Multiphysics Simulation Technology and Its Application in Electrical Equipment

Multiphysics simulation technology, which couples the interactions among multiple physical domains such as electromagnetism, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and mechanics, provides a powerful numerical analysis tool for the design and optimization of electrical equipment. During the operation of electrical equipment, especially inside circuit breakers, strong coupling frequently occurs among multiple physical processes, including Joule heating generated by current, electromagnetic forces, arc plasma flow, and mechanical motion of the operating mechanism. For example, when a circuit breaker interrupts a fault current, the high-temperature arc generated between the contacts simultaneously induces intense thermal radiation, pressure variations in the gas flow field, and electromagnetic forces, which directly affect the breaker's interrupting performance and electrical endurance. By employing multiphysics simulation, it is possible to accurately model the dynamic characteristics of the arc, the contact erosion process, the gas flow distribution within the arc chamber, and the dynamic response of the operating mechanism in a circuit breaker, thereby optimizing the arc chamber structure, contact materials, and operating mechanism parameters. This technology significantly shortens the development cycle of high-voltage circuit breakers, gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), and other power equipment, reduces testing costs, and provides critical theoretical support for enhancing equipment reliability, miniaturization, and intelligence. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:

1. Theory of DC breaking

2. DC arc simulation

3. Advanced technology for HV/LV DC breaking

4. Topology and characteristics of hybrid DC circuit breakers

5. Coupled Electromagnetic-Thermal-Fluid Simulation of Arc Plasma in Circuit Breakers

Chair:

Jianning Yin, Xi'an University of Technology, China

Jianning Yin (Member, IEEE) received the Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering in 2019 from Xi’an Jiaotong University. Currently, he is an Associate Professor with the School of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology. His research interests include optimization design and intelligence of high and low voltage circuit breakers, advanced interruption technology for DC circuit breakers, MHD simulation of switching arc, switching arc plasma and its application.