The Adiabatic Equation: Example
The Adiabatic Equation: Example
The Adiabatic Equation: Example
When calculating the fault ratings of a cable, it is generally assumed that the duration so short enough that no heat is dissipated by the cable to the
surrounding. Adopting this approach simplies the calculation and errs on the safe side.
The normally used equation is the so-called adiabatic equation. For a given fault of I, which lasts for time t, the minimum required cable cross sectional
area is given by:
A
I 2 t
k A
I
The factor k is dependant on the cable insulation, allowable temperature rise under fault conditions, conductor resistivity and heat capacity. Typical
values of k are:
Temperature
Conductor Material
Initial C
FinalC
Copper
Aluminium
Steel
70
160/140
115/103
76/78
42/37
90
160/140
100/86
66/57
36/31
90
250
143
94
52
60
200
141
93
51
85
220
134
89
48
180
350
132
87
47
*where two values; lower value applied to conductor CSA > 300 mm2
* these values are suitable for durations up to 5 seconds, source: BS 7671, IEC 60364-5-54
Example
Consider a maximum fault current of 13.6 kA and the protective device trips in 2.6 s. The minimum safe cable cross sectional area of a copper
thermosetting 90C cable (k=143) is:
2.6
1/3
13600 2 2.6
143
= 154mm
Any selected cable larger than this will withstand the fault.
= cmT
where
Q - heat added, J
c - specic heat constant of material, J.g-1.K-1
m - mass of the material, g
T - temperature rise, K
= I
where
Rt
= c Al
and R
r l
A
where
I 2 t
r l
A
= cc AlT
I 2 t
by letting k
cc T
r
= f i
where
Units: are expressed in g (grams) and mm2, as opposed to kG and m. This is widely adopted by cable speciers. The equations can easily be redone in
kG and m if required.
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