Overhead Lines and Cable Modeling Guidelines For PSCAD

PSCAD™
Overhead Lines and Cable Modeling Guidelines for PSCAD
Written for PSCAD X4 and V5
May 29, 2023

Revision 1
CONTENTS
CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................................. 2
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 1
2. MODELING TRANSMISSION LINES ................................................................................................................. 2
2.1. THREE PHASE OVERHEAD LINE .............................................................................................................................2
2.2. THREE PHASE UNDERGROUND CABLE SYSTEM .......................................................................................................2
2.3. CABLE MODELS IN PSCAD .................................................................................................................................2
2.4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .........................................................................................................................3
2.5. WHAT IS THE TIME STEP I CAN USE FOR SIMULATION? ..............................................................................................4
3. CABLE MODELING FROM DATASHEET ........................................................................................................... 5
4. SEQUENCE RXB COMPARISON ...................................................................................................................... 6
4.1. POSSIBLE REASONS FOR DIFFERENCE IN SEQUENCE RXB ..........................................................................................6
4.2. RXB TOOL FOR POWER FREQUENCY VALIDATION FOR COAXIAL CABLE SYSTEM ............................................................6
Step 1: Validate Input Data .................................................................................................................................6
Step 2: Validate PSCAD cable model.....................................................................................................................7
4.3. LIMITATION .....................................................................................................................................................7
5. MUTUAL COUPLING ...................................................................................................................................... 8
5.1. MUTUAL COUPLING BETWEEN OVERHEAD LINES......................................................................................................8
Method 1: Model all towers in same line model (recommended method) ..........................................................8
Method 2: External mutual coupling ....................................................................................................................8
5.2. MUTUAL COUPLING BETWEEN CABLES ..................................................................................................................9
This can be done in the similar approach described in section 5.1. ......................................................................9
Limitation .............................................................................................................................................................9
5.3. MUTUAL COUPLING BETWEEN OVERHEAD LINES, CABLES, PIPES [NEW IN PSCAD V5] ...................................................9
Limitation ...........................................................................................................................................................10
Setting Cable interface .......................................................................................................................................10
EXAMPLE CASES ...........................................................................................................................................................11
6. DC CORRECTION .......................................................................................................................................... 12
7. DEALING WITH UNSTABLE SIMULATION [NEW IN PSCAD V5] ..................................................................... 14
STEP 1: REMOVE LARGE VIOLATIONS ................................................................................................................................14
STEP 2: REMOVE REST OF THE VIOLATIONS ........................................................................................................................14
8. CROSS BONDING OF LONG AC CABLES ........................................................................................................ 16
METHOD 1: DETAILED MODELING ..................................................................................................................................16
METHOD 2: IDEAL CROSS-BONDING FOR ENTIRE CABLE.......................................................................................................16
9. CONDUCTOR APPROXIMATION (I.E. CONDUCTOR ELIMINATION) ............................................................... 18
9.1. AUTOMATICALLY ELIMINATED CONDUCTORS .......................................................................................................18
9.2. MANUAL ELIMINATION....................................................................................................................................18
10. PI CIRCUITS AND EQUIVALENT PI ............................................................................................................ 19
APPENDIX 1: COMPARISON OF TRANSMISSION LINE MODELS IN PSCAD ............................................................. 21
Rev.1
PI MODEL ..................................................................................................................................................................21
BERGERON MODEL ......................................................................................................................................................21
FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT (PHASE) MODEL ........................................................................................................................21
FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT (MODE) MODEL........................................................................................................................21
EXAMPLE CASE ............................................................................................................................................................22
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .....................................................................................................................................22
APPENDIX 2: CABLE MODELING FROM DATASHEET ............................................................................................. 23
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN MODELLING CABLES ..........................................................................................................23
CORE CONDUCTOR .......................................................................................................................................................23
INSULATION LAYERS .....................................................................................................................................................24
SEMI-CONDUCTING LAYERS ...........................................................................................................................................25
WIRE SCREEN ..............................................................................................................................................................26
DUAL LAYER SHEATH ....................................................................................................................................................26
TEMPERATURE CORRECTIONS .........................................................................................................................................27
EXAMPLE CASE ............................................................................................................................................................27
MODELLING USING COAXIAL CABLE.................................................................................................................................29
MODELLING USING SIMPLIFIED CABLE MODEL ...................................................................................................................31
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................................34
APPENDIX 3: DOCUMENTATION FOR POWER FREQUENCY CABLE VALIDATION TOOL (PCVT) .............................. 35
WHAT IS PCVT ...........................................................................................................................................................35
WHY WE NEED IT ........................................................................................................................................................35
HOW WE USE IT..........................................................................................................................................................35
OTHER DETAILS ...........................................................................................................................................................36
LIMITATIONS ...............................................................................................................................................................36
EXAMPLE CASE ............................................................................................................................................................36
DESCRIPTION...............................................................................................................................................................36
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................................39
APPENDIX 4: DC CORRECTION.............................................................................................................................. 40
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................................41
APPENDIX 5: DEALING WITH UNSTABLE SIMULATION ......................................................................................... 42
VERIFY PASSIVITY OF THE MODEL ....................................................................................................................................42
ENFORCE PASSIVITY ......................................................................................................................................................44
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................................47
APPENDIX 6: TRANSMISSION LINE INTERFACE AND CONDUCTOR ELIMINATION ................................................. 48
EXCEPTIONS (VERY IMPORTANT) .....................................................................................................................................48
MATHEMATICAL ELIMINATION OF CONDUCTORS ................................................................................................................51
ADVANTAGES OF CONDUCTOR ELIMINATION .....................................................................................................................52
Rev.1
Rev.1
1. Introduction
The purpose of this document is to address frequent support questions and to help in modeling of
transmission lines.
Rev.1 Page 1
2. Modeling transmission lines

The cable or overhead line model can be created in PSCAD as shown below. (For details, see PSCAD help
(PSCAD>Transmission Line and Cables) and also transmission line page in the master library)
2.1. Three phase overhead line
Step1: To create an overhead line in PSCAD, click on canvas of PSCAD case, select “Component Wizard”,
and follow instructions.
Step 2: Double-click on transmission line and go to the definition page. Click on canvas and select, “add
tower cross-section”>”master library”>”Line constant three conductor flat tower”.
(see example overhead_example1.pscx)
2.2. Three Phase Underground Cable System
Step 1: To create an underground cable in PSCAD, click on canvas of PSCAD case, select “Component
Wizard”, and follow instructions.
Step 2: Double-click on cable model and go to the definition page. Click on canvas and select “add cable
cross-section”>”master library”>”Cable constants coaxial cable data”. Add two mode cables. Click on the
cable and set the “cable number” of each cable as 1, 2 and 3 respectively. In addition, set the “horizontal
translation from center” as 0, 1, 2 m respectively.
Step 3: Go back to the main canvas and click on canvas and select “Add component”>”cable interface”.
Click on cable interface and set “Number of coaxial cables” to 3. Since each cable has main conductor
and sheath as conducting layers, in the “External electrical connection”, the “Coaxial Cable 1” is set as
conductor/sheath. Similarly set external connections for other two cables.
(see example cable_example1.pscx)
(see Appendix 1: Comparison of transmission line models in PSCAD and also Appendix 6)
2.3. Cable Models in PSCAD
There are mainly two types of cable models, one is coaxial cable model and other is pipe-type cable
model.
Rev.1 Page 2
Model Coaxial cable User Friendly Coaxial Pipe-type cable

cable
Typical Land Cable Land Cable Submarine cable

Application
2.4. Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between “Coaxial cable” and “User Friendly Coaxial cable” model?
They are both coaxial cables and theoretically, they are identical. However, the User-Friendly cable
model is used to model an underground cable system from a datasheet more conveniently. The
advantages are,
• Directly model three AC cables or two DC cables in flat or trefoil configurations

• Cable parameters from datasheets can be directly used without manual conversion
• Temperature corrections
• Typical cable parameters
2. When do I have to use pipe-type cable?
If there are coaxial cable models surrounded by a common conducting layer (wired armor etc. in
submarine cable), pipe-type cable can be used. If there is no such common conducting layer (e.g. only
common insulating layer exits), then model using individual coaxial cables neglecting common insulator
layer.
Rev.1 Page 3
2.5. What is the time step I can use for simulation?
The solution time step (default 50 us) for the simulation should be carefully selected and it depends
on higest frequency of interest and also the smallest transmission line (travalling wave based) in the
system. If you go to the OUTPUT page of any transmission line model (Bergeron or Phase model),
you can see,
MINIMUM TIME DELAY AND RECOMMENDED TIME STEP
Minimum Time Delay for the Line [ms]: 0.581563256
Recommended Time Step for the Line [ms]: 0.058156326
In this example, the time step should be less than 0.581563256 ms. However, to get adequate accuracy
of simulation, time step should be further decreased. So, a typical time step can be selected as 1/5 or
1/10 of the Time Delay of the line (or even ½).
Rev.1 Page 4
3. Cable Modeling from Datasheet

The cable models require material properties and dimension data. These data can be obtained from
manufacture datasheets.
First, clearly identify conducting layers, semi-conducting layers and insulation layers from different
layers specified in the datasheet. For typical transient simulation, the correct modeling of conductor,
main insulation and sheath is important. Usually manufactures accurately define conductor information
(e.g. dc resistance and outer radius). The main insulation can be modelled accurately, if the capacitance
is provided. In modelling cables, from datasheet
1. Prioritize data and neglect others

2. Combine adjacent layers of same
e.g. Dual layer sheath
3. Make approximations
e.g. Wired sheath, SC layers, stranded or segmented conductor
4. Perform temperature corrections
5. Neglect layers
Note: The sheath data (e.g. sheath dc resistance) is important, but sometimes it is difficult to find in the
datasheet. The cable data may be average values not actual values (e.g. if the SC layer thickness is
defined as 1 .5 mm, if measured accurately it can be 2.0mm or 1.0 mm). Sometimes, the manufactures
define maximum and minimum values of data. Therefore, it is an engineering judgment on how much
detail we should model/consider.
For detail information and example, see Appendix 2.
Rev.1 Page 5
4. Sequence RXB Comparison

If the sequence RXB data is provided in the cable datasheet, we can compare it with PSCAD model
sequence data. However, there can be differences between RXB defined in datasheet and PSCAD RXB
output.
Note that,
1. Manufacturer uses simplified equations only valid at power frequency to calculate RXB data
2. PSCAD uses more accurate formulas valid for wider frequency range (e.g. from dc to few MHz)
4.1. Possible Reasons for Difference in Sequence RXB
1. Manufactures define seq. RXB based on series of assumptions/settings different from PSCAD
settings
e.g. trefoil, touching, ideally cross-bonded configuration
2. Poorly defined parameters or incorrect or missing information in datasheet

e.g. unavailability of sheath resistance
3. Temperature corrections
4. Other assumptions including definition of return path
4.2. RXB Tool for Power Frequency Validation for Coaxial Cable System
This validation tool can help in analyzing the seq. RXB data. This tool uses the same formulas
manufacturers used. PSCAD/EMTDC uses complicated formulas to compute parameters that are valid
for wide frequency range. However, at power frequency, the RXB data from the tool should be in close
agreement with RXB from PSCAD cable model output and with that of the manufacturer data. The
following two steps help to identify the case of the mismatch between RXB values.
Step 1: Validate Input Data
With manufacture settings for RXB (e.g. trefoil, touching, ideally cross-bonded configuration), the RXB
tool should give close agreement with RXB from datasheet.
i.e. RXB from the tool ~= RXB data defined in the datasheet
Rev.1 Page 6
If there is no good match, this implies that fundamental input data and assumptions may be not correct.
Try to change settings such as distance between cables, enable or disable temperature correction,
poorly defined parameter values such as sheath resistance etc.
If there is a close agreement, now we are confident about our data.
Step 2: Validate PSCAD cable model
With actual settings of cable system (e.g. flat configuration without cross-bonding as in PSCAD cable
model), match RXB data from the tool with RXB data in the PSCAD output file.
i.e. RXB from the tool ~= RXB data of PSCD cable model
Note: Usually a close match can be found, if step 1 is achieved. For further details of RXB validation tool,
see Appendix 3.
4.3. Limitation
This validation tool is applicable to three coaxial cables only, not for pipe-type or submarine cables
(The validation tool is available in the Intermediate Library for PSCAD v5.0.0,
https://www.pscad.com/knowledge-base/article/808)
Rev.1 Page 7
5. Mutual coupling
If there are parallel transmission lines, there can be induced voltages current on each other depending
on many factors such as distance between them, conductor arrangements, transposition etc. In PSCAD,
the mutual coupling among towers, cables, pipes is possible.
5.1. Mutual coupling between overhead lines
If the multiple overhead towers (or multiple cable segments) are in parallel and the mutual coupling
between them can be done in two ways.
Method 1: Model all towers in same line model (recommended method)
If the multiple towers (or cables) are modelled in a single transmission line model, the mutual coupling is
automatically considered. It is important to properly set phase/node connection in towers.
(see example cases for details)
Method 2: External mutual coupling
If the transmission towers (or cable systems) are modeled separately as line or cable models, the mutual
coupling between models can be enabled by enabling mutual coupling.
• Make sure to define “segment-end specification” as either sending or receiving (NOT automatic)
with “remote-ends” connection. Otherwise results may not be accurate.
• May not be accurate with “direct” connection.
Rev.1 Page 8
5.2. Mutual coupling between cables
This can be done in the similar approach described in section 5.1.
Limitation
The above methods are NOT applicable to mutual coupling between overhead lines AND cables.
5.3. Mutual coupling between Overhead lines, cables, pipes [New in PSCAD V5]
The mutual coupling between overhead lines, cables and pipes can be done in PSCAD V5 via a newly
developed Super General Cable Algorithm (SGCA). The cable algorithm is generalized to model any
combination of overhead lines towers, coaxial underground/aerial cables, pipes with all details.
To model parallel lines, aerial or underground cables or pipes, simply model everything in a single cable
model. The mutual interactions are automatically considered in the algorithm.
In the cable model in PSCAD V5, example interactions studies that can be done are,
1. Mutual interaction between multiple towers

2. Mutual interaction between underground mutiple coaxial cables
3. Mutual interaction between towers and underground coaxial cables
4. Mutual interaction between towers and aerial coaxial cables (above ground)
5. Mutual interaction between towers and coaxial aerial pipes
6. Mutual interaction between towers and underground pipes
7. Mutual interaction between aerial mutiple cables
Rev.1 Page 9
8. Mutual interation between aerial and underground coaxial cables
Limitation
The pipe-type cables are usually modeled separately as the pipe conductor shields the EM effect of inner cables
and hence the induced voltages/currents on adjacent coaxial cables/pipe-type cables can be negligible. The
interactions between multiple pipe-type cables or pipe-type cables and coaxial cables/towers can not be modelled.
Setting Cable interface
The cable interface defines connection between electrical network and cable configuration. The
connections to the cables should be listed first. For example, if a three-phase tower and three cables are
modelled, in the cable interface,
• General
o Number of coaxial cables = 6 (three cables + three phase conductors in tower. Each
conductor in towers is considered as a cable)
• External electrical connections

o Coaxial cable 1 = conductor/sheath (this is cable #1 in cable definition page)
Rev.1 Page 10

o Coaxial cable 4 = conductor (this is conductor #1 of tower in cable definition page)
Example cases
mutual_coupling_CAB_V5.pscx
mutual_coupling_OHL_CAB_V5.pscx
mutual_coupling_OHL_v5.pscx
Rev.1 Page 11
6. DC correction
The DC correction can be used to ensure accurate dc response for HVDC cables and overhead lines. To
enable dc correction, go to the Frequency Dependent (Phase) Model Options and set the parameters as
shown below.
Functional form is the recommended method for dc correction. To get better response for frequencies
approaching DC, reduce lower bound of fitting to small value (0.01 Hz vs default 0.5 Hz) in Curve-fitting
section as shown below.
Rev.1 Page 12
The figure below shows the short circuit current of a DC cable and with dc correction, the short circuit
current is in a close agreement with the theoretical value.
Simulation Results for a Short-Circuit Condition
For additional details, see Appendix 4.
Rev.1 Page 13
7. Dealing with unstable simulation [New in PSCAD V5]

Sometimes you may experience unstable simulations when simulating cables or overhead lines. The
unstable simulations associated with cables or overhead lines are due to passivity violations. The
passivity violations can be seen as presence of negative eigenvalues for defined frequency range.
To check the passivity in PSCAD V5, go to Frequency Domain (Phase) model and select Passivity
Enforcement. Set the parameters as shown below. The frequency range for passivity violations is from
0.001 Hz to 1 MHz.
Passivity scan
Solve the transmission line and go to LOG page. The passivity violations can be seen.
The solution to passivity violations involves two steps.
Step 1: Remove large violations
First large violations at low frequencies are eliminated. For that, enable dc correction (see Chapter 5: DC
correction) and assume sufficient shunt conductance (or loss tangent).
Step 2: Remove rest of the violations
The rest of the passivity violations can be eliminated by selecting advanced Passivity Enforcement
Algorithm based on quadratic optimization algorithm (experimental).
Rev.1 Page 14
Passivity enforcement
For details, see Appendix 5
Rev.1 Page 15
8. Cross Bonding of Long AC Cables

The long AC cables are usually cross-bonded to reduce sheath losses. There are two ways to model a
cross-bonded cable system.
Method 1: Detailed Modeling
In detailed modeling, each minor, major sections, link boxes are modeled with all details. The long cable
consists of series connected many small cable segments (e.g. minor segment). A drawback of this
method is that a small time step is required to simulate small cable segments, however sheath currents
can be observed.
Major Section of Cross-Bonded Sheaths for Three Single-Core Cables in PSCAD
Method 2: Ideal Cross-bonding for Entire Cable
Ideal Cross-bonding feature approximates the actual cross-bonded system. It is assumed that sheath is
transposed and connected to the ground continuously assuming sheath voltage is small. To enable ideal
cross-bonding, simply enable “ideal cross-bonding” in cable model. The long AC cable is modeled as a
single cable hence a relatively large time step can be selected compared to method 1. However, sheath
currents cannot be observed as sheath is automatically eliminated.
Rev.1 Page 16
Comparing Induced Voltage in Ideal, Actual and Non-Cross-Bonded Systems
Rev.1 Page 17
9. Conductor Approximation (i.e. Conductor Elimination)

An example of conductor approximation is the ground wires in overhead towers. If there are three
conductors with two ground wires in a tower, then there are five conductors in total. However, since
ground wires are usually grounded at regular intervals, we can assume that the voltage of ground wires is
almost zero. Then five-conductor system can be reduced to three conductor system mathematically. This
is called conductor approximation or elimination. This will reduce the complexity of the system.
This is also applicable to cables. The sheath or armour can be approximated if they are regularly grounded.
However, it is important to understand that conductor elimination does not mean the conductor is
neglected. Instead, its effects (e.g. losses, currents) are approximately or indirectly considered.
It is important to set the line or cable interface accordingly as there is no external connection to the
eliminated/approximated conductor. (see Appendix 6 as well)
9.1. Automatically Eliminated Conductors
• e.g. if last layer of underground cable is conductor, it is automatically eliminated

• e.g. ideally cross-bonded cable, sheath is eliminated
• e.g. Bare cable, conductor is eliminated
9.2. Manual Elimination
It is possible to manually set conductors to eliminate in the cable model.
Rev.1 Page 18
10. PI Circuits and Equivalent PI

Sometimes it is required to create a pi circuit from a transmission line or cable model. To get an
equivalent pi circuit,
1. Create a transmission line model and add any three phase tower.
2. Click on transmission line page and select “Additional Options” and enable “Create PI-section
component ?” as shown below.
3. Click on transmission line page again and select “Solve Constants”. This will create a definition of pi
component in the pscad case temporary directory (*.cmp file).
4. Go to workspace window and in the click on Definitions and select import from file and select *.cmp
file
Rev.1 Page 19
5. Click on the pi circuit definition (under definition) and select “Create instant” and paste on the PSCAD
main page.
Note that this pi circuit is based on steady state frequency defined in the transmission line (but not the
frequency for calculation in the Additional Options menu), see equivalent_PI.pscx example
Error Messages
Note: The interface should match the conductors in the cable or tower models. Otherwise, the
following error message appears (DSLINT error). See Appendix 6.
Rev.1 Page 20
Appendix 1: Comparison of Transmission Line Models in

PSCAD
There are four transmission line models in PSCAD.
PI Model
• Based on lumped constant parameters at defined frequency
Bergeron Model
• Travelling wave based model (i.e. voltage and current reflections at cable-ends can be studied
with this model)
• Represents the constant R, L and C elements in a distributed manner
• It is accurate only at the specified frequency
• Studies where the specified frequency load-flow is most important (e.g. relay studies).
• Data input: Detailed tower/cable configuration or RXB data entry
Frequency-Dependent (Phase) Model
• Travelling wave based model

• Represents the frequency dependence and distributed nature of all parameters (Note that
R(w),L(w) and C(w) are frequency dependent).
• Most advanced and accurate time domain line model in the world.
• Accurate for all transmission configurations, including unbalanced line geometry and underground
cables, aerial cables etc.
• Data input : Detailed tower/cable configuration or RXB data entry (through multiple frequency
option only).
Frequency-Dependent (Mode) Model
• This is similar to Phase model, but has many approximations and limitations (Obsolete).
Rev.1 Page 21
Example case
line_models_comparison.pscx
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which model I have to use and how much details required in the model for a particular study?
Answer: refer Table 4-2 in the reference [1]
[1] CIGRE WG C4.502 “power system technical performance issues related to the application of long
HVAC cables”
Rev.1 Page 22
Appendix 2: Cable Modeling from Datasheet
Practical Considerations in Modelling Cables
Cables have different designs and complicated features. However, cable models in Electromagnetic
Transient (EMT) program are developed based on several assumptions and simplifications. Sometimes,
it is required to perform conversions to model practical cables for EMT studies.
For example, the core conductor in the cable model is modelled as a solid conductor. However, the core
conductor in a practical cable may be a stranded conductor. The impedance of stranded conductor is
different from solid conductor. So, a conversation is required to model core conductor in practical cable
accurately [1]. In this section, we will discuss such useful conversions.
There can be many layers in the typical cable. The first step is to identify each layer as conducting layer,
insulating layer or semi-conducting layer.
Core Conductor
In the coaxial or pipe-type cable model, the input data are the dc resistivity (ρ), inner and outer radius of
the core conductor.
a. If dc resistance (R) is available in the datasheet,

solid stranded hollow
Pipe-type or coaxial 𝜋𝑟1 2 𝜋𝑟1 2 𝜋(𝑟1 2 − 𝑟0 2 )

𝜌=𝑅 𝜌=𝑅 𝜌=𝑅
cable model 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
𝑟0 = 0 𝑟0 = 0
For simplified cable model, you can directly enter the dc resistance.
Rev.1 Page 23
b. If dc resistance is not available, a dc resistivity (ρC) value can be assumed based on material (e.g.
Cu or AL).
solid stranded hollow
Pipe-type or coaxial 𝜌 = 𝜌𝑐 𝜋𝑟1 2 𝜌 = 𝜌𝑐

𝜌 = 𝜌𝑐
cable model 𝐴𝑐
𝑟0 = 0
𝑟0 = 0
For simplified cable model, you can enter the resistivity value or select typical values depending on the
material. For stranded conductor, the effective resistivity can be computed as shown in above table.
Where, r0, r1 , L, AC , ρC are the inner and outer radius of conductor, length, nominal cross-sectional area,
resistivity of the material.
Insulation layers
For the insulation layer, the relative permittivity or capacitance, inner and outer radius of insulator are
required.
(a) If the capacitance is known,

For Pipe-type or coaxial cable model, the following formula is used to calculate the relative permittivity
value.
𝑟
ln⁡( 4 )
𝑟3
𝜀𝑟 = 𝐶
2𝜋𝜀0
Where, εr , ε0 , r3, r4 are the relative permittivity, permittivity of free space, inner and outer radius and
capacitance.
For simplified cable model, the capacitance value can be directly entered.
(b) If the capacitance is not given,
Assume a relative permittivity value based on type of insulation (e.g. for XLPE, the relative permittivity
can be assumed as 2.3 or 2.5).
(Note, the insulation properties can be changed due to presence of semi-conducting layers). So, an
adjustment may be required for relative permittivity value to account for semi-conducting layers.
Rev.1 Page 24
Semi-Conducting Layers
The semiconducting layers are usually present between core-conductor and main simulation and also
between main insulation and sheath. Semi-conducting layers can be considered as a part of main
insulation layer.
a. If the capacitance of main insulation layer is known,

Pipe-type or Set the outer radius of insulator (r4) as insulator outer radius + outer semi-
coaxial cable conducting layers. Then calculate the relative permittivity value as,
model 𝑟
ln⁡(𝑟4 )
3
𝜀𝑟 = 𝐶
2𝜋𝜀0
(r3 is the outer radis of core conductor without inner semi-conductor layer)
For simplified cable model, enter capacitance directly with inner and outer radii as calacuated
above.
b. If the capacitance of main insulation layer is not known, there are two ways to modify insulating
layer parameters as show below.
Method 1 (recomended) Method 2
Pipe-type or The follwing parameters are set In this method, the effective
coaxial cable permittivity value is calculated
(1) “Semi-conducting layers” =
model considering semi-conductor layer data
present
(see equation 10 in [1]).
(2) Enter “inner semi-
conducting layer thickness”
and “outer semi- The follwing parameters are set
conducting layer” thickness
(1) “Semi-conducting layers” =
r4 = insulator outer radius without absent
outer semi-conducting layer
r3 = outer radius of core conductor
r4 = insulator outer radius + outer semi-
without inner semi-conductor layer
conducting layers
r3 = outer radius of core conductor
without inner semi-conductor layer
Rev.1 Page 25
If there are other semi-conducting layers in the cable, consider them as a part of adjasent insulator
layers. If there are adjacent multiple semiconducting layers, combine them together and consider them
as a single layer.
Wire screen
The sheath may consist of individual wires. This can be approximated with an equivalent solid sheath
(annulus) as shown below.
The outer radius (r3) of solid sheath is calculated as
𝐴2
𝑟3 = √ + 𝑟2 2
𝜋
Where, As is the total wire area (equals to area of each wire* 𝑁∅ ) and r2 is the inner sheath radius of the
sheath. The sheath resistivity can be calculated by
𝑅∅
ρ= 𝜋(𝑟3 2 − 𝑟2 2 )
𝑁∅
where, Rϕ , Nϕ are the dc resistance of each wire and number of wires.
Dual Layer Sheath
In some cable models, there are two conducing layers separated by a thin semi-conducting layer. This
can be approximated by an equivalent conducting layer (neglecting the semi-conducting layer). First, the
effective dc resistance (Rs) of the equivalent sheath is calculated (assuming that two layers are in
parallel and they are connected at either ends).
𝑅1 𝑅2
𝑅𝑠 =
𝑅1 + 𝑅2
Where, R1 and R2 are the dc resistances of each layer. Now the dc resistivity is calculated as
Rev.1 Page 26
𝑅𝑠
ρ=
𝐴1 +𝐴2
Where, A1 and A2 are the cross-sectional areas of conducting layers. The outer radius of the equivalent
sheath is,
𝐴2 + 𝐴2
𝑟3 = √ + 𝑟2 2
𝜋
Temperature Corrections
If the manufacture datasheet gives resistance values at defined temperature (e.g. 20 C), the dc
resistance/ resistivity may be changed to the operating temperature (typically 90C for core conductor)
according to IEC 28 and IEC 889.
The dc resistance per unit length of the conductor at its operating temperature is given by:
where:
R0 is the DC resistance of the conductor at 20 °C
α20 is the constant mass temperature coefficient at 20 °C per Kelvin
In the simplified cable model, the temperature correction can be done without manual calculation.
Example Case
In this example, three cables in flat configuration are modelled. The depth of each cable is 1.0 from
ground surface and the distance between adjacent cables is 1.0 m; below shows the example cable
datasheet (derived from a cable datasheet in [2]). See PSCAD case (coaxial_cable_example.pscx).
Component Parameter Description Units Value

Conductor R1 Inner radius of tubular core Mm 0
R2 Outer radius of tubular core Mm 28.3
c Resistivity of copper Ω.m 1.724e-8
Conductor Screen Tcs Thickness of conductor screen Mm 2
Rev.1 Page 27
Component Parameter Description Units Value

Insulation i1 Relative permittivity of insulation material 2.4
Rso Outer radius of insulation Mm 56.3
Insulation Screen Tis Thickness of insulation screen Mm 2
Metallic Sheath R4 Average outer radius of sheath Mm 60.3
s Resistivity of aluminium tape Ω.m 2.840e-8
Outer Covering i2 Relative permittivity of cover 2.4
Complete Cable R5 Average outer radius of cable Mm 65.3
d Burial depth M 1.0
h Phase horizontal separation M 1.0
Cable Charging C’ Capacitance µF/km 0.21551
B’ Charging at 400 kV MVar/km 10.832
The firs step is to identify the different layers of cable as conducting layer, insulation layer or semi-
conducting layer.
Layer from Datasheet Layer Identification PSCAD Model Layer
Conductor Conducting layer C1
Conductor Screen Semi-conducting layer N/A
Insulation insulator I1
Insulation Screen Semi-conducting layer N/A
Metallic Sheath Conducting layer C2
Outer Covering Insulator I2
This can be modelled using a cable model with configuration C1-I1-C2-I2. Note that in PSCAD cable
model, the layers are configured as main conductor (C1), first insulation layer (I1), conducting layer (C2)
and second insulation layer (I2) etc.
If there are adjacent multiple layers of same type, then they should be combined together. For example,
if there are multiple semi-conducing layers, connect them together.
Rev.1 Page 28
Modelling Using Coaxial Cable
The coaxial cable is modelled as shown in below images.
Rev.1 Page 29
Rev.1 Page 30
We need to model three cables with same data as above and the horizontal distance and cable number
parameters are modified. The cable numbers are 1, 2 and 3 and the horizontal spacing is 0.0 m, 1.0 m
and 2.0 m respectively for three cables.
Modelling using Simplified Cable Model
User-friendly cable or simplified cable is technically more or less same as the coaxial cable model.
However, the interface is modified so that it is much easier to model directly from the datasheet with
minimum conversions. The three cables can be directly modelled by defining space between them as
shown below.
Rev.1 Page 31
The insulation and semi-conducting layers are modelled in a different way compared to the previous
coaxial model example as the capacitance is directly provided in the datasheet. The semi-conducting
layers are now considered as a part of insulation, so that combined insulation outer radius is 0.583 m (=
0.0563 m + 0.002 m, note that 0.0563 m is the outer radius of main insulator and 2 mm is the thickness
of the semi-conducting layer). All cable dimensions are shown in a single page.
Next, material properties are entered. The insulation property is directly entered as a capacitance.
Rev.1 Page 32
Note: In cable modelling, the accurate modeling of core-conductor, main insulation and sheath is
important for transient simulations. It is observed that in many instances, the datasheets do not provide
adequate information required for an accurate model.
E.g. the dimensions of cable layers can be average values, but not from accurate measurements. For
example, the given average thickness of the semiconducting layers can be significantly different from
the actual thickness. The cable capacitance may be missing in the datasheet, so insulation property is
defined based on semi-conducting layer data and assumption of the material of the insulation ( for XLPE
insulation, publications suggest different values of relative permittivity ,i.e. 2.3, 2.5 etc. ). Similarly the
Rev.1 Page 33
dc resistance of core-conductor or sheath is not given. Therefore, we have to assume dc resistivity based
on material properties and other factors, which can be different from the actual values.
References
1. B. Gustavsen, "Panel session on data for modeling system transients insulated cables," 2001 IEEE
Power Engineering Society Winter Meeting. Conference Proceedings (Cat. No.01CH37194), 2001, pp.
718-723 vol.2, doi: 10.1109/PESW.2001.916943.
2. CIGRE WG C4.502 “Power system technical performance issues related to the application of long
HVAC cables”
Rev.1 Page 34
Appendix 3: Documentation for Power Frequency Cable

Validation Tool (PCVT)
What Is PCVT
This tool is used to validate the sequence RXB values generated by PSCAD coaxial cables.
Why We Need It
The sequence RXB values provided by the manufactures can be different from that of PSCAD cable
models. Note that the RXB values depend on many factors such as distance between cables,
temperature corrections, cable layout, cross-bonding etc. Due to different factors/assumptions used for
RXB calculation, the RXB values can be different.
How We Use It
Step 1: Understand the assumptions in manufacturer defined sequence RXB
Enter the cable data in to the validation tool and run PSCAD case (make sure that the object files are set
properly). You should get the close RXB values as defined by manufacture datasheet. If not, change the
cross-bonding, temperature corrections, bonding type, some poorly defined cable parameters (sheath
resistivity) etc.
Step 2: Enter data for PSCAD cable model with same settings as Step 1
With same data/configuration as in step 1, PSCAD cable model should provide close RXB values. This
ensure that the cable input data is correct.
Step 3: Change values in RXB tool for the actual cable configuration/layout
Observe the RXB values
Step 4: Enter data for PSCAD cable model for the actual cable configuration/layout
Observe the RXB values and should be close to step 3.
(e.g. For steps 1 and 2, the details for manufacturer defined RXB can be ideally cross-bonded, trefoil-
touched, temperature correction applied. For steps 3 and 4, the details of actual cable model (used for
simulation studies) can be flat configuration with distance between cables 0.5m without cross-bonding,
Rev.1 Page 35
without temperature correction etc. Therefore, RXB values can be different between Step 1/2 and Step
3/4)
Other Details
The manufactures use power frequency simplified formulas to calculate sequence RXB values (usually
present in datasheets) [1]. The RXB tool uses the same formulas. If the assumptions/data in sequence
calculation is same, then the RXB values should be very close.
However, in PSCDA cable model, the assumptions/data can be different, hence different RXB values can
be expected. These values can also be verified with the tool (see steps 3 and 4 in previous section).
The PSCAD cable model uses complicated formulas to calculate parameters, however at power
frequency, sequence RXB values in PSCAD are in a close match with that calculated from simplified
formula.
Limitations
This tool is applicable to three coaxial cables only, but not to pipe-type cables. It is advised not to
compare pipe-type cable sequence data as the formulas used by manufactures may not be accurate.
This is currently under investigation by several CIGRE working groups.
Example case
(see Cable_Validation_V5.pscx)
Description
The input to this model is basic data for cable model.
Rev.1 Page 36
Note
Cable bonding type Model does not work for Single Point Bonding
Coaxial or Pipe-type Cable? Model works only for Coaxial Cable
Rev.1 Page 37
Rev.1 Page 38
References
1. CIGRE WG C4.502 “Power system technical performance issues related to the application of long
HVAC cables”
2. CIGRE WG B1.30, “Cable Systems Electrical Characteristics”
Rev.1 Page 39
Appendix 4: DC correction
DC correction in V46
1. What value of shunt conductance do I have to use for cables?

For overhead lines, shunt conductance is defined in tower models. For cables, the shunt conductance
value is related to the insulation properties of cable. The shunt conductance can be calculated based on
loss tangent of the insulation. LC program assume constant shunt conductance. The sufficient shunt
conductance value is important to enhance stability of the simulation.
In PSCAD V5, a more accurate representation of shunt conductance is introduced. The loss tangent is
used in each insulation layer of cables to calculate shunt conductance. Hence, the shunt conductance
defined under DC correction is not used. In case, if you want to use shunt conductance defined in DC
correction instead of loss tangent information, set “Use loss tangent for cable dielectric losses” to “No”.
(When importing PSCAD V463 case with dc correction, you can set the parameters to “No”, if you want
to keep original shunt conductance value.). However, it is recommended to use loss tangent for better
accurate representation.
Rev.1 Page 40
DC correction in PSCAD V5
2. What is “Eliminate error at high frequencies”?

This is not used in the algorithm in PSCAD V46 or PSCAD V5. Simply ignore that parameter.
3. What is the difference between functional form method and Add pole method?
The functional form method is the most accurate one. For details see reference [1].
References
1. H.M.J. De Silva, A.M. Gole and L.M. Wedepohl, “Accurate Electromagnetic Transient Simulations of
HVDC Cables and Overhead Transmission Lines.” (2007), International Conference on Power Systems
Transients (IPST’07) in Lyon, France on June 4-7, 2007
Rev.1 Page 41
Appendix 5: Dealing with Unstable Simulation
Verify Passivity of the Model
A non-passive model results in stable or unstable simulations. A passive model is always stable assuming
that the network connected is also passive. To check passivity violations, simply set the parameters in
Phase model options as shown below.
Rev.1 Page 42
The passivity violations are checked between 0.001 Hz to 1 MHz with 1000 samples. The log + Linear
distribution is better in representing frequency samples in a wide frequency range. You can see the
violations at the bottom of the Log file as shown below (if the case is built.
The presence of negative eigenvalues indicates passivity violations.
1. What is the frequency range used?

It depends on the range of frequencies present in the time domain simulation. Usually a very low
frequency (say 0.001 Hz) to up to one or few MHz is sufficient for many studies.
Rev.1 Page 43
2. How many samples I have to use?

There can be passivity violations between frequency samples. Therefore, to minimize that, you can
select many samples as possible (e.g. 1000 or 5000 samples).
3. I see passivity violations; does that mean my simulation is inaccurate?

No. As long as the simulation is stable, the passivity violations do not change the accuracy of simulation.
4. I see passivity violations; does that mean my simulation is unstable?

If you are simulation is stable, then you do not need to worry about passivity violations. A non-passive
model results in stable or unstable simulations.
Enforce Passivity
To enforce passivity (small violations only), simply set the parameters in Phase model options as shown
below.
Eigenvalue tolerance = The algorithm makes sure that the all eigenvalues are set above a tolerance ( a
very small positive value). If it is set to zero or extremely small value, negative eigenvalues may occur
due to machine precision etc. A large value may result in poor accuracy of the transmission line. Always
a small positive value is recommended.
Maximum percentage error = the algorithm ensures that the accuracy of the transmission line (curve-
fitting error) is above that value.
Maximum number of iterations = This is the maximum number of iterations (outer) for passivity
enforcement.
Rev.1 Page 44
You can see the output of the passivity enforcement at the boom of the Log file as shown below (if the
case is built).
Rev.1 Page 45
Rev.1 Page 46
References
1. H. M. J. De Silva, A. M. Gole, J. E. Nordstrom and L. M. Wedepohl, "Robust Passivity Enforcement

Scheme for Time-Domain Simulation of Multi-Conductor Transmission Lines and Cables," in IEEE
Transactions on Power Delivery, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 930-938, April 2010, doi:
10.1109/TPWRD.2009.2035916
Rev.1 Page 47
Appendix 6: Transmission Line Interface and Conductor

Elimination
For cables, the cable configuration should match the cable interface. Otherwise, there can be a DSLINT
error. For example, if the layer configuration of a cable is C1,I1,C2,I2, then the conducting parts are C1
(conductor) and C2 (insulator). In the cable interface, the external electrical connection for coaxial cable
1 should be conductor/sheath as shown below.
Exceptions (Very Important)
Under following circumstance, the corresponding conductor/conducting layer does not appear in the
interface
(A) The outermost layer of underground cable is a conducting layer (no insulation layer between
conducting layer to earth)
(B) The “Ideal cross-bonding” is enabled and the sheath or any conducting layer defined as “included”
(C) If the conductor/conducting layer under “Mathematical conductor elimination” is eliminated.
Rev.1 Page 48
Examples for scenario (A)
The following table shows the external electrical connection for underground cables.
Note, for C1 or bare cable, there is no external connection. Also * shows where the rule (A) is applied.
Example for scenario (B)
Example for scenario (C)
Rev.1 Page 49
Note: The following table shows the external electrical connection for aerial cables (above ground).
Rev.1 Page 50
Mathematical Elimination of Conductors
If the conductor or conducting layer is continuously connected to the earth, the voltage of the
conductor is almost zero. Then the conductor can be removed from a mathematical procedure called
Kron reduction.
The examples where conductor elimination is applied are,
1. Outermost layer of a cable is a conductor

2. Ground wires with elimination enabled in towers
3. Conductors with manual conductor elimination
4. Bare underground cable
5. Sheath/conducting layers in a ideally cross-bonded cable
1. Does conductor elimination means that the relevant conductor is neglected?

The elimination does not mean that the sheath is neglected. Instead, the effect of the conductor is
approximately considered.
For an example, below shows the series impedance matrix for an underground cable with conductor and
a sheath before and after elimination of sheath conducting layer.
Series impedance matrix (Z) before elimination of sheath

[0.764748540E-04 + j0.810698804E-03 0.593822682E-04 + j0.748018882E-03
0.593822682E-04 + j0.748018882E-03 0.245744440E-03 + j0.746664455E-03]
Series impedance matrix (Zred) after elimination of sheath

[0.190252698E-03 + j0.103492618E-03]
As you can see, before elimination, the size of the matrix is 2 (representing conductor and sheath),
however after elimination, the size of the matrix is 1 (representing conductor only). After reduction the
self impedance is changed (compare Z(1,1) with Zred(1,1)) to include the impedance of sheath indirectly.
2. Is there an electrical connection of the eliminated conductor to the network (in the cable or line
interface)
No.
Rev.1 Page 51
3. Where can we see conductor elimination?

The ground wires are regularly connected to the ground and hence can be eliminated in many
simulation studies (except lightning studies or very high frequency transients).
If a long AC cable system is cross-bonded with many segments, then it can be modelled as a single cable
model with ideally cross-bonding enabled. The sheath is emanated assuming sheath is transposed and
connected to ground at regular intervals.
Advantages of Conductor Elimination
a. The complexity of the cable system is reduced; hence, it may be relatively easy to
enforce/improve stability of the simulation.
b. The computation and memory requirements for the cable system is reduced. The simulation
speed is increased.
Rev.1 Page 52
DOCUMENT TRACKING
Rev. Description Date

0 Initial 18/Mar/2022
1 New Section 2.5 29/May/2023
New Section 5 intro para
Update to Sections 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 9 (intro)
Update to Appendices 1, 2, 3
Copyright © 2023 Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Rev.1 Page 53

Overhead Lines and Cable Modeling Guidelines For PSCAD

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PSCAD™

Overhead Lines and Cable Modeling Guidelines for PSCAD

Written for PSCAD X4 and V5

May 29, 2023

2. Modeling transmission lines

2.1. Three phase overhead line

(see example overhead_example1.pscx)

2.2. Three Phase Underground Cable System

(see example cable_example1.pscx)

2.3. Cable Models in PSCAD

Model Coaxial cable User Friendly Coaxial Pipe-type cable

Typical Land Cable Land Cable Submarine cable

2.4. Frequently Asked Questions

• Directly model three AC cables or two DC cables in flat or trefoil configurations

2.5. What is the time step I can use for simulation?

Minimum Time Delay for the Line [ms]: 0.581563256

Recommended Time Step for the Line [ms]: 0.058156326

3. Cable Modeling from Datasheet

1. Prioritize data and neglect others

For detail information and example, see Appendix 2.

4. Sequence RXB Comparison

4.1. Possible Reasons for Difference in Sequence RXB

2. Poorly defined parameters or incorrect or missing information in datasheet

Step 1: Validate Input Data

If there is a close agreement, now we are confident about our data.

Step 2: Validate PSCAD cable model

5.1. Mutual coupling between overhead lines

Method 1: Model all towers in same line model (recommended method)

Method 2: External mutual coupling

5.2. Mutual coupling between cables

This can be done in the similar approach described in section 5.1.

1. Mutual interaction between multiple towers

8. Mutual interation between aerial and underground coaxial cables

Setting Cable interface

• External electrical connections

o Coaxial cable 2 = conductor/sheath (this is cable #2 in cable definition page)

Simulation Results for a Short-Circuit Condition

For additional details, see Appendix 4.

7. Dealing with unstable simulation [New in PSCAD V5]

The solution to passivity violations involves two steps.

Step 1: Remove large violations

Step 2: Remove rest of the violations

For details, see Appendix 5

8. Cross Bonding of Long AC Cables

Method 1: Detailed Modeling

Major Section of Cross-Bonded Sheaths for Three Single-Core Cables in PSCAD

Method 2: Ideal Cross-bonding for Entire Cable

Comparing Induced Voltage in Ideal, Actual and Non-Cross-Bonded Systems

9. Conductor Approximation (i.e. Conductor Elimination)

9.1. Automatically Eliminated Conductors

• e.g. if last layer of underground cable is conductor, it is automatically eliminated

9.2. Manual Elimination

It is possible to manually set conductors to eliminate in the cable model.

10. PI Circuits and Equivalent PI

Appendix 1: Comparison of Transmission Line Models in

• Based on lumped constant parameters at defined frequency

Frequency-Dependent (Phase) Model

• Travelling wave based model

Frequency-Dependent (Mode) Model