Thermal analysis of soils

Abstract

The optimal performance of buried transmission and distribution cables depends upon the soil's ability to transfer heat away from the circuit, but understanding the thermal characteristics of cable backfill is often time-consuming and expensive. Thermal resistivity, stability and diffusivity measurements are now possible with a portable instrument that affords on-site analysis of soil thermal properties in 10-20 minutes. This allows utilities to rate underground cables quickly and confidently for the most-efficient load-carrying capacity. 2 figures.