Solve Underground Cable Reactive Power: 127MVAr

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lunat1c
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cables
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the total reactive power generated by a 10km underground cable with a capacitance of 400nF per phase per km in a 50Hz grid. The calculation shows that the total reactive power is 127MVAr, but there is confusion about whether this value represents the total reactive power or just the per-phase power. Participants clarify that for a 400kV 3-phase line, the voltage used in calculations should reflect the line-to-line voltage, which is essential for accurate reactive power and charging current computations. Additionally, there is uncertainty about how to derive the charging current for each phase, with references made to dividing the total power by three. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding voltage definitions in three-phase systems for accurate electrical calculations.
Lunat1c
Messages
64
Reaction score
0
Hello,

I just got a small question.

If a 50Hz grid line is carried underground for a distance of 10km. And it is also known that the capacitance is 400nF per phase per km. What is the total reactive power generated in the 10km length?

Then I could say that we have a total of 400nF * 10 = 4000nF per phase.

Power = \frac{V^2}{X_c} = \frac{400k^2}{\frac{1}{2 * \pi * 50 * 4000nF}} = 127MVAr.

1. However, this is the power per phase isn't it? From my lecture notes it is the total reactive power however I can't figure out why.

2. Also, I'm trying to find the charging current in each phase of the line.

According to my lecturer power in each phase is the power I got earlier divided by 3, but the same capacitance is used if the formula I^2Xc is used.

Please help, this is really confusing me!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Anyone please?
 
Lunat1c said:
Hello,

I just got a small question.

If a 50Hz grid line is carried underground for a distance of 10km. And it is also known that the capacitance is 400nF per phase per km. What is the total reactive power generated in the 10km length?

Then I could say that we have a total of 400nF * 10 = 4000nF per phase.

Power = \frac{V^2}{X_c} = \frac{400k^2}{\frac{1}{2 * \pi * 50 * 4000nF}} = 127MVAr.

1. However, this is the power per phase isn't it? From my lecture notes it is the total reactive power however I can't figure out why.

2. Also, I'm trying to find the charging current in each phase of the line.

According to my lecturer power in each phase is the power I got earlier divided by 3, but the same capacitance is used if the formula I^2Xc is used.

Please help, this is really confusing me!

What are you using for the "voltage"? The voltage that is listed for a 3-phase line does not show up across each wire pair...
 
Sorry, my mistake. The question says it's a "400kV grid line"
 
Lunat1c said:
Sorry, my mistake. The question says it's a "400kV grid line"

So for a 400kV 3-phase transmission line, what is the voltage difference between each pair? See if the answer makes more sense now.
 
I'm not sure I follow. I think I misunderstood the question to be honest. When you're told that a cable is a 400kV cable, what's the meaning of that exactly? I know that when it comes to 3 phase systems for example, when you're told that you have a 415V supply, that means that the line to line voltage is 415. However I'm unsure about this.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
6K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
31
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
3K
Back
Top