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Welcome to Switchgear Thermal Model

Switchgear Thermal Model is a library for modeling the conductor temperature of switchgear based on thermal specifications, load profiles and an ambient temperature conditions. The model is based on calculation principles described in IEC 62271-306. The results of the model should be considered indicative: further validation and refinement of the model are required. Contributions to improve, validate, and extend the model are welcome.

Features

The Switchgear Thermal Model is designed to simulate temperature behavior in switchgear. In summary, it provides the following features:

  • Creation of a switchgear model based on specified thermal parameters;
  • Simulation of conductor temperature using static or dynamic load profiles and ambient temperature profiles;

Who is using the Switchgear Thermal Model?

The Switchgear Thermal Model is intended for engineers, analysts, and researchers who want to better understand and quantify the development of conductor temperatures in switchgear under varying operating conditions.

Since conductor temperature ultimately determines the maximum allowable current and power that can be transported through switchgear, the model enables a temperature-driven approach to loadability assessment. Instead of relying on static current limits, the model can be used to determine asset- and profile-specific ampacities based on thermal limits, ambient conditions, and actual load profiles.

This makes the model particularly suitable for applications such as dynamic loadability analysis, asset utilization studies, and scenario analyses in power system planning and operation.

Model validation

The Switchgear Thermal Model (SGTM) is based on IEC 62271-1 and IEC 62271-306, which define the thermal behaviour of high-voltage switchgears.

Validation of the model has primarily been performed using laboratory measurements under controlled conditions. At this stage, no field validation has been conducted.

The results of the laboratory tests show good agreement with measurements, with small deviations (typically within a few Kelvin), which are acceptable for the intended application.

It should be noted that most validation has been carried out using static load profiles. Model performance under cyclic or highly dynamic conditions has not yet been fully validated and requires further investigation.

The model has mainly been developed and tested for medium-voltage applications (10 kV and 20 kV). However, the underlying methodology is in principle applicable to switchgear systems with rated voltages ≥ 1 kV, provided that IEC 62271-306 is applied appropriately.

Given the current validation status, the model should be used with appropriate engineering judgement, especially when applied outside the validated domain.

License

This project is licensed under the Mozilla Public License, version 2.0 - see LICENSE for details.

Licenses third-party libraries

This project includes third-party libraries, which are licensed under their own respective Open-Source licenses. SPDX-License-Identifier headers are used to show which license is applicable.

The concerning license files can be found in the LICENSES directory.

Contributing

Please read CODE_OF_CONDUCT, CONTRIBUTING and PROJECT GOVERNANCE for details on the process for submitting pull requests to us.

Contact

Please read SUPPORT for how to connect and get into contact with the Switchgear Thermal Model project.