Discussion Forum

Dear COMOL community,

I have implemented 3D model of a stranded overhead line conductor with 3 aluminum layers and 1 steel core in COMSOL, as seen on the attached image. Can any of you tell me what the best way to model the current density distribution of each layer would be? I guess I should use the Coil feature within the Magnetic Fields (mf) physics, however, I'm not sure how to set it up as how I want it. I think of assuming that all of the strands in each layer have electrical contact (as seen on the image), while each layer is insulated from each other (I can change the geometry to make this happen). In practical installations each strand in each layer will be in contact, but the strands between layers can have various contact points depending on the tension/setup etc. All three layers have different lay length (distance of one revolution of strand around the diameter of the conductor) and adjacent layers have opposite twisting direction. I've also looked at the mef physics, however, my understanding is that the mf physics should be sufficient for my model.

So, should I use the Single conductor Coil or the multi-turn, and how many coil nodes will be needed, with the requirements that I've mentioned so far?

Any help is highly appreciated - thanks!