Optimizing of the cable bedding and the ampacity of underground power cables in trefoil formation by using the gravitational search algorithm

Abstract

This paper considers the problem of the determination of the optimum values for dimensions of cable trench and cable bedding, interaxial spacings between power cables in trefoil formation and cable ampacities. This non-linear multi-objective optimization problem with constraints is solved by using the gravitational search algorithm (GSA). The procedure used in this paper has allowed the simultaneous inclusion of all control variables into the optimization process and the determination of an optimal solution in accordance with specified optimization criteria. in the present case, the optimal solution is obtained based on the following optimization criteria: (i) minimization of the total installation cost for cable line, (ii) maximization of the cable ampacity and (iii) a simultaneous application of the minimization of the total installation cost for cable line and the maximization of the cable ampacity. The constraints on control variables are introduced through penalty factors which expand the objective function, it is also assumed that the cable ampacity corresponds to a load factor of 0.8. The procedure is carried out with respect to the drying out effect in the soil surrounding the cables.

Keywords

• ampacity
• cable bedding
• gravitational search algorithm (GSA)
• optimization
• installation costs