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Comprehensive PSCAD-Based Analysis of Sheath Overvoltage in 33 kV XLPE Cables Considering Grounding and Segmentation Effects

Author(s): Abubaker Alibrahim1*, Dr. Dawood Saleh2, Dr. Qais Algwari3

Published In : International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Research (IJEER)        Volume 14, Issue 2

Publisher : FOREX Publication

Published : 20 June 2026

e-ISSN : 2347-470X

Page(s) : 290-297

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37391/IJEER.140205

Abstract

The performance reliability of underground medium voltage (MV) networks is largely dependent on how metallic sheaths behave both in a normal operating mode as well as during transients. One critical form of stress applied to the insulation is that of excessive sheath voltage which can rapidly degrade the insulation material used on underground conductors and endanger operators. This paper details a thorough examination of overvoltage mechanisms affecting sheaths of 33kV XLPE single-core underground cable through a simulation approach. By establishing a PSCAD/EMTDC model, it was analyzed how the variables of sheath grounding resistance, cable length, load current, and grounding location affect the segmented cable systems. The analyses identify cable length and load current as the two most significant contributors to the increase of overvoltage due to inductively and capacitively coupled behavior between the cable conductor and sheath. Grounding resistance is only noticeable due to its secondary contribution to overvoltage and is most pronounced at extended cable lengths for many circuit configurations. Further, the grounding configuration for segmented cable system directly affects the distribution of potentials, as evidenced by the ability of poor grounding methods to produce sheath overvoltage on a very large scale. Based on these results, best practices can be established for identifying suitable grounding locations and segmenting strategies as a means of ensuring the system reliability and safety of MV cable networks in urban distribution applications.

Keywords: Underground Cable, Metal Sheath, Overvoltage, Grounding Resistance, Segmentation, PSCAD, XLPE Cable.




Abubaker Alibrahim, Electrical Engineering Department, University of Mosul, Iraq; Email: abobakeribrahim@uomosul.edu.iq

Dr. Dawood Saleh, Electrical Engineering Department, University of Mosul, Iraq; Email: dnsaij@uomosul.edu.iq

Dr. Qais Algwari, Electronic Engineering Department, Ninevah University, Mosul, Iraq; Email: Qais.najim@uoninevah.edu.iq

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Abubaker Alibrahim, Dr. Dawood Saleh, and Dr. Qais Algwari (2026), Comprehensive PSCAD-Based Analysis of Sheath Overvoltage in 33 kV XLPE Cables Considering Grounding and Segmentation Effects. IJEER 14(2), 290-297. DOI: 10.37391/IJEER.140205.