Experimental and Model-Based Investigation on the Design of Compression Connections for Stranded Aluminum Conductors on Their Electrical-Thermal Operating Behavior

Compression connections for stranded cable conductors are widely used in the energy distribution network and are of central importance to it. A long service life of these components is essential for the operational stability of the power grid. To reach this, the connectors must be dimensioned accordingly for the respective application. When designing compression connections, it is important to suit the sleeve material and dimensions as well as the crimping tool to the conductor dimensions and material. A challenge in the design of connections arises when a conductor material is used that differs significantly in its properties from conventional conductor materials, as in this study. Therefore, the influence of different design parameters of the connector sleeve on the electrical-thermal operating behavior of the connection is investigated experimentally in this paper. This investigation is supported by the simulation of the electrical-thermal operating behavior by using discrete models. The aim of the investigation is to demonstrate a stable electrical and thermal operating behavior of the connectors. Furthermore, it is checked whether the discrete models are suitable for mapping the electrical-thermal long-term behavior of such connections. To support the development process of compression connections it is tested, whether an estimation of the influence of design parameters on the electrical-thermal operating behavior of the connection is possible without having to re-parameterize the models for a changed design parameter.