Case Study: NKT achieves accurate high-voltage cable armor loss modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics

NKT validates cable armor losses within 3% using Comsol

NKT, a global cable supplier, faced the challenge of accurately and efficiently measuring armor losses in their custom high-voltage cables. Experimental testing was prohibitively time-consuming and resource-intensive, and outdated industry standards often led to significant overestimations. To confidently perform design analyses before manufacturing, NKT turned to Comsol and used the COMSOL Multiphysics® software with the AC/DC Module for 3D electromagnetics modeling.

The solution implemented by Comsol enabled NKT to create a virtual 3D model of an armored cable to analyze magnetic fields and compute losses. Using features like Periodic boundary conditions and infinite elements, Comsol allowed NKT to run the model efficiently on a standard laptop. The results were validated against experimental data, showing the modeled losses were within 3% of measured values, a significant improvement over the 10-30% variance of the IEC standard. This accuracy allows NKT to simulate instead of measure, reducing conductor size and saving on costly materials for cable projects.

NKT