Digital model for assessing strength of busbars and busbar supports located in a switchgear under the influence of electrodynamic force

Abstract

Short circuit current impact tests of busbar arrangements in switchgears are very expensive. There are publicized studies that propose the assessment of the impact using simple geometric constructions, but that approach fails to deliver good results. In this article, we propose a finite element method for analysis of mechanical movements in the context of short circuit current impact over the sinusoidal current period. The proposed method allows us to research different designs of switchgears without conducting full-scale tests. We can determine the parts of the model that will shift into unacceptable positions under the influence of short circuit current and promptly make changes to the model.