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Main >> Applications >> Sample problems

Single-wire earth return (SWER) - QuickField simulation example

A single wire distribution network consists of a single insulated wire. Earth is used as a return conductor.

Engineering question

How to find current distribution in single-wire earth return line?

Engineering answer
Set up a plane-parallel QuickField AC Magnetics problem for a single-wire earth return line and evaluate current distribution from computed field results.

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Typical applications
SWER distribution lines, rural transmission systems, earth-return power lines

Single-wire earth return

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Simulation problem

Problem Type
Plane-parallel problem of AC magnetics.

Geometry
Single-wire earth return A single wire distribution network consists of a single insulated wire. Earth is used as a return conductor. Conductor Soil Rock 10 m 140 m 5 m

Given
Power line current I = 10 A
Power frequency f = 50 Hz
Line length L = 10 km.
Electric conductivity of soil = 0.001 S/m
Electric conductivity of rock = 0.0001 S/m.

Task
Current flows through a single-wire power line. Determine the distribution of the reverse current density in the ground.

Result
The distribution of current density in the soil layer and in the rock and the total voltage drops.
Single-wire earth return current

Reference
Wikipedia: Single-wire earth return

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