Multi physical field simulation of medium voltage switchgear and optimal design

In this paper, the temperature rise situation under normal operation of a 12kV medium voltage switchgear is studied through modeling and simulation method. Firstly, in the simulation analysis of the whole switchgear, based on the theory of eddy current field, gas flow field, and temperature field, the temperature rise distribution of the switchgear under the condition of natural convection and forced convection is simulated and analyzed. Then, several improvement methods are taken to reduce the temperature rise that emerge in the switchgear, including using spring contact finger structure to replace flexible connection structure. The simulation results also show that the spring contact structure is beneficial to reduce the temperature rise of vacuum interrupter (VI) and mechanical connection part.