Laboratory Test Facility for Real-Time Thermal Rating Validation of Insulated Power Cables
S. Bustamante(1), M. Sotelo(2), M. Manana(1), A. Arroyo(1), P. Benavente(1), E. Sainz-Ortiz(1), L. Vejo(1) 1. Department of Electrical Engineering and Energy Engineering E.T.S.I.I.T., Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Cantabria, Spain 2. UPTECH SENSING, Pol. Ind. Mutilva Baja, Aranguren, Navarra, Spain 2026-06-27

Abstract

This paper presents the design, construction, andcommissioning of a laboratory-scale pilot installation developed for the experimental validation of Real-Time Thermal Rating (RTTR) algorithms applied to insulated high-voltage power cables. The pilot is designed to provide high-resolution and reliable thermal measurements under controlled operating conditions. It combines point-wise temperature sensing using platinum resistance temperature detectors (Pt100 sensors) with Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) via optical fibres integrated within the cable. Particular emphasis is placed on the physical implementation of the pilot, including cable configuration, temperature sensor deployment, data acquisition architecture, and instrumentation details. The installation was developed in two phases, evolving from an initial configuration with seven Pt100 temperature sensors to a final setup with fifteen Pt100 sensors, including reduced-diameter probes for improved conductor temperature measurement. This paper focuses on the laboratory pilot as an experimental platform, which will form the basis for the subsequent validation of dynamic cable management algorithms.

Key words: Distributed Temperature Sensing, DTS, insulated power cables, Real-Time Thermal Rating, RTTR.

References

[1] IEC 60287-1-1:2023, Electric cables - Calculation of the current rating - Part 1-1: Current rating equations (100 % load factor) and calculation of losses - General, IEC, 2023.

[2] IEC 60853-2:1989/AMD1:2008, Calculation of the cyclic and emergency current rating of cables - Part 2: Cyclic rating of cables greater than 18/30 (36) kV and emergency ratings for cables of all voltages, IEC, 2008.

[3] CIGRE WG B1.35., TB 640 - A Guide for Rating Calculations of Insulated Cables, CIGRE, 2015.

[4] IEC 60751:2022, Industrial platinum resistance thermometers and platinum temperature sensors, IEC, 2022.

[5] CIGRE WG B1.45, TB 756 - Thermal monitoring of cable circuits and grid operators' use of dynamic rating systems, CIGRE, 2019.