Dynamic thermal loading capacity of underground cables in medium voltage distribution networks

Rapid advancement of technology and the inclusion of newer technologies in the medium voltage (MV) distribution grid has a negative effect on its hosting capacity. A complete restructure of the existing grid infrastructure is not a viable option owing to the economic as well as practical reasons. To counter this, an approach is proposed in this paper to increase the hosting capacity of the grid via better utilization of its underground cables. A comparison between the static approach which is based on the nominal current of the cable and the dynamic approach based on the temperature properties to determine the load rate is done. The results from this study show that there is indeed more room available as even though the nominal current of the cable is reached, the component is sufficiently below the safety threshold recommended based on its heating. This implies that the grid has more space to accommodate new consumers as well as Distribution Energy Resources (DERs). A brief insight into the methodology followed by the initial results based on this approach and further steps to be taken are explained in this paper.