Application of reduced scale tests to improve the thermal performance of high-voltage substation connectors

The thermal behavior of high-voltage substation connectors is a critical aspect that must be considered during the design stage. Most research about the thermal performance of substation connector devices is based on full-scale models. This paper proposes a downscaling method to evaluate the thermal performance of reduced scale substation connectors. The theoretical results attained in this paper were validated by means of FEM simulations and experimental tests. Reduced scale simulation and testing will be an essential tool for assessing the thermal performance of substation connectors and other electrical equipment during the design and validation stages.