Cross-bonding: The Key to Efficient Cable Networks in Renewable Energy Projects
The challenge: high circulating screen currents
Sheath losses are electrical losses that occur in the metal sheath screen of a cable, due to currents circulating there. These currents are induced by electromagnetic coupling with the phase conductors. These currents cause additional heat and sheath losses, reducing the thermal capacity (ampacity). For large solar and wind farms, with high currents and long cable runs, this is a serious technical and economic challenge.
What is the cause of mantle losses?
In single‑core MV cable systems, the current flowing through the conductor induces voltage and current in the metallic cable sheath.
When sheaths are bonded and earthed at multiple points, closed loops are created, allowing induced currents to circulate continuously.
These induced sheath currents:
- Generate additional power losses
- Increase cable temperatures
- Lower overall distribution efficiency
Although cross‑bonding is a proven method to reduce these losses, it is traditionally seen as:
- Complex to install
- Costly due to additional joints and excavation
- Difficult to apply in existing MV networks
As a result, many Medium Voltage networks continue operating with avoidable inefficiencies.
The solution: LoviSil cross-bonding cable joint
Cross-bonding is a smart grounding technique that eliminates circulating currents by interrupting the mantles of the three phases at strategic points and connecting them crosswise. This ensures:
- No large induction current → less sheath losses.
- Maximum ampacity → full utilization of cable capacity and minimum heat generation.
- Ideal for both new installations and retrofitting existing networks
Want to know more about reliable cable connections?
Would you like to discover how LoviSil® Cross bonding joints protect your medium-voltage network against failures and save costs? Feel free to contact our specialists.
