Current distribution in generator main connections

Heavy copper busbars are used to carry the current between turbogenerators and generator transformers in U.K. power stations. At each end of the busbars an arrangement of many flexible braided parallel interconnectors are used between the busbars, the generator and the transformer. Within such a group of parallel interconnectors, the electromagnetic interaction induces a non-uniform current distribution as a result of which uneven heating of braids may occur. The computer-oriented technique described predicts current distributions in three-phase arrangements of parallel rectangular conductors. The paper discusses theory and distributions in three-phase arrangements. Comparison of computed and experimental results, relating to two installations, is also included.