A probabilistic approach for power cable cross section area selection: Most economic design by computer aided

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Computer-Aided Design
• Power Systems Analysis

Background:

• Traditional power cable design is complex and time-consuming.
• Accurate cable selection is crucial for electrical system efficiency and safety.
• Existing design tools may lack comprehensive analysis or user-friendliness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a practical, computer-based design program for power cable networks.
• To provide an educational tool for students and a resource for electrical designers and engineers.
• To develop an optimized cable design method using MATLAB for low/medium-voltage applications.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Power Cables Graphical User Interface (PCGUI) program in MATLAB.
• Integration of complex analytical procedures based on international standards (IEEE, IEC, BS, NEC, NPFA 70).
• Utilization of MATLAB script files and data to analyze factors like insulation type, temperature, grouping, voltage drop, and lifetime costs.

Main Results:

• PCGUI facilitates an economical and accurate cable design with minimal manual input.
• The program provides comprehensive results including economic design, circuit breaker ratings, current loading, and voltage drop.
• It identifies the most economic cable cross-section area (CSA) through cost analysis.

Conclusions:

• PCGUI offers a novel, efficient, and user-friendly approach to power cable network design.
• The program serves as a valuable tool for academic education and professional electrical design.
• It enables optimized and cost-effective cable selection considering various operational factors and international standards.