Maximum current carrying capacity of Bus Bar

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the maximum current carrying capacity of a 72-meter long aluminum tubular busbar for transferring 250 MW of power at 132 kV, with considerations for temperature and the configuration of multiple transformers. Participants explore various aspects of busbar specifications, including dimensions, current ratings, and safety factors.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to calculate the current carrying capacity of a busbar under specific conditions, including temperature and voltage.
  • Another participant questions the initial power unit used, suggesting that MW should be used instead of MWh.
  • Some participants emphasize that voltage and frequency are less critical than the current and temperature for determining busbar capacity.
  • There is a discussion about whether multiple short sections of busbar need to carry the same current individually or if they can be treated as a single continuous length.
  • One participant suggests that it is prudent to overrate the busbar capacity to account for potential overloads and future expansions.
  • A later reply highlights that the current capacity is defined per meter and that the total length does not affect the temperature rise at a given current.
  • Another participant warns that calculations should consider additional factors such as static and dynamic loads, short-circuit effects, and environmental conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the importance of different parameters in calculating busbar capacity, and there is no consensus on the best approach to ensure safety and reliability in the design.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for detailed calculations that consider multiple factors beyond just current capacity, including thermal effects, mechanical stresses, and environmental impacts, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

muet
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If I have to transfer 250 MWh through 3 phase aluminium tubular busbar what is the maximum current carrying capacity under normal condition at 80c temperature and voltage is 132kv at busbar from each 60mw 04 transformers 50hz 132/11kv stepup transformers connected on that busbar,

this is not academic, i need to calculate bus bar current and 72M length which is fixed and i need wall thickness and inner and outer dia ?

thanks
 
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anorlunda said:
Did you try to Google "busbar rating" before posting your question?

There are many sources of this information including

http://www.copper.org/applications/electrical/busbar/bus_table3.html
thanks anorlunda,yes i searched entire internet. and i found them. But. Problem is that. I am confused that my power which is to transfer and length 72m can suport that and my voltage and friquency and we have to connect 04 Stepup transformers.,selected bus bar will compatible with that much power and current ?
 
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muet said:
250 MWh
Don't you mean MW, not MWh?

muet said:
from each 60mw 04 transformers
I don't understand that phrase.

Voltage and frequency don't matter, only amps and temperature. For example, you can transfer up to 199 amps, with a 65 degree C temperature rise, using 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) thick, 1/2 inch (13 mm) diameter bus bar. The table in the link provided gives similar answers for many ampere ratings.
 
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anorlunda said:
Don't you mean MW, not MWh?I don't understand that phrase.

Voltage and frequency don't matter, only amps and temperature. For example, you can transfer up to 199 amps, with a 65 degree C temperature rise, using 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) thick, 1/2 inch (13 mm) diameter bus bar. The table in the link provided gives similar answers for many ampere ratings.
we have 60MVA 04
Transformers which are going to connect. And we have to transfer almost 250 MW power at 132kv voltage ? Busbar
have to carry this much power all the time .
 
muet said:
250 MW power at 132kv voltage

Can you calculate the current from that data? If yes, what more do you need?
 
anorlunda said:
Can you calculate the current from that data? If yes, what more do you need?
ok. I can calculate 250 MW at 132kv current. But i want to know. That bus bars are come in small sections which are going to connect and formed one 72m bare per phase. So all small bars have to carry that much current or combine of them say 72m single bar. ?
 
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It is safest to assume they ask carry the same current. Don't forget possible overloads our future expansions.

Since bus bars are not expensive, it might be smart to buy some rated two times the amount you calculate.
 
anorlunda said:
It is safest to assume they ask carry the same current. Don't forget possible overloads our future expansions.

Since bus bars are not expensive, it might be smart to buy some rated two times the amount you calculate.

thanks man . but i am still confused. that my bus bar total length is 72 m / phase and they might come in 12m small parts 6 parts per phase. are they have to carry that much current individually or combine of them ?,
 
  • #10
The current capacity is amps per meter to give a constant temperature rise.

The total length, and the number of short pieces doesn't matter.
 
  • #11
anorlunda said:
The current capacity is amps per meter to give a constant temperature rise.

The total length, and the number of short pieces doesn't matter.

means i have 12 m bar and 72m bar both have same rise of temperature at same current carrying ?
 
  • #12
anorlunda said:
The current capacity is amps per meter to give a constant temperature rise.

The total length, and the number of short pieces doesn't matter.
thanks anorlunda for informative conversation . we are gating 12m Bus bars total length of 72m per phase, and Dia is 80mm and wall thikness 8mm which will be carry upto 2500 A current at 85c temp ,
 
  • #13
:olduhh:
First of all I should recommend you to take an experimented engineer to check all your calculation. What you could get here it is a general information.

The busbar maximum temperature for steady state load it is not the single criterion.

The actual calculation involved static and dynamic load on busbar, insulators and other accessories.

The busbar system has to withstand short-circuit current thermal and electromechanical effect [See IEC 60865-1,2 for instance] wind, ice and earthquake effect.