Enclosure resistance during an arcing event. Simulation can visualise the distribution of ionized gas (left-hand side) and mechanical stresses, mechanical strains and deformations of the enclosure.
Simulation for Switchgear Design
The design and manufacture of switchgear is a complex process that comes with its own set of unique challenges. While regulatory compliance is a must, the required precision and tolerance levels in complex switchgear components provides a constant design challenge.
By harnessing simulation early in the design cycle, switchgear designers can ensure their designs are compliant, safe and efficient well before prototyping and physical testing.
Ansys simulation offers valuable tools and capabilities that can significantly benefit switchgear designers in various aspects of their work. Here’s a breakdown of how Ansys simulation can be instrumental in the switchgear design process:
Performance Analysis: Ansys simulation allows designers to assess the performance of switchgear components under different operating conditions. This includes evaluating the electrical, thermal, and mechanical aspects to ensure optimal functionality and reliability.
Virtual Prototyping: Switchgear designers can use Ansys to create virtual prototypes of their designs, enabling them to test and validate concepts before physical prototypes are built. This not only accelerates the design process but also helps in identifying potential issues early in the development stage.
Electromagnetic Field Simulation: Ansys provides advanced electromagnetic field simulation capabilities. Switchgear often involves complex electromagnetic interactions, and Ansys allows designers to analyse and optimise electromagnetic components, ensuring proper functioning and minimising electromagnetic interference.
Thermal Analysis: Switchgear components generate heat during operation, and excessive temperatures can impact performance and longevity. Ansys simulation helps designers assess thermal behavior, identify hotspots, and optimise cooling strategies to ensure that the switchgear operates within safe temperature ranges.
Structural Integrity Assessment: Ansys allows for structural analysis of switchgear components, ensuring they can withstand mechanical stresses, vibrations, and other environmental factors. This helps in designing robust and durable switchgear systems.
Material Selection and Durability Analysis: Ansys simulation aids in evaluating the impact of different materials on the performance and durability of switchgear components. Designers can assess how materials respond to various stressors and make informed decisions about material selection.
Transient and Dynamic Analysis: Switchgear often experiences dynamic events and transient conditions. Ansys simulation enables designers to study these dynamic responses, helping to optimize designs for fast and reliable operation during switching events or fault conditions.
Optimisation and Design Exploration: Ansys provides optimisation tools that allow designers to explore a wide range of design parameters and configurations. This helps in identifying the most efficient and cost-effective solutions while meeting performance and safety requirements.
Risk Mitigation: Through simulation, designers can identify and mitigate potential risks early in the design process, reducing the likelihood of issues arising during manufacturing or operation. This leads to more reliable and safer switchgear systems.
By leveraging Ansys simulation, switchgear designers can enhance their design capabilities, streamline the development process, and deliver more robust and efficient solutions to meet the evolving demands of the electrical power industry.
Identify location of arc formation based on fields, geometry and quantify current within arc. The model includes effects of non-linear air chemistry and therefore lets the engineer adjust air pressure and humidity.
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