To optimize the layout of the 220 kV quadri-circuit cables with double-split conductors in each phase

an equivalent circuit model of the cables based on the structure of single core XLPE cable is established to calculate the circuit parameters

such as the circulating current in sheaths and the nonuniformity coefficient of current distribution for triangle and horizontal cross layouts. Subsequently

an optimal triangle-horizontal cross layout of cables are put forward and compared with the above two layouts.The results show that: 1for the triangle layout

the nonuniformity coefficient of current distribution in same phase is large

while the circulating current in sheaths is small; 2 for the horizontal cross layout

the nonuniformity coefficient of current distribution in same phase is small

while the circulating current in sheaths is high; and 3for the triangle-horizontal cross layout

both of the nonuniformity coefficient and the circulating current are small. Particularly

when the arrangement of the cables is in the sequence BCAABC

the nonuniformity coefficient can get to its maximum 1.041 0 and the minimum 1.010 3

and the circulating current get to the maximum 61.89 A and the minimum 9.14 A.