Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Analysis of the Short-Time and Peak Withstand Current Tests in Substation Connectors

Francesca Capelli, Jordi-Roger Riba and Joan Pérez
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Francesca Capelli: Department of Electrical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Terrassa 08222, Spain
Jordi-Roger Riba: Department of Electrical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Terrassa 08222, Spain
Joan Pérez: SBI-Connectors Spain SAU, Sant Esteve Sesrovires 08635, Spain

Energies, 2016, vol. 9, issue 6, 1-16

Abstract: Power devices intended for high-voltage systems must be tested according to international standards, which includes the short-time withstand current test and peak withstand current test. However, these tests require very special facilities which consume huge amounts of electrical power. Therefore, mathematical tools to simulate such tests are highly appealing since they allow reproducing the electromagnetic and thermal behavior of the test object in a fast and economical manner. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element method (3D-FEM) approach to simulate the transient thermal behavior of substation connectors is presented and validated against experimental data. To this end, a multiphysics 3D-FEM method is proposed, which considers both the connector and the reference power conductors. The transient and steady-state temperature profiles of both the conductors and connector provided by the 3D-FEM method prove its suitability and accuracy as compared to experimental data provided by short-circuit tests conducted in two high-current laboratories. The proposed simulation tool, which was proven to be accurate and realistic, may be particularly useful during the design and optimization phases of substation connectors since it allows anticipating the results of mandatory laboratory tests.

Keywords: finite element method; short-time withstand current test; peak withstand current test; simulation; substation; connector (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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