As detailed in the ScienceDirect article “Influence of busbar trunking system design on thermal performance operating with non-sinusoidal currents,” the selection of busbar trunking systems is essential for ensuring operational safety and reliability in electrical power systems. Pioneering advancements in this field are addressing the challenges posed by harmonic currents, which significantly affect the current-carrying capacity of busbar trunking systems, particularly in applications such as electric vehicle charging stations, energy storage systems, microgrids, and data centers.
Harmonic currents, generated by semiconductor-based converters, can cause substantial thermal performance issues. The study explores how different busbar trunking system designs perform under the load of these currents. Through coupled electromagnetic field and thermal analyses using the finite element method, the research found that non-sinusoidal currents markedly increase maximum temperatures within busbar systems.
The study revealed that busbar trunking systems with increased conductor cross-sections outperform those with dual neutral conductors when dealing with high proportions of harmonic currents, particularly third harmonic components. Specifically, a busbar trunking system with a single neutral conductor can be loaded with 20% to 25% harmonic current, while a system with two neutral conductors can handle 22% to 39%. Notably, a system with a 25% increased conductor cross-section can manage 39% to 44% harmonic current.
These findings underscore the importance of choosing the appropriate busbar trunking system design to maintain system reliability and thermal efficiency. Innovations in busbar design offer significant benefits for managing non-sinusoidal currents, ensuring robust performance in various critical applications.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of sciencedirect.com
Photo with all rights reserved, courtesy of depositphotos.com
