Application of particle-based Bayesian inversion to underground medium voltage power cables in the Netherlands

This work obtains estimates for the thermal properties of the soil around underground medium-voltage power cables in the Netherlands using a Bayesian inversion algorithm.The overarching objective is to work towards a real-time enhancement of the efficiency and performance of underground cables in the Netherlands by maximizing the transport of power while ensuring cable degradation is kept to a minimum. We deduce the thermal properties of the surrounding soil from an observed thermal profile, as well as quantify the reliability (or uncertainty). Moreover, we validate our modeling assumptions by comparing our numerical findings to laboratory measurements of the thermal properties of the soil. We have conducted this research in collaboration with Alliander, a Dutch grid operator.