Assessment of the Thermal Performance of Cables at Zummar Station, Considering the Impact of Harmonics

Authors

Riyad Zaki Sabri Younis, College of Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Mosul, IraqFollow
Khaled Mohammed Othman, College of Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Mosul, IraqFollow

Abstract

This study evaluates the thermal impact of harmonic distortion on underground power cables through a real-life case study conducted at the Zummar 33/11 kV substation. Field measurements indicated that the cable most exposed to thermal stress was the one supplying an industrial area, where a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) level of 23.8% was recorded due to nonlinear loads. Numerical simulations were carried out using the Finite Element Method (FEM) to analyze the thermal performance of the cable system under different seasonal loading conditions. The results showed that harmonics not only increased the temperature of the affected cable but also indirectly raised the temperatures of adjacent cables, leading to partial thermal redistribution within the system. These findings highlight the importance of integrating harmonic analysis with thermal modeling to achieve accurate current rating assessments and ensure the safe and efficient design of underground power cables, particularly in substations supplying nonlinear industrial loads.

Recommended Citation

Younis, Riyad Zaki Sabri and Othman, Khaled Mohammed (2025) "Assessment of the Thermal Performance of Cables at Zummar Station, Considering the Impact of Harmonics," AUIQ Technical Engineering Science: Vol. 2: Iss. 3, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70645/3078-3437.1040