Thermal management of power system design by computational simulation

Power systems for telecommunication are required to be operational at a high level of reliability in difficult environmental conditions of temperature, humidity, vibrations and earthquake. Their functionality and performance are tested according to a series of requirements specified by industry standards such as Network Equipment-Building System (NEBS-TELECORDIA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The common approach for power system design for compliance with UL is mostly a "trail and error" design method. The electrical components are selected according to customer specifications, and bus bars are designed to function at rated amperage for a given section and temperature rise. If UL temperature limit is exceeded, the redesigned system undergoes another heat test, or the power distribution is de-rated from a higher ambient temperature. Thermal management of power system using computational simulation has lately become a method of choice because, it allows the designer to evaluate up- front multiple options before a prototype is built and tested, in contrast to "trial and errors" method.