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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Thermal characteristics of energized coal mine trailing cables

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5464332
The Bureau of Mines conducted research to determine the relationship between current load and temperature rises in coal mine trailing cables. Six low-voltage, unshielded, portable power cables were continuously and intermittently loaded with direct current of various magnitudes. Temperature rises within and on the cables were measured with thermocouples, and the data were recorded with a computer. Thermal time constants were calculated, which fixed the periods of the duty-cycle tests. Relationships between average temperature at the conductor-insulation interface and current load were established. The steady-state and intermittent currents that produce a 90{sup 0}C average conductor-insulation temperature were then determined. Comparisons with Insulated Cable Engineers Association (ICEA) steady-state ratings revealed that 10 to 25 pct more current than recommended ICEA ampacities is required to reach rated insulation temperature.
Research Organization:
Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
OSTI ID:
5464332
Report Number(s):
RI-9218
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English