Finite Element Method Based Design of a Computer Application Interface for Thermal Analysis of Underground Power Cable System

Abstract

The aim of thermal analysis of underground power cable studies is to optimize electrical and physical parameters of cable system and to transfer maximum power with minimum losses. For such problems, finite element method is mostly preferred, since they have complex geometry and requires multi-disciplinary (thermal and electrical) study. However, design, calculation and analysis of the problem is quite challenging since it requires advanced knowledge in related areas. Therefore, it becomes difficult particularly for engineers and students to study on thermal analysis of underground cables which has an important role in power system. In this context, it is aimed to design an application to perform thermal analysis of a typical medium voltage underground cable system. The application is designed using Comsol Multiphysics and allows users to perform two-dimensional, time-dependent thermal analyses. It also provides users to set several thermal, electrical and physical parameters as inputs and allows to compare thermal distribution results at desired points and regions. In the study, a series of thermal analyses are performed and results are presented for a sample loading scenario to indicate performance of the application. Besides, the application designed is used as a training material in a seminar in Yildiz Technical University, Electrical Engineering Department. Results showed that the application can be used as a useful tool for engineering education.

Keywords

• Power cables
• Thermal analysis
• Finite element method
• Distribution networks

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