Evaluation of high-voltage cable-coupler performance for mine power systems. [Ph. D. Thesis]

Thesis/Dissertation · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:5325125

Bise, C J

High-voltage cable couplers are convenient and widely used accessories in modern coal-mine power distribution systems for aiding in the extension and retraction of power-feeder cables throughout a mine. Coupler design has tried to keep pace with the industry's desire to move to higher distribution levels, but the increase in recorded failures of 15-kV-class couplers, which serve the distribution levels of 12.47 kV and above, has inhibited this transition. Nevertheless, the many inherent advantages of these higher distribution levels should not be abandoned without a serious attempt to study and improve coupler reliability. The technical and non-technical problems associated with high-voltage cable couplers are analyzed in this thesis. Manufacturing, testing, and mounting practices are reviewed. A discussion of a coupler's operating environment, developed with information gathered from mining companies and published literature, is also included. On the basis of the aforementioned conditions, a testing standard is developed and various coupler designs are subjected to its requirements. An analysis of the test results is provided. The thesis has arrived at a number of conclusions. Although new couplers can satisfy the performance requirements of the cables to which they are mounted, partial discharge appears to be the failure mechanism of concern. In this regard, it is shown that the quality of installation of a coupler onto cable is quite critical. By slightly altering the mounting procedure, satisfactory partial-discharge readings are produced on a test coupler. The contamination test shows that leakage currents in conditioned couplers are small when compared to those in new cables. The potting compound that is poured into the back end of couplers continues to be a problem.

• OSTI ID: 5325125
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
012000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Mining
CABLES
COAL MINES
CONDUCTOR DEVICES
CONNECTORS
ELECTRIC CABLES
ELECTRIC POWER
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS
MINES
POWER
POWER SYSTEMS
SYSTEM FAILURE ANALYSIS
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES