Efficient Finite Element Models for Milliken Conductors Using Homogenization Techniques Based on Helicoidal Symmetry

Milliken-type conductors are the predominant design for the inner conductor of high-voltage AC power cables beyond a certain cross-sectional area. Their complex geometric structure gives rise to multiscale problems that pose significant challenges in the numerical modeling of their electromagnetic behavior. The latter is essential to investigate the influence of the design parameters on the conductor performance. We present a computationally efficient finite element model that exploits helicoidal symmetries and homogenization techniques to handle the multiscale nature of the problem. The homogenized finite element model is constructed in such a way that relevant design parameters such as distinct pitch lengths at the different levels can still be taken into account. We verify the proposed method by comparing it with brute-force 3-D computations using established commercial simulation software.