Determination of short circuit stresses in an air core reactor using finite element analysis

Abstract

This paper shows the use and effectiveness of finite element method while designing an air core reactor for determining the short circuit forces and stress level due to short circuit. A 500 Amp air core series reactor having nominal voltage rating of 600 Volt was to be designed and to be subjected to a short circuit current of 8 KA for 2 second. A finite element approach was adopted in designing the stress level due to short circuit forces and the results were utilized in developing a reactor that finally withstood the short circuit test.Keywords: Reactor, Short circuit forces, von Mises stress, Finite Element Method, Inductor