Calculating voltage drops in cables with vectors?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating voltage drops in a 3x400VAC system using vector mathematics. The user initially employs the formula ΔU.conductor=I.1*Z.cable1+I.2*Z.cable2 to determine voltage drop but encounters discrepancies when incorporating angles. The correct approach involves using vector components, where the voltage drop is calculated as U.new=U.nominal-√3*I1*Length.cable1*(R.cable1*cosφ+X.cable1*sinφ). The importance of understanding power factor and vector addition in electrical calculations is emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 3-phase AC systems
  • Familiarity with vector mathematics in electrical engineering
  • Knowledge of power factor and its impact on voltage
  • Experience with calculating impedance (Z) in cables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition in electrical engineering contexts
  • Learn about power factor correction techniques
  • Explore the implications of impedance in AC circuits
  • Research advanced voltage drop calculations in 3-phase systems
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Electrical engineers, technicians working with 3-phase systems, and students studying power systems will benefit from this discussion.

EVriderDK
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Hey.

If i Have a 3x400VAC system, and I want to calculate the voltage drop over the cable "vectorially" - or what you call it :) - how do I do this?
U.nominal=400V

I have tried this method:
\DeltaU.conductor=I.1*Z.cable1+I.2*Z.cable2+etc. and then I will have to find the new voltage ->
\DeltaU.phase=U.conductor*\sqrt{3}
U.new=U.nominal-\DeltaU.phase

When I'm calculating this with angles, I actually get a higher voltage, after the voltage drop :D
The voltage drop is cause by a electrical motor starting.

In school we learn it this way:
\varphi.motor=80 degrees

U.new=U.nominal-\sqrt{3}*I1*Length.cable1*(R.cable1*cos\varphi+X.cable1*sin\varphi)+\sqrt{3}*I2*Length.cable2(R.cable2*cos\varphi+X.cable2*sin\varphi)+etc.
But that is not with vectors.

Hope you understand?

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
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I'm pretty weak with respect to power factor stuff, but sin and cos are intimately tied to the vector quantities.

Acosβ represents the X component and Asinβ the Y component of a vector of magnitude A at angle β (usually called real and imaginary parts).

If you want to add two vectors you can add their respective X parts and Y parts to determine the new X and Y parts of the resulting vector.

You can probably go through the equations you posted and see where the vector math is happening.
 

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