electric wire temperature distribution, heating of electric wire
Calculate the temperature distribution in a long current carrying wire.
Problem Type: Axisymmetric problem of electro-thermal coupling.
Geometry:
Given: Wire diameter d = 0.75";
Resistance ρ = 9.35·10-8 Ohm/m;
Electric current I = 1000 A;
Thermal conductivity λ = 13 Btu·ft/(h·ft2·°F) = 22.5 W/(K·m);
Convection coefficient α = 5 Btu/(h·ft2°F) = 28.4 W/(K·m2);
Ambient temperature To = 70°F = 21.1°C.
Problem:
Calculate the temperature distribution in the wire.
Solution:
We arbitrary chose a 1-foot (12") piece of wire to be represented by the model.
Material electric conductivity is σ = 1/ρ = 1/9.35e-8 = 10.7·106 S·m.
For the conduction problem we specify normal current density at one end j = I /(πd2/4) [A/m2] and zero voltage at another end of the wire, and a zero current condition at its surface.
For heat transfer problem we specify zero thermal flux conditions at the sections of the wire and a convection boundary condition at its surface.
Results: Temperature distribution in an electric wire:
Center line temperature
Surface temperature
Theory
419.9 F (215.5 °C)
417.9 F (214.4 °C)
QuickField
215.5 °C
214.3 °C
* Reference: W. Rohsenow and H. Y. Choi, "Heat, Mass, and Momentum Transfer", Prentice-Hall, N.J., 1963.
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