Uncertainties Propagation and Global Sensitivity Analysis of the Aeolian Vibration of OPGW Cables

Abstract

This paper is devoted to evaluating the quantification of uncertainty involved in the studyof Aeolian vibrations of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) cable systems installed on overheadpower transmission lines. The Energy Balance Method (EBM) is widely used to estimatethe severity of steady-state Aeolian vibrations. Although the EBM requires some experimentalcharacterization of system parameters (as indicated by international Standards),it is necessary to mention that such a procedure is connected with uncertainties whichmakes it difficult for the proper homologation of the cable systems. In this article, the parametricprobabilistic approach is employed to quantify the level of uncertainty associatedwith the EBM in the study of Aeolian vibrations of OPGW. The relevant parameters of theEBM (damper properties, cable self-damping, and the power imparted by the wind) are assumed as random variables whose distribution is deduced by means of the MaximumEntropy Principle. Then a Monte Carlo simulation is performed, and the input and outputuncertainties are contrasted. Finally, a global sensitivity analysis is conducted to identifythe Sobol’s indices. Results indicate that parameters related to self-damping and damperare the most influential on uncertainty and output variability. In this sense, the presentframework constitutes a powerful tool in the robust design of damper systems for OPGWcables.