CFD thermal modelling of Lynx overhead conductors in distribution networks with integrated Renewable Energy Driven Generators

Results presented on application of a CFD technique for determination of the thermal state of a Lynx overhead conductor, used in power distribution networks. The thermal state of the Lynx conductor is mainly defined by the magnitude of the transmitted electrical current, ambient temperature, wind velocity and its direction and also by solar radiation. CFD modelling provides engineers with a capability to fully reflect in the process of numerical simulations variations of the above parameters over a range which is typical for real exploitation conditions. Results for both the steady-state and transient responses have been obtained and compared to those predicted by industrial standards and available from experimental data. Time constant values were obtained for various scenarios in which there was an instantaneous change in the magnitude of the electrical current or wind velocity. Analysis of numerical results demonstrate that the CFD technique provides an adequate level of accuracy in predicting the thermal state of the overhead conductor and could be a viable option for the dynamic analysis of distribution networks with a number of renewable energy generators, operating under varying electrical load and weather conditions.