Case Study: ABB achieves faster recloser development and optimized magnet design with COMSOL Multiphysics

ABB reduces recloser design time with Comsol’s 2D optimization in 100 seconds

ABB, a major power grid technology manufacturer, faced the challenge of developing more reliable reclosers, which are crucial for maintaining a steady electricity supply. Their goal was to optimize the key permanent magnet inside a single-coil actuator to ensure excellent switching properties while reducing the component's size. To achieve this, they turned to vendor Comsol and utilized COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software.

Comsol's solution involved a multi-step simulation workflow. Engineers first used 2D modeling coupled with optimization software to rapidly size the magnet and tune the system. They then validated the design with a dynamic 3D model that utilized Comsol's moving mesh and multiturn coil domain features to accurately simulate the actuator's operation. This process drastically reduced development time, with 2D iterations taking approximately 100 seconds, allowing ABB to quickly experiment with and refine new, improved configurations for their GridShield recloser.

ABB