Purpose
This paper aims to present a new approach to the numerical solution of skin effect integral equations in cylindrical conductors. An approximate, but very simple and accurate method for calculating the current density distribution, skin-effect resistance and inductance, in pulse regime of cylindrical conductor, having a circular or rectangular cross-section, is considered. The differential evolution method is applied for minimization of error functional. Because of its application in the practice, the lightning impulse is observed. Direct and inverse fast Fourier transform is applied.
Design/methodology/approach
This method contributes to increasing of correctness and much faster convergence. As the electromagnetic field components depend on the current density derivation, the proposed method gives a very accurate solution not only for current density distribution and resistance but also for field components and for internal inductance coefficients. Distribution of current and electromagnetic field in bus-bars can be successfully determined if the proximity effect is included together with the skin effect in calculations.
Findings
The study shows the strong influence of direct lightning strikes on the distribution of electrical current in cables used in lightning protection systems. The current impulse causes an increase in the current density at all points of the cross-section of the conductor, and in particular the skin effect on the external periphery. Based on the data calculated by using the proposed method, it is possible to calculate the minimum dimensions of the conductors to prevent system failures.
Research limitations/implications
There are a number of approximations of lightning strike impulse in the literature. This is a limiting factor that affects the reliability and agreement between measured data with calculated values.
Originality/value
In contrast with other methods, the current density function is approximated by finite functional series, which automatically satisfy wave equation and existing boundary conditions. It is necessary to minimize the functional. This approach leads to a very accurate solution, even in the case when only two terms in current approximation are adopted.
Inductance gradient and current density distribution for T-shaped convex and concave rail cross-sections