The Effect of soil temperature on the ampacity values of underground cables in Jalingo, North – East Nigeria: ampacity values of underground cables in Jalingo

Terkaa Victor Targema; Maxwell Obia Kanu; Gabriel W. Joseph; Anuye Yohanna

Authors

Terkaa Victor Targema Department of Physics, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8809-1741
Kanu Maxwell Obia Department of Physics, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4503-5886
Gabriel W. Joseph Department of Physics, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3760-2112
Anuye Yohanna Department of Physics, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0508-8200

Keywords:

Ampacity, Thermal Conductivity, Backfill, Ambient Temperature, soil, Jalingo

Abstract

Cables are like bridges that connects the machine that generate electricity and the appliances that uses it. Electrical cable can be a single conductor (solid or stranded) insulated through its full length; or several conductors spread together with each given its insulation under one outer protective covering. Electricity flowing in a conductor generates heat. A resistance to heat flow between the cable and the ambient environment causes the cable’s temperature to rise. This work examined the effect of soil temperature on the current rating of a Cross Link Polyethylene Low Voltage Cable laid in three power substations in Jalingo, Taraba State. The findings revealed a mean soil temperature and ampacity value of 95.25 ^oC and 245.12 A for coarse soil, 95.06 ^oC and 318.90 A for clay soil and 94.8 ^oC and 318.70 A for loamy soils. Comparison of the ampacity values of the different soils with the standard value of 320 A, the current rating of the cable is reduced by 74.88 A, 1.1 A and 1.3 A respectively for coarse, clay and loamy soils. Results also indicated that the current rating of the cables laid on loamy soil is 1.3 times greater than that on coarse soil at their respective temperatures. The study suggested that clay and loamy soil are suitable materials for local backfilling, while coarse soil is not.

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Author Biography

Kanu Maxwell Obia, Department of Physics, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria

Associate Professor, Physics Department, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria.

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