Arrangement Optimization of Power Cables in Harmonic Currents to Achieve the Maximum Ampacity Using ICA.

In this article, a new electro-thermal optimization algorithm is proposed to determine the parallel power cables arrangement to obtain the maximum ampacity. The optimization procedure is based on the imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA). Electrical calculations are performed using the sub-conductors method and consideration of the skin and proximity effects. FEM thermal model and electrical calculations are coupled with optimization procedure to determine the ampacity in the optimization algorithm. Optimized arrangements are determined under sinusoidal and harmonic load currents conditions. Furthermore, the effects of different boundary conditions of the ground surface such as isothermal and convective heat flux are evaluated. The underground single conductor cables with solid bonded metallic sheaths and existing of circulating currents are considered. Cables are considered to be installed adjacent to each other in different rows above each other in flat formations. Also, the artificial bee colony (ABC) optimization algorithm is performed to validate the ICA procedure. Experimental measurement of a case study is carried out for simulation confirmation and the results show good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]