A simplified approach to calculating current distribution in parallel power buses

A practical method of determining the conditions for current sharing amongst paralleled power buses is described. A simple coupled circuit model which includes the effects of externally added series resistance is used. A dimensionless factor (K) is introduced for purposes of identifying the conditions for current sharing. A critical selection of geometrical layouts is considered for determining a lower bound on K. For all practical cases it was found that a value greater than 10 would give rise to uniform current sharing. On the other hand, for a more optimal utilization of space it was found that the cable layouts could be optimized in several ways so as to maintain current sharing. Individual applications could resort to the use of specific geometrical layouts based on the requirements for allocated space, external magnetic field strengths, forces between wires, and maintainability. A concentric arrangement of alternating polarities offers the best utilization of space and has the lowest external fields.>