaying,
direct burialand
burial 47.65%
laying,
laying, andhigher
and 47.65%
47.65%
than thatthan
higher
higher of pipe
than thatlaying.
that of
ofpipe
pipelaying.
laying.

Figure 6. The comparison of the cable ampacity of three laying methods.

Figure
Figure6.6.The
Thecomparison
comparisonof
ofthe
thecable
cableampacity
ampacityof
ofthree
threelaying
layingmethods.
methods.
Different
Different
Different laying
laying
laying methods
methodswillwill
methods affect the temperature
will affect
affect the distribution
the temperature
temperature and the ampacity
distribution
distribution and theof
and the the submarine
ampacity
ampacity of
of the
the
cable. Certain
submarine heat
cable. dissipation
Certain heat measures
dissipationshould be
measures taken in
should pipe
be laying—if
taken in the
pipe
submarine cable. Certain heat dissipation measures should be taken in pipe laying—if the operating operating
laying—if temperature
the operating
oftemperature
the submarine
temperature of cable
of the has exceeded
the submarine
submarine cablethehas
cable normal
has operating
exceeded
exceeded the temperature
the normal of the temperature
normal operating
operating XLPE cable and
temperature of the
thecable
of the XLPE
XLPE
ampacity
cable
cable and is lower
and the
the cablethan the
cable ampacity load current,
ampacity isis lower then
lower than the
than the submarine
the load
load current,cable
current, thenwill
then thebe out of
the submarinenormal
submarine cable operation.
cable willwill be Theof
be out
out of
landing
normal section of
operation. the submarine
The landing cable by
section pipe
of laying
the has weak
submarine heat
cable dissipation,
normal operation. The landing section of the submarine cable by pipe laying has weak heat by pipe and
laying it is
hasthe clamping
weak heat
point of the submarine
dissipation,
dissipation, and cable
and itit isis the
the transmission
clamping
clamping point line.
point of
of the
theOn the contrary,
submarine
submarine cablethe
cable cable ampacity
transmission
transmission line.ofOn
line. Onsub-sea
the laying
the contrary,
contrary,
isthe
the largest,
the cable because
cable ampacity
ampacity of the cooling
of sub-sea effect
sub-sea laying of seawater
laying isis the is
the largest, significant
largest, because and
because the the conductor
the cooling
cooling effect temperature
effect of seawaterisisis
of seawater
the smallest.and
significant
significant andthetheconductor
conductortemperature
temperatureisisthe thesmallest.
smallest.
4.2. Effects of Seawater Temperature
4.2.
4.2. Effects
EffectsofofSeawater
SeawaterTemperature
Temperature
It is assumed that the load current of the submarine cable is 926.3 A, the seawater velocity is 1 m/s,
the soil thermal conductivity is 1.05 W/(m·k), and the laying depth of submarine cable in the pipe and
soil is 200 cm. The seawater temperature is generally around 12–21 ◦ C [28]. This model takes a value
every 3 ◦ C from the seawater temperature range (3–30 ◦ C) to study the effects of different seawater
temperatures on the temperature and the ampacity of the submarine cable.
 cable ampacity for sub-sea lying, direct burial laying and pipe laying is assumed as y2 (x) , y4 (x) ,
and y6(x) , respectively. Thus, linear equations that are related to the seawater temperature can be
expressed as:

y1 ( x ) = 1.072 x + 14.44822 (14)

Polymers 2020, 12, 952 9 of 16

y2 ( x) = 2009.7222 − 12.8 x (15)

Figure 7 shows the change curve of the conductor temperature and the ampacity with different
seawater temperature (3–30 ◦ C) for three laying methods. It can be seen that the conductor temperature
y3 ( x) = 0.6989 x + 55.97458 (16)
has a positive linear change when the corresponding ampacity has a negative linear change, with the
increase of the seawater temperature. The conductor temperature for sub-sea lying, direct burial laying
y ( x) = 1149.16222 − 4.40778 x (17)
and pipe laying is assumed as y1 (x), y34(x), and y5 (x), respectively; and, the cable ampacity for sub-sea
lying, direct burial laying and pipe laying is assumed as y2 (x), y4 (x), and y6 (x), respectively. Thus,
y5 ( x) = 0.66654
linear equations that are related to the seawater x + 77.2158
temperature can be expressed as: (18)

6 ) =1.072x
y1y(x()x= 991.173 − 3.39683 x
+ 14.44822 (14)
(19)

The sub-sea laying method that (x) =

y2has 2009.7222
direct contact− 12.8x (15)
with seawater is most affected by seawater
temperature, and its increase rate of conductor temperature and decrease rate of ampacity
y3 (x) = 0.6989x + 55.97458 (16)
reduction are the largest, as 1.072 and 2009.7222, respectively, according to the linear equations
y4 (x) =
above. In comparison, the temperature 1149.16222
increase − 4.40778x
rate and the ampacity decrease rate of the other(17)
two
laying methods are much smaller (as 0.66654 and 991.42667, respectively, for pipe laying; as 0.6989
y5 (x) = 0.66654x + 77.2158 (18)
and 1149.16222, respectively, for direct burial laying), because medium blocks direct contact with
y6 (x) a=reference
seawater. These formulas can provide 991.173 −for3.39683x
the effect of seawater temperature on (19)the
actual operation of submarine cable.

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 7. 7.
TheThe change
change curve
curve ofof the
the conductor
conductor temperature
temperature and
and the
the submarine
submarine cable
cable ampacity.
ampacity. (a)(a)
TheThe
change curve of the conductor temperature for three laying methods. (b) The change
change curve of the conductor temperature for three laying methods. (b) The change curve of the curve of the
submarine
submarine cable
cable ampacity
ampacity forfor three
three laying
laying methods.
methods.

The sub-sea laying method that has direct contact with seawater is most affected by seawater
temperature, and its increase rate of conductor temperature and decrease rate of ampacity reduction are
the largest, as 1.072 and 2009.7222, respectively, according to the linear equations above. In comparison,
the temperature increase rate and the ampacity decrease rate of the other two laying methods are much
smaller (as 0.66654 and 991.42667, respectively, for pipe laying; as 0.6989 and 1149.16222, respectively,
for direct burial laying), because medium blocks direct contact with seawater. These formulas can
provide a reference for the effect of seawater temperature on the actual operation of submarine cable.

4.3. Effects of Seawater Velocity

It is assumed that the load current of submarine cable is 926.3 A, the laying depth of submarine
cable in the pipe and soil is 200 cm, seawater temperature is 20 ◦ C and the soil thermal conductivity is
1.05 W/(m · k). The maximum seawater velocity is generally not more than 1 m/s [29]. Thus, values
between 0–1 m/s are taken as the seawater velocity in this model to analyze the effect of different
seawater velocity on the temperature and the ampacity of submarine cable for three laying methods.
When the seawater velocity is 1 m/s, the contour map of the velocity distribution by sub-sea laying
is shown in Figure 8a. The white color area indicates that there is no water flow. The velocity is lower at
 is 1.05 W/ (m⋅ k) . The maximum seawater velocity is generally not more than 1 m/s [29]. Thus,
values between 0–1 m/s are taken as the seawater velocity in this model to analyze the effect of
different seawater velocity on the temperature and the ampacity of submarine cable for three laying
methods.
When
Polymers 2020, the seawater velocity is 1m/s, the contour map of the velocity distribution by
12, 952 10 ofsub-sea
16
laying is shown in Figure 8a. The white color area indicates that there is no water flow. The velocity
is lower at the left and right ends of the submarine cable, and a certain backflow is formed. The
the left and right ends of the submarine cable, and a certain backflow is formed. The velocity increases
velocity increases to 1.184 m/s at the upper end of the submarine cable, and a velocity vortex is
to 1.184 m/s at the upper end of the submarine cable, and a velocity vortex is formed. Figure 8b shows
formed. Figure 8b shows the contour map of the seawater velocity distribution for the other two
the contour map of the seawater velocity distribution for the other two laying methods. In this case,
laying methods. In this case, seawater flows normally, and the maximum velocity of seawater is
seawater flows normally, and the maximum velocity of seawater is 1.02 m/s.
1.02 m/s.

(a) (b)

FigureFigure
8. The8.contour
The contour
map ofmap of seawater
seawater velocity distribution.
velocity distribution. (a) The
(a) The contour mapcontour map velocity
of seawater of seawater
velocityfor
distribution distribution for sub-sea
sub-sea laying. (b) Thelaying.
contour(b) Theofcontour
map seawatermap of seawater
velocity velocity
distribution distribution
for pipe laying for
pipe laying
and direct burial and direct burial laying.
laying.

TableTable 2 shows
2 shows the conductor
the conductor temperature
temperature and and the submarine
the submarine cablecable ampacity
ampacity under under different
different
seawater velocity (0–1 m/s) of three laying methods. Physical flows that are caused by seawater
seawater velocity (0–1 m/s) of three laying methods. Physical flows that are caused by seawater velocity
velocity can improve
can significantly significantly improve the
the convection heatconvection
transfer on heat
thetransfer
surface on the surfacecable.
of submarine of submarine
No matter cable.
whichNolaying
matter which islaying
method used,method
with theisincrease
used, with theseawater
of the increasevelocity,
of the seawater velocity,
the conductor the conductor
temperature
temperature
decreases decreasesincreases.
and the ampacity and the Whenampacity increases.
compared with theWhen
staticcompared with the temperature
state, the conductor static state, the
◦ C with flowing seawater, and the submarine cable ampacity
conductor temperature by sub-sea laying can decrease by 44.31 °C with flowing seawater, and the
by sub-sea laying can decrease by 44.31
◦ C,
submarine
can increase cableA.ampacity
by 779.4 For directcan increase
burial laying,by the 779.4 A. For
conductor direct burial
temperature laying, by
can decrease the6.57
conductor
temperature
and the submarinecan decrease
cable ampacityby 6.57 °C, and the
can increase submarine
by 52.4 cablelaying,
A. For pipe ampacity can increase
the conductor by 52.4 A. For
temperature
◦
pipe laying,
can decrease the Cconductor
by 5.6 temperature
and the submarine cablecanampacity
decreasecan by increase
5.6 °C and the submarine
by 26.9 A. The decreasecableofampacity
the
can increase by 26.9 A. The decrease of the conductor temperature and the increase of cable
conductor temperature and the increase of cable ampacity are both related to the change of seawater
ampacity
velocity. are dissipation
The heat both relatedeffect
to theofchange
seawater of on
seawater
cables byvelocity.
sub-seaThe heatisdissipation
laying greater than effect
thatofbyseawater
the
otheron cables
two bymethods.
laying sub-sea laying is greater
The conductor than that and
temperature by thethe other two laying
submarine methods.are
cable ampacity The conductor
changed
temperature and the submarine cable ampacity are changed significantly in the low-velocity
significantly in the low-velocity interval; however, they are basically unchanged in the high-velocity
interval;
interval. however,
Therefore, the they
effectare
of basically
velocity in unchanged in the high-velocity
the low-velocity interval is much interval.
greaterTherefore,
than thatthe in effect
the of
velocity in
high-velocity the low-velocity interval is much greater than that in the high-velocity interval.
interval.
Table 2 shows that the submarine cable temperature reaches the bottleneck and it tends to be
stable whenTable
the2.seawater
Conductorvelocity
temperature and ampacity
is larger than 1 m/s. of submarine
In general, cable
theunder
seawater different seawater
velocity is notvelocity.
larger
than 1 m/s, so a stable state is defined when the conductor temperature and ampacity of the submarine
Seawater Velocity Conductor Cable
cable do not Laying
change Method
with the seawater velocity. In this paper, the ratio of the conductor temperature
（m/s） Temperature（°C） Ampacity（A）
Ts in the steady state (v = 1 m/s) to the conductor temperature Tm in the stationary state (v = 0 m/s)
0 79.98 984.7
is defined as the temperature–velocity influence factor PT . The ratio of the ampacity Is in the steady
0.0001 48.70 1352.0
state to the ampacity Im in the stationary state is defined as the ampacity–velocity influence factor Pc ,
0.0005 43.63 1469.7
which is:
Ts
PT = (20)
Tm
Is
PC = (21)
Im
PT1 = 2.422 for sub-sea laying, PT2 = 1.0938 for direct burial laying method, and PT3 = 1.0618 for
pipe laying, according to Equation (20). PT is taken as the flow correction coefficient of the submarine
cable temperature. According to equation (21), PC1 = 1.7915 for sub-sea laying, PC2 = 1.0519 for
direct burial laying, and PC3 = 1.03 for pipe laying. PC is taken as the flow correction coefficient of
Polymers 2020, 12, 952 11 of 16

the submarine cable ampacity. The velocity correction coefficients can reflect the effects of seawater
velocity on submarine cable.

Table 2. Conductor temperature and ampacity of submarine cable under different seawater velocity.

Conductor
Laying Method Seawater Velocity (m/s) Cable Ampacity (A)
Temperature (◦ C)
0 79.98 984.7
0.0001 48.70 1352.0
0.0005 43.63 1469.7
Sub-sea laying 0.005 39.69 1598.2
0.010 38.83 1629.9
0.100 35.78 1759.3
1.000 35.67 1764.1
0 76.52 1008.8
0.0001 70.27 1058.5
0.0005 69.97 1061.5
Direct burial laying 0.005 69.95 1061.3
0.010 69.95 1061.2
0.100 69.95 1061.2
1.000 69.95 1061.2
0 96.15 896.6
0.0001 90.81 922.1
0.0005 90.58 923.4
Pipe laying 0.005 90.55 923.5
0.010 90.55 923.5
0.100 90.55 923.5
1.000 90.55 923.5

4.4. Effects of Burial Depth and Soil Thermal Conductivity

For three-core submarine cables laid directly in soil and in the pipe, it is assumed that the cable load
current is 926.3A, seawater temperature is 20 ◦ C, and seawater velocity is 1 m/s. The typical laying depth
of submarine cable is 50–150 cm [1], and this model takes a value every 30 mm from the laying depth
range of (40–250 cm). Besides, the general soil thermal conductivity is 0.58–1.94 W/(m · k) [30], and
this model takes a value every 0.1 W/(m · k) from the thermal conductivity range [0.6–1.2 W/(m · k)].
The effects of the laying depths and the soil thermal conductivity on the temperature and ampacity of
the submarine cable by direct burial laying and pipe laying are studied.
Figure 9 shows changes in the radial temperature of the cable for two methods under different
laying depths. Whether it is direct burial laying or pipe laying, the radial temperature of the cable will
increase as the laying depth increases (40–250 cm). There is a positive correlation between temperature
and laying depth. The cable temperature increase is gradually smaller, and reaches the bottleneck.
The temperature change of direct burial laying is larger than that of pipe laying. Figure 10 shows
changes in the cable ampacity of two laying methods under different laying depths. Similarly, the
cable ampacity is inversely proportional to laying depth. When the laying depth is shallow, the heat
dissipation effect of seawater is significant, because seawater has a high convection coefficient and
good thermal conductivity. The lower the laying depth, the smaller the cable temperature, and the
greater the ampacity. However, if the laying depth is larger than 250 cm, the heat dissipation effect of
soil gradually replaces that of seawater. In this case, the temperature and the ampacity of submarine
cable are not affected by the laying depth and they remain constant.
 10 shows changes in the cable ampacity of two laying methods under different laying depths.
Similarly,
Similarly, the
the cable
cable ampacity
ampacity is is inversely
inversely proportional
proportional to to laying
laying depth.
depth. When
When the the laying
laying depth
depth is is
shallow,
shallow, thethe heat
heat dissipation
dissipation effect
effect of
of seawater
seawater is is significant,
significant, because
because seawater
seawater has has aa high
high
convection
convection coefficient
coefficient and
and good
good thermal
thermal conductivity.
conductivity. The
The lower
lower the
the laying
laying depth,
depth, the
the smaller
smaller the
the
cable
cable temperature,
temperature, and and the
the greater
greater the
the ampacity.
ampacity. However,
However, ifif the
the laying
laying depth
depth isis larger
larger than
than 250
250 cm,
cm,
Polymers
the 2020, 12, 952 12 of 16
the heat
heat dissipation
dissipation effect
effect of
of soil
soil gradually
gradually replaces
replaces that
that ofof seawater.
seawater. InIn this
this case,
case, the
the temperature
temperature
and
and the
the ampacity
ampacity of of submarine
submarine cable
cable are
are not
not affected
affected by
by the
the laying
laying depth
depth and
and they
they remain
remain constant.
constant.

(a)
(a) (b)
(b)
Figure
Figure9.
Figure 9.
9. Changes
Changes inin the
the radial
radial temperature
temperature of of the submarine
the submarine
submarine cable for
cable for two
for two laying
two laying methods
laying methods with
methods with
with
different
different laying
laying depths.
depths. (a)
(a) Changes
Changes in
in the
the radial
radial temperature
temperature of
of the
the submarine
submarine cable
cable
different laying depths. (a) Changes in the radial temperature of the submarine cable for direct burial for
for direct
direct
burial
laying laying
burial with
laying with
with different
different
different laying
laying depths.
laying depths. depths.
(b) (b)
(b) Changes
Changes Changes in
in the
in the radialthe radial
radial temperature
temperature
temperature of
of the
the submarine
of the submarine submarine
cable for
cable
pipe for
for pipe
cablelaying pipe laying
laying
with with different
withlaying
different different laying
laying depths.
depths. depths.

(a)
(a) (b)
(b)
Figure
Figure 10. The
Figure 10. Thesubmarine
The submarinecable
submarine cableampacity
cable ampacityfor
ampacity for
fortwo
two laying
laying
two methods
layingmethods
methodswith
with different
different
with laying
laying
different depths.
depths.
laying (a)
(a)
depths.
Submarine
Submarine
(a) Submarine cable
cable ampacity
ampacity
cable for
ampacityfor direct
directburial
direct
for buriallaying
burial layingwith
laying withdifferent
with different laying
different laying depths.
depths. (b)
(b) Submarine cable
Submarine cable
cable
ampacity for
ampacityfor
ampacity pipe
forpipe laying
pipelaying with
layingwith different
withdifferent laying
differentlaying depths.
layingdepths.
depths.

The
The seafloor
seafloorsoil
seafloor soilhas
soil hasgreat
has greatinfluence
great influenceon
influence onthe
on the
thetemperature
temperature
temperature field of of
field
field submarine
of submarine
submarine cables [31].
cables
cables Figure
[31].
[31]. Figure11
Figure
shows
11
11 shows
showschanges in the
changes
changes inradial
in the temperature
the radial
radial of theof
temperature
temperature cable
of thefor
the twofor
cable
cable laying
for two methods
two laying with different
laying methods
methods with soil thermal
with different
different soil
soil
conductivity.
thermal The greater
thermal conductivity.
conductivity. Thethe
The soil the
greater
greater thermal
the soil conductivity,
soil thermal
thermal the smaller
conductivity,
conductivity, the the overall
the smaller
smaller the temperature
the overall
overall of the
temperature
temperature
submarine
of
of the cable. That
the submarine
submarine cable.
cable.is, That
the soil
That is, thermal
is, the soil conductivity
the soil thermal affects theaffects
thermal conductivity
conductivity heat dissipation
affects the
the heat effect of soil.
heat dissipation
dissipation If the
effect
effect of
of
soil
soil.thermal
soil. If
If the conductivity
the soil
soil thermal is small, theis
thermal conductivity
conductivity isconductor
small,
small, thethetemperature
conductor of both laying
conductor temperature
temperature of methods
of both
both laying
layingwill exceed will
methods
methods the
will
maximum ◦ C) of the XLPE cables. The submarine cable ampacity changes
exceed
exceed the theoperating
maximum
maximum temperature
operating(90
operating temperature
temperature (90
(90 °C)
°C) of
of the
the XLPE
XLPE cables.
cables. The
The submarine
submarine cablecable
of two
ampacity laying
ampacity changes methods
changes of of twoof different
two laying soil
laying methods thermal
methods of conductivity
of different
different soil are
soil thermal shown in
thermal conductivity Figure
conductivity are 12. The submarine
are shown
shown in
in Figure
Figure
cable
12.
12. Theampacity
The is positively
submarine
submarine cable correlated
cable ampacity with
ampacity is the seafloorcorrelated
is positively
positively soil thermal
correlated conductivity.
with
with the
the seafloorWithsoil
seafloor the increase
soil thermal
thermal
of the seafloor heat conductivity, the submarine cable ampacity increases, and the increase gradually
slows down. Before planning and designing transmission lines of the submarine cable, a detailed
investigation of the thermal conductivity of the seaside soil is essential for determining the submarine
cable ampacity. Thus, in the laying area of submarine cable, it is necessary to collect the upper soil
samples that can represent the solid phase matrix material and the particle size distribution to detect
the water content index of the upper soil and obtain a reliable upper soil thermal conductivity. At the
same time, suitable laying materials (e.g., gravel, stone, and mud) need to be selected in sea areas where
artificial backfilling is required, so the influence that is caused by the uneven thermal conductivity on
the cable ampacity of transmission lines can be minimized.
 it is necessary to collect the upper soil samples that can represent the solid phase matrix material
and the particle size distribution to detect the water content index of the upper soil and obtain a
reliable upper soil thermal conductivity. At the same time, suitable laying materials (e.g. gravel,
stone, and mud) need to be selected in sea areas where artificial backfilling is required, so the
Polymers 12, 952
2020,that
influence 13 of 16
is caused by the uneven thermal conductivity on the cable ampacity of transmission
lines can be minimized.

(a) (b)
Figure11.
Figure 11.Changes
Changesin inthe
theradial
radialtemperature
temperatureofofthe
thecable
cablefor
fortwo
twolaying
layingmethods
methodswithwithdifferent
differentsoil
soil
thermal conductivity. (a) Changes in the radial temperature of the cable for direct burial laying
thermal conductivity. (a) Changes in the radial temperature of the cable for direct burial laying with with
differentsoil
different soilthermal
thermalconductivity.
conductivity.(b)(b)Changes
Changesininthe
theradial
radialtemperature
temperatureofofthe
thecable
cablefor
forpipe
pipelaying
laying
withsoil
with soildifferent
differentthermal
thermalconductivity.
conductivity.

(a) (b)
Figure12.
Figure 12.The
The submarine
submarine cablecable ampacity
ampacity for twofor twomethods
laying laying with
methods with
different soildifferent soil thermal
thermal conductivity.
conductivity.
(a) (a) Submarine
Submarine cable ampacity forcable ampacity
direct for direct
burial laying with burial laying
different thermalwith different thermal
conductivity of soil.
conductivity
(b) Submarineof soil.ampacity
cable (b) Submarine cable
for pipe ampacity
laying forthermal
different pipe laying differentofthermal
conductivity soil. conductivity of
soil.
4.5. Comparison with IEC standards and Actual Data
4.5.IEC
Comparison with IEC
60827 standard standards used
is generally and Actual
for theData
calculation of the cable ampacity under direct burial
layingIEC
and60827
pipe laying.
standardFigure 13 showsused
is generally the cable ampacity
for the calculated
calculation of thebycable
the IEC 60287 and
ampacity obtained
under direct
by the simulation. The error between the IEC 60827 calculation and the simulation is 0.67%
burial laying and pipe laying. Figure 13 shows the cable ampacity calculated by the IEC 60287 for direct
and
burial laying,
obtained by and
the that is 1.7% for
simulation. Thepipe laying,
error which
between meets
the IEC the practical
60827 needs (error
calculation lesssimulation
and the than 5%). is
0.67% for direct burial laying, and that is 1.7% for pipe laying, which meets the practical needs
(error less than 5%).

13. The13.
FigureFigure comparison of the submarine
The comparison cable ampacity
of the submarine calculated
cable ampacity by the IEC
calculated by60287 and60287
the IEC obtained
and
by the simulation.
obtained by the simulation.

For the cables of sub-sea laying, there is no algorithm for verification. In this paper, the
measured temperature data obtained by a 220 kV submarine cable monitoring system are compared
with the simulated temperature, as shown in Table 3. In the simulation model of submarine cable,
the seawater velocity is 1m/s, the seawater temperature is 20 °C and the soil thermal conductivity is
1.05 W / (m ⋅ k) . In the actual works of submarine cables, the temperature measuring point is 2001m
from the coast, the seawater velocity is 1.1m/s, the seawater temperature is 20.2 °C and the soil
Polymers 2020, 12, 952 14 of 16

For the cables of sub-sea laying, there is no algorithm for verification. In this paper, the measured
temperature data obtained by a 220 kV submarine cable monitoring system are compared with the
simulated temperature, as shown in Table 3. In the simulation model of submarine cable, the seawater
velocity is 1 m/s, the seawater temperature is 20 ◦ C and the soil thermal conductivity is 1.05 W/(m · k).
In the actual works of submarine cables, the temperature measuring point is 2001 m from the coast,
the seawater velocity is 1.1 m/s, the seawater temperature is 20.2 ◦ C and the soil composition is
normal sand and mud (the soil thermal conductivity is approximately equal to 1 W/(m · k)). Errors
of the three-phase (including A-phase, B-phase, and C-phase) data between the simulation of the
multi-physics coupling model and monitoring system are 3%, 1.51%, and 0.3%, respectively, which
also meet the practical needs.

Table 3. The measured temperature data and the simulation temperature data.

Data A-Phase B-Phase C-Phase

Monitoring data (◦ C) 34.63 36.21 35.66
Simulation data (◦ C) 35.67 35.66 35.67

5. Conclusions
In this paper, the 220 kV three-core AC submarine HV cable is the research object, and a
multi-physical coupling model is established that is based on the electromagnetic field, fluid field, and
heat transfer field. Besides, the temperature field and the submarine cable ampacity are iteratively
calculated to study the effects of different laying methods, seawater temperature, seawater velocity,
laying depth, and soil thermal conductivity on the temperature and the ampacity of submarine cable.
The following conclusions were obtained:
(1) The landing section of the submarine HV cable has the highest operating temperature, the
corresponding conductor temperature can reach 90.55 ◦ C, which exceeds the maximum heat-resistant
operating temperature of XLPE insulation, and the ampacity is lower than the normal load current.
If the submarine cable ampacity is set according to the lowest value of ampacity, the transmission
efficiency will be affected. Therefore, the cooling measures for the submarine cable need to be
strengthened in order to improve the ampacity, such as using laying materials with high thermal
conductivity and performing external ventilation and heat dissipation in the landing section.
(2) The seawater temperature significantly affects the conductor temperature and the submarine
cable ampacity. Linear equations of seawater temperature and conductor temperature and linear
equations of seawater temperature and submarine cable ampacity are proposed. These equations
can provide some reference for the effect of seawater temperature on the actual submarine cable
temperature and ampacity.
(3) Flowing seawater can reduce the submarine cable temperature and it has a significant heat
dissipation function in low velocity. The temperature flow correction coefficient and the ampacity flow
correction coefficient of the submarine cable in the steady-state seawater are proposed in this study,
which can quantify the effect of the seawater velocity on the submarine cable in practice.
(4) For the submarine cable by direct burial laying and pipe laying, the laying depth has a great
effect on the cable temperature and ampacity. The submarine cable will have better heat dissipation
and greater ampacity, if the laying depth is shallower. The cooling effect of the soil will replace that
of seawater when the laying depth is larger than 250 cm. The soil thermal conductivity has great
influence on the cable temperature and ampacity. In practice, it is necessary to investigate the soil laid
on the cable, and artificial backfilling is required in areas with low thermal conductivity in order to
increase the submarine cable ampacity.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, Y.Z.; Data curation, Y.Z. and X.C.; Software, J.J.; Supervision, J.L. and
C.Z.; Validation, C.Z.; Writing—original draft, H.Z. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of
the manuscript.
Polymers 2020, 12, 952 15 of 16

Funding: This research received no external funding.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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