2D finite element modelling of the AC transport power loss in multi-layer Bi-2223 cables

A simple model is proposed which can estimate the total AC transport power loss of a multi-layered Bi-2223 cable, with the effect of the twisted geometry approximated in 2D, thus greatly decreasing the required computational resources. The model operates by applying a modified current value on the cable's cross-section. This can be achieved mathematically by taking into account the layer's twist angle. Several multi-layer cable models with varying layer pitch lengths and magnitudes of transport current were simulated, and the power loss estimated using 3D models; the same was done for their corresponding 2D models and then the results were compared. Furthermore, the 2D model was used to simulate a real 4-layer Bi-2223 cable, where the difference between the simulated power loss and loss presented in literature was under 10%. It was shown that due to the favourable results, the methodology has sufficient basis for further investigation and implementation.