Comprehensive analysis of temperature distribution in OPGW cable considering ramifications of short circuit current

Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) combines electrical conduction and telecommunication within overhead power transmission systems. This paper investigates the thermodynamics of OPGW after the occurrence of short circuits, with a primary focus on temperature increase and its implications for the optical fiber component after the occurrence of a short circuit that leads to a rise in temperature on the optical fiber. The key novelty of this study lies in the analysis of the after-effects of short circuits, particularly the heat dissipation over time and its impact on optical fiber attenuation, which has not been thoroughly addressed in previous studies. Our investigation addresses three cable configurations with distinct armor compositions having outer materials of steel and aluminum. The study is conducted using the finite element method that enables the investigation of the post short circuit effects by using the simultaneous computation of electromagnetic and thermodynamic equations, providing a comprehensive understanding of electrical and thermal effects. The study reveals that the cable with an outer aluminum and inner steel armor layer exhibits the lowest temperature rise of 62 °C at the optical fiber under a 15.4 kA short-circuit current, compared to 172 °C in outer steel armored design cable. This reduction is attributed to aluminum's lower permeability, which suppresses the skin effect. The aluminum-steel hybrid design also minimizes signal attenuation by 55% compared to the outer steel armored design cable.