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.

Problem Type
Plane-parallel problem of AC magnetics.

Geometry

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.

Reference
Wikipedia: Single-wire earth return

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