Electrothermal Analysis of Low- and Medium-voltage Cable Joints

In this article, an analytical method to calculate the steady-state temperature distribution along the joint of a three-phase distribution cable is presented. The results of this method are compared with those obtained by an experimental study and by the finite-element method. It is found that the results of the analytical method are in good agreement with those obtained by an experimental study and by the finite-element method. The effects of connector dimensions as well as the effect of the ambient temperature and cable load current on the maximum temperature of the joint are discussed in detail. From the present analysis, it is found that the increasing of the connector length is more effective than the connector thickness in the reduction of the maximum temperature of conductor inside the joint.