Current Rating Improvement via CFD Modeling of Underground HVAC Cables in Natural Ventilated Troughs

Troughs provide structured and protected pathways for power cables, contributing to operational safety and long-term system reliability. However, heat dissipation within troughs plays a critical role in determining cable thermal performance. In particular, the choice between naturally ventilated and non-ventilated (sealed) troughs has a significant impact on internal airflow, convective heat transfer, and resulting cable temperatures. This study compares naturally ventilated and sealed trough configurations by analysing their thermal environments, airflow characteristics, and cable temperature distributions. Naturally ventilated troughs promote heat dissipation through buoyancy-driven convection and air exchange with the surrounding without the use of any imposed wind speed or external…