Dynamics of Three-Phase Short Circuit Events
Three-phase short circuit events are critical in electrical systems where an unintended connection between three phases leads to a significant surge of current. These events can cause damage if not properly managed, as they generate extreme forces and thermal effects on electrical components, particularly bus bars.
During a short circuit, the rapid rise in current produces strong electromagnetic fields, resulting in mechanical forces on the bus bars. These forces can cause deformation, displacement, or failure of the bus bars supports.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bus Bars Force Calculation Using Maxwell and Simplorer
1. Determine the short circuit currents by employing a Simplorer circuit:
2. Create a model of your bus bar system using Maxwell 2D:
3. Set Boundaries and Excitations:
4. Assign a force parameter to each bar:
5. Refine the mesh if needed:
Analyzing the Results: Interpreting Fields and Forces on Bus Bars
Plot the magnetic flux density, noting that the image below indicates higher values near the right-side bus bar due to it carrying the highest current.
Upon reviewing the force results, it is observed that the greatest force impacts the two bars on the right, and the total net force of the system equals zero.
