Influence of the Current-Carrying Elements Material on the Thermal Field Distribution in a Low Voltage Switchboard

The paper presents numerical studies of the influence exerted by the material of the current-carrying elements in a low voltage switchboard (LVS) on the level of heating in it. The studies have been conducted by means of especially developed computer models of the LVS in Comsol. The tests have been carried out both for a closed switchboard and a switchboard with ventilation openings in case of natural and forced convection. Results about the heating in the switchboards have been obtained for the following two cases: copper or aluminum elements, which carry electric current in the LVS.