The optimal diameter design of high-capacity transmission tunnels based on analysis of cable thermal effects

This study addresses a gap in previous research by thoroughly investigating the relationship between the optimal tunnel diameter and cable thermal effects in underground cable tunnels using a thermal-coupling correlation method. Our research innovatively integrates theoretical principles of cable thermal convection with practical applications. By integrating theories of cable thermal convection and factors such as cable heat dissipation performance, cable structure, tunnel radius, cable length, thermal conductivity, and temperature difference, we establish a precise electro-thermal-fluid multiphysics coupling model using the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation tool, offering new perspectives and methodologies for the design of underground cable tunnels. The simulation results effectively validate the proposed method, providing reliable theoretical guidance for the optimization design and construction of underground cable tunnels. The prominent conclusion is the significance of our proposed thermal-coupling correlation method in cable tunnel design.