Parametric short-circuit force analysis of three-phase busbars-a fully automated finite element approach

A three-phase busbar arrangement with straight rigid conductors carrying short-circuit currents is investigated. Calculations are made assuming steady-state AC current with a peak value equal to the peak value of the short-circuit current. The electromagnetic forces are calculated by solving the electromagnetic field diffusion equation numerically, using finite elements. The results are compared with results calculated according to the IEC Standard 865/93. A large number of arrangements have been examined, covering a wide variety of cases, as used in AC indoor installations of medium and low voltage. For this purpose, the finite element procedure has been fully automated to a degree of minimal human intervention. A let-it-grow artificial neural network (ANN) has been utilized for the automatic mesh generation. The forces calculated were in all cases in excellent agreement with the IEC Standard 865/93.