Modelling large planar deflections of flexible bundled conductors in substations using a modified chained-beam constraint model

Abstract

To evaluate the terminal force and configuration of bundled flexible conductors used in high voltage substations, this study developed a parametric method for modelling the large planar deflection of the flexible conductors. The flexible conductors were assumed to be planar beams. Based on the chained-beam constraint model (CBCM), the equations of the constraint effects of spacers and the geometric constraint of the bundled conductors were added to the model. Additionally, the CBCM was modified to capture the loading of a concentrated force on the intermediate part of the conductors. The model was validated by static tests and finite element analyses. Some case studies on the terminal force and configuration of the bundled flexible conductors based on this model were carried out. The terminal force and configuration of the bundled conductors calculated with and without bending stiffness were compared, showing that the constraint effects of the spacers increased the stiffness of the bundled conductors. Ignoring the bending stiffness and the constraint effects of the spacers will lead to analytical errors in the terminal force and configurations of the bundled flexible conductors used in high voltage substations.