Computerized method for evaluating the suitability of trailing cables

A program to develop models for the enable computer calculation of conductor temperature rise versus time in trailing cables has been initiated. To date, a common model equation has been developed and parameters determined for two round trailing cables typically used on continuous miners, type G-GC, sizes 2/0 AWG and 4/0 AWG, rated 90°C. The resulting cable models have been tentatively confirmed in laboratory trials using repetitive four-level constant-current cycles and triangular currents in which the peak current varied on succeeding cycles. Model refinement and additional laboratory trials are projected using randomly varying current, simulating actual current conditions in mine trailing cables