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CYMCAP – Power Cable Ampacity Calculation and Thermal Analysis Software
Elec-Engg provides technical assistance for installing and configuring CYMCAP, a specialized engineering software developed by Eaton (CYME International) for power cable ampacity calculations, thermal analysis, and electrical cable system design.
CYMCAP is widely used by power cable manufacturers, electrical utilities, engineering consultants, transmission and distribution companies, and industrial electrical engineers.
The software helps engineers calculate the current-carrying capacity (ampacity) of power cables under different installation and environmental conditions. It also provides detailed thermal analysis to evaluate cable operating temperatures, heat dissipation, and the impact of different loading conditions.
Whether you are designing underground cable installations, evaluating existing cable systems, planning cable routes, or investigating cable overheating problems, CYMCAP provides specialized calculation tools for power cable engineering.
What Is CYMCAP Software?
CYMCAP (Power Cable Ampacity Software) is an advanced engineering application designed for calculating the ampacity and temperature rise of power cable installations.
It allows engineers to model different cable constructions, installation arrangements, soil conditions, and electrical loading scenarios.
The software uses established analytical techniques, including Neher-McGrath and IEC calculation methods, to evaluate the thermal performance of power cables.
CYMCAP is particularly useful for:
- Underground power cable design
- Cable ampacity calculations
- Cable thermal analysis
- Cable sizing and rating
- Cable installation optimization
- Cable temperature calculations
- Cyclic and emergency loading studies
- Cable system performance assessment
- High-voltage and extra-high-voltage cable engineering
- Submarine cable installation studies
Main Applications and Features of CYMCAP
1. Power Cable Ampacity Calculation
Ampacity is the maximum current a power cable can carry continuously or under specified operating conditions without exceeding its permissible temperature limits.
Accurate cable ampacity calculations are essential for selecting suitable cables and ensuring reliable electrical system operation.
CYMCAP allows engineers to calculate:
- Continuous current-carrying capacity
- Cable ampacity under different installation conditions
- Maximum permissible cable loading
- Cable conductor temperature
- Cable thermal resistance
- Cable thermal losses
- Cable loading limitations
- Cable rating under different soil conditions
The software supports different cable configurations and installation arrangements.
2. Cable Thermal Analysis
Cable thermal analysis is essential for understanding the temperature behaviour of electrical cables under different loading conditions.
CYMCAP calculates the temperature distribution and heat dissipation within cable installations.
Typical applications include:
- Conductor temperature calculations
- Cable insulation temperature assessment
- Cable sheath temperature calculations
- Armour temperature assessment
- Thermal resistance calculations
- Heat dissipation analysis
- Mutual heating between adjacent cables
- Soil temperature distribution
- Cable thermal performance assessment
These calculations help engineers identify potential overheating problems and optimize cable installations.
3. Cable Construction and Modelling
CYMCAP provides detailed modelling capabilities for different power cable constructions.
Engineers can define cable dimensions, materials, electrical properties, and thermal characteristics.
Supported cable constructions include:
- Single-core power cables
- Three-core power cables
- Belted cables
- Pipe-type cables
- Armoured cables
- Sheathed cables
- Submarine cables
- HVDC cables
- Cables with different metallic and non-metallic layers
Cable construction parameters can include conductor material, insulation, metallic sheath, armour, outer serving, and additional cable layers.
The software also provides cable libraries to simplify the modelling process.
4. Underground Cable Installation Modelling
Different installation conditions significantly influence the current-carrying capacity of power cables.
CYMCAP supports modelling of various cable installation configurations, including:
- Direct buried cables
- Underground ducts
- Duct banks
- Thermal backfill installations
- Cables installed in air
- Cable groups on trays
- Cable installations in tunnels
- Cable installations in troughs
- Cables in protective casings
- Submarine cable installations
Engineers can investigate the thermal interaction between multiple cables and surrounding installation materials.
5. Soil Thermal Resistivity Analysis
Soil thermal resistivity is an important parameter in underground cable ampacity calculations.
The thermal properties of surrounding soil influence how effectively heat generated by cable losses is dissipated.
CYMCAP allows engineers to consider:
- Soil thermal resistivity
- Backfill thermal resistivity
- Different soil layers
- Soil temperature conditions
- Soil moisture migration
- Soil dry-out effects
- Thermal interaction between cable circuits
Accurate soil thermal modelling is particularly important for underground transmission and distribution cable projects.
6. Cyclic Loading and Emergency Rating
Power cables do not always operate at constant loading conditions.
In many electrical networks, cable loading changes throughout the day depending on electricity demand and generation.
CYMCAP supports cyclic loading and transient thermal analysis to investigate cable behaviour under changing load profiles.
Applications include:
- Daily cyclic loading
- Weekly and yearly load profiles
- Emergency cable loading
- Short-term overload assessment
- Cable temperature versus time
- Ampacity versus time
- Time required to reach maximum permissible temperature
- Transient thermal response
These calculations help engineers evaluate the available thermal capacity of existing cable installations.
7. Cable Sheath Bonding and Loss Calculations
Metallic cable sheaths and armour systems can experience induced voltages and circulating currents.
These effects influence cable losses and consequently affect cable ampacity.
CYMCAP supports modelling different sheath bonding arrangements, including:
- Solid bonding
- Single-point bonding
- Cross-bonding
- Cable sheath circulating current calculations
- Eddy current losses
- Metallic sheath losses
- Armour losses
- Cable electrical interactions
Correct modelling of sheath bonding is especially important for high-voltage single-core cable installations.
8. Cable Impedance and Electrical Parameters
In addition to thermal calculations, CYMCAP offers optional functionality for calculating electrical parameters of cable installations.
Applications include:
- Positive-sequence impedance
- Zero-sequence impedance
- Cable resistance
- Cable reactance
- Cable admittance
- Cable inductance
- Cable capacitance
- Electrical parameter assessment for different installation arrangements
These parameters are useful for power system studies and electrical network modelling.
9. Magnetic Field Analysis
CYMCAP provides an optional Magnetic Fields module for evaluating magnetic fields generated by underground cable installations.
Applications include:
- Magnetic flux density calculations
- Magnetic field distribution
- Magnetic field assessment above buried cables
- Magnetic field analysis around cable routes
- Evaluation of different cable arrangements
- Magnetic field reduction through installation optimization
This functionality is useful when investigating electromagnetic field levels around underground power cable systems.
10. Short Circuit Cable Rating
Cable systems must be capable of withstanding the thermal effects of short circuit currents for the specified protection clearing time.
CYMCAP offers an optional Short Circuit Rating module for investigating cable short circuit withstand capability.
Applications include:
- Short circuit thermal rating
- Conductor temperature during faults
- Cable short circuit withstand assessment
- Maximum permissible fault duration
- Cable conductor sizing verification
These calculations help engineers evaluate whether cable conductors are suitable for the expected fault current and clearing time.
11. Cable Crossings and 3D Modelling
Complex underground cable routes may include multiple circuits crossing each other, changing depth, and following different installation geometries.
CYMCAP offers specialized capabilities for modelling complex cable arrangements.
The optional 3D Modeling module supports:
- Three-dimensional cable route modelling
- Cable crossings
- Different cable installation depths
- Cable route direction changes
- Complex underground arrangements
- Thermal interactions between crossing circuits
- Temperature calculations for complex cable geometries
This is particularly useful for congested underground cable corridors and large infrastructure projects.
CYMCAP Software Modules
CYMCAP includes a base package and additional modules that extend its analytical capabilities.
Some important optional modules include:
| Module | Main application |
|---|---|
| Base Package | Cable ampacity and thermal calculations |
| Duct Bank Optimizer | Optimization of cable placement within duct banks |
| Magnetic Fields | Magnetic field calculations |
| Cables Crossings | Thermal analysis of crossing circuits |
| Multiple Casings | Cable installations in multiple casings |
| Cables in Tunnels | Thermal rating of tunnel installations |
| Multiple Duct Banks | Modelling multiple duct banks and backfills |
| Short Circuit Rating | Cable short circuit thermal assessment |
| 3D Modeling | Complex three-dimensional cable arrangements |
| Cable Impedance Calculation | Electrical cable parameter calculations |
| Soil Dry-Out Analysis | Soil dry-out and thermal limitations |
| Submarine Cable Installations | Submarine cable thermal rating |
| Cables in Troughs | Thermal analysis of cables in trough installations |
| Parametric Studies | Sensitivity and optimization studies |
The availability of these functions depends on the CYMCAP package and licensed add-on modules.
International Standards Used in CYMCAP Calculations
CYMCAP supports cable thermal calculations based on recognized international engineering methods and standards.
Important references include:
- IEC 60287 – Electric cables: Calculation of the current rating
- IEC 60853 – Calculation of the cyclic and emergency current rating of cables
- IEC 60228 – Conductors of insulated cables
- Neher-McGrath method – Cable ampacity and thermal calculations
- Applicable CIGRE technical recommendations
The selected calculation method and applicable standard depend on the cable type, installation configuration, and engineering requirements.
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CYMCAP Software Installation and Configuration Support
Elec-Engg provides technical assistance for CYMCAP software installation and initial configuration.
Our objective is to help electrical engineers prepare their computer environment for performing power cable ampacity calculations and thermal analysis.
Who Should Use CYMCAP?
CYMCAP is particularly useful for professionals working in:
- Underground power cable engineering
- High-voltage cable design
- Extra-high-voltage transmission projects
- Electrical distribution networks
- Substation cable engineering
- Industrial electrical installations
- Power cable manufacturing
- Cable installation and commissioning
- Electrical engineering consultancy
- Renewable energy and offshore projects
It is also a valuable engineering tool for electrical engineering students, researchers, and postgraduate engineers working on power cable design and thermal analysis.
Learn Electrical Engineering with Elec-Engg
Elec-Engg provides practical technical training in power system protection, substation automation, and electrical engineering software.
Our training approach focuses on practical engineering applications, software demonstrations, and real-world electrical engineering problems.
Need CYMCAP Software Installation Support?
Contact Elec-Engg to discuss your software version, computer requirements, and installation assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is CYMCAP software used for?
CYMCAP is used for power cable ampacity calculations, cable thermal analysis, cable temperature assessment, and underground cable installation design.
2. What does ampacity mean?
Ampacity is the maximum current a cable can carry under specified operating and environmental conditions without exceeding its permissible temperature limits.
3. Can CYMCAP calculate underground cable ampacity?
Yes. CYMCAP supports different underground cable installation arrangements, including direct burial, underground ducts, duct banks, and thermal backfill.
4. Can CYMCAP perform cable thermal analysis?
Yes. It calculates cable temperature, thermal resistance, heat losses, and thermal interactions between cables and their surrounding environment.
5. Does CYMCAP support IEC 60287 calculations?
Yes. CYMCAP supports cable rating calculations based on IEC 60287 and other recognized methods.
6. Can CYMCAP analyse cyclic cable loading?
Yes. CYMCAP supports cyclic loading and transient thermal calculations using defined load profiles.
7. Can CYMCAP calculate cable sheath losses?
Yes. It supports detailed loss calculations, including sheath circulating current losses, eddy current losses, and other relevant cable losses.
8. Can CYMCAP calculate cable impedance?
Yes. The optional Cable Impedance Calculation module supports the calculation of electrical cable parameters.
9. Can CYMCAP perform short circuit cable rating calculations?
Yes. The optional Short Circuit Rating module supports the thermal assessment of cable conductors under short circuit conditions.
For further information, contact Elec-Engg.
