Analysis of a circuit breaker solenoid actuator system using the decoupled CAD-FE-integral technique

A decoupled three-dimensional CAD (computer-aided-design) finite-element-integral method, combined with the Runge-Kutta method, is offered to determine the dynamic characteristics and design requirements of a circuit breaker solenoid actuator, when energized from a DC supply. The model couples the electric, magnetic, and mechanical systems of the device. The presented solution takes account of the nonlinear magnetic material properties, the dimensions of the magnetic circuit, the coil parameters, and load of the trip mechanism system. The predicted dynamic characteristics from the analysis correlate closely with the results from the test performed on the actuator and demonstrate the applicability of the proposed techniques to the optimization of circuit breaker actuator performance and electromagnetic solenoid design