Comparison of models of currentdistribution in dc contact lines

The contact line is a special kind of power overhead line with multiple electrical connections of wires, which form a complex topology of the linear electrical circuit. Analytical models simplify the real topology of the contact line and it limits their functional application. It is possible to take into account the topology of contact line when using tools of computer simulation, but it entails complicating the computational algorithms of the model. The aim of this article is to determine the conditions for the application of current distribution models and the development prospects in this area. The article describes the existing models for calculating the current distribution in DC contact line: a model of natural current distribution, linear analytical models, model with an infinite number of droppers, a model with a direct application of Kirchhoff's circuit laws in matrix form, and a finite element model. The article contains the main provisions and calculation capabilities of each model. Contact line KS-250-3 acts as a calculation catenary for the comparison of current distribution models. You can use the results of the article to select the optimal design distribution model for the design of the contact line, thermal analysis, current-carrying capacity calculation, identification and elimination of «weak point».