Principle of Water-cooled Cable Structure

Principle of Water-cooled Cable Structure 

Water cooled cable is a type of cable that uses water as a cooling medium. During high-power current transmission, the temperature of the cable is effectively reduced through a water cooling system, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and reliability of the cable.

The structural principle of water-cooled cables mainly includes several parts such as water-cooled pipelines, insulation layers, conductors, and outer protective layers.

Firstly, the water-cooled pipeline is the core component of water-cooled cables. It is made of high thermal conductivity materials, usually metal materials such as copper, aluminum, or composite materials. The water-cooled pipeline runs through the entire length of the cable and is connected to an external water source. In the process of current transmission, water flows through the water-cooled pipeline, absorbs the heat generated inside the cable, and then takes away the heat to cool it down.

Secondly, the insulation layer is the layer that prevents current from passing through the cable casing and coming into contact with the external environment. The insulation layer is usually made of polymer materials such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc. The insulation layer can provide electrical insulation and protect the internal structure of the cable from external damage.

Then, the conductor is the part that transmits current. Usually, the conductors of cables are made of conductive materials such as copper or aluminum to ensure efficient current transmission. The diameter of the conductor and the choice of material have a significant impact on the transmission performance of the cable. At the same time, the heat generation of the conductor is also one of the important factors determining whether water-cooled cables are needed.

Finally, the outer protective layer is the protective layer of the cable, used to prevent damage from external objects to the cable. The outer protective layer is usually made of materials such as polyester and plastic. In addition to providing protection, the outer protective layer can also add special functions such as antibacterial and fire-resistant according to actual needs.

Based on the above structural principles, the working principle of water-cooled cables is as follows:

When current passes through a conductor, it generates heat, which can cause an increase in cable temperature. To avoid electrical performance degradation or even damage caused by cable overheating, it is necessary to conduct the heat inside the cable to the external environment. At this point, the water-cooled pipeline plays a crucial role. The water cooling pipeline runs through the entire length of the cable, absorbing and carrying away the heat generated inside the cable through the circulation of water, thus playing a cooling role.

The Main Advantages of Water-cooled Cables are as Follows:

1. Efficient cooling: Water has a high thermal conductivity, which can quickly absorb and remove a large amount of heat generated inside the cable, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the cable.

2. Low temperature operation: The use of water-cooled cables can lower the temperature of the cables, reduce heat accumulation, and help extend the lifespan of the cables.

3. Space saving: Compared to traditional air-cooled cables, water-cooled cables can achieve the same current transmission capacity in a smaller size, thereby saving space resources.

4. Flexibility: The structure of water-cooled cables can be adjusted and designed according to actual needs to meet the requirements of different power and voltage levels.

Although water-cooled cables have the above advantages, they also have some challenges and limitations. For example, requiring additional water cooling system equipment increases the complexity and cost of the system; Meanwhile, the maintenance and management of water-cooled pipelines also require the operation and maintenance of professional personnel. Therefore, in practical applications, it is necessary to choose a suitable cooling scheme based on specific needs and conditions.