Case Study: Investigation possible benefits of resistance-based thermal modeling

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Session 3 Paper 4, Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, 14-15 April 2016

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This study contains an introductory assessment of a potential solution to a leading cause of electrical failure; localised overheating of connections and associated conductors. Thermography is widely used, but can fall short in providing an integrity indication under maximum load conditions. To overcome this, an application of the finite difference method for modelling thermal performance under adverse conditions has been evaluated, and could provide a more robust solution for appraising connections on new and existing distribution systems. The practice of testing itself carries the benefit of reduced risk, as the tests are conducted on a system made dead.