Solve Underground Cable Reactive Power: 127MVAr

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the reactive power generated by an underground cable in a 50Hz grid system, specifically focusing on a 10km length with a given capacitance. Participants are exploring the implications of their calculations and clarifying concepts related to reactive power and voltage in a three-phase system.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the total reactive power generated in a 10km underground cable based on its capacitance and voltage, arriving at 127MVAr.
  • There is confusion regarding whether the calculated power is per phase or total, with references to lecture notes suggesting it is the total reactive power.
  • Another participant questions the appropriate voltage to use in the calculations, noting that the voltage for a three-phase line is not simply the voltage across each wire pair.
  • A later reply clarifies that the cable is a "400kV grid line," prompting further questions about the meaning of this specification in the context of three-phase systems.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the interpretation of voltage levels in three-phase systems, particularly in relation to the provided voltage of 400kV.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of the reactive power calculation or the voltage definitions in three-phase systems. Multiple competing views remain regarding the application of the formulas and the meaning of the voltage specification.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the assumptions underlying the calculations, particularly regarding the voltage used and the interpretation of reactive power in relation to phase distinctions.

Lunat1c
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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.

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

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!
 
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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.

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

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.
 

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