Cable parameter determination focusing on proximity effect inclusion using finite element analysis

Computational simulations involving problems of power quality, electromagnetic transients and electromagnetic compatibility, among others, require the application of time-domain cable models appropriate for high-frequency studies, able to represent the cable parameter variation in relation to frequency. Most of the models that satisfy this condition require, to be elaborated, input data regarding the cable resistance and inductance for different frequencies. Since the measurement of such parameters is oftentimes not feasible, the possibility of their determination from analytical or computational methods is highly desirable. Routines of the type "cable/line constants", commonly featured in commercial simulators, are widely used for this purpose; nevertheless, they present limitations that lead to inaccuracy and restrictions in their applicability. In this context, a methodology for cable parameter determination, based on finite element analysis (FEA), is presented, which overcomes these problems and thus arises as a very attractive tool for cable/line modeling.