Study and Progress of the Ampacity Computation of Power Cables

The ampacity of power cables is difficult to be determined due to influences by installation method,operation conditions and ambient conditions. It is of great importance to calculate accurately the cable ampacity under complicated conditions in order to ensure cable safety and economic operation. In this paper,the evolution of the analytical method and numerical method for ampacity computation is presented. The deficiency of the NM theory was analyzed and improvement was proposed. The basic content and limitations of the ampacity computation standard IEC 60287 were described. The application of the three main numerical methods (finite difference,boundary element and limit element) for ampacity computation was introduced. The characteristics of the three methods were discussed. Finally,in terms of the practical problems,the content and method for further study were proposed based on the achievements of the a. m. study.