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

Return-current density distribution in the ground for a single-wire earth-return power line, where the earth provides the electrical return path.

Engineering question

How to calculate the reverse current density distribution in the ground for a single-wire earth return line?

Answer
A plane-parallel AC magnetics model determines the reverse current density distribution in soil and rock.

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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 Return-current density distribution in the ground for a single-wire earth-return power line, where the earth provides the electrical return path. 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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