Coupled Finite Element Analysis of Optical Ground Wire for Overhead Power Lines

Abstract

This paper presents one new methodology for research of thermal sustainability of Optical Protection Ground Wire (OPWG) for Overhead Power Lines (OPL). In this method coupled transient electromagnetic and thermal 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) were used. The problem was solved by taking into account real twisted cable geometry, skin and proximity effects, and environmental conditions concerning the impact of lighting stroke over OPWG. During problem solution first AC losses in wire, excited by standard lighting pulse model, were calculated using Transient electromagnetic FEA. After this distribution of cable temperature field was received. In the FEA of OPWG thermal sustainability, the coupled circuit and FEM model was used.