Refinements to the Neher-McGrath model for calculating the ampacity of underground cables

The Neher-McGrath method has been widely accepted as an accurate and relatively simple way to calculate the ampacity of underground cables. It is based on a number of assumptions that simplify the mathematics, but at the same time limit the accuracy and scope of the model. Furthermore, the model relies upon correlations that are now dated, because more up-to-date and accurate heat transfer correlations are now available. This paper examines improvements to the Neher-McGrath model in three different areas: a more accurate expression for the mutual heating parameter that accounts for unequal heating among the cables; improved correlations for the thermal resistance of a fluid layer that exists in pipe-type cables and cables installed in ducts; and a more accurate model for the thermal resistance of concrete duct banks with non-square cross-sections. Example installations are then considered to illustrate how the incorporation of these changes will affect the ampacity of the installation. The refinements suggested result in a more complex mathematical algorithm and require more computational time, but the changes can result in significantly different ampacity values than the ones provided by the Neher- McGrath model.