Multiphysics Analysis of Plug-In Connector Under Steady and Short Circuit Conditions

With the aim of providing an effective method for optimal design and condition monitoring of the plug-in connector used in gas-insulated switchgears, a 3-D coupled field finite-element method model has been developed for analyzing the electrical, thermal, and mechanical behaviors of a plug-in connector under steady and short circuit conditions. Contact resistance and electromagnetic repulsion force are considered by modeling an equivalent contact bridge between contact interfaces. Electromagnetic force and temperature derived from electromagnetic-thermal coupled field calculation are used as the load inputs in thermal-mechanical coupled field analysis. The validity of the calculation model is demonstrated by temperature rise experiments and comparing with other closed formulas. Dynamic behaviors of a plug-in connector under short circuit conditions have been also analyzed.