Which diameter of two core cable?

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    Cable Core Diameter
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the appropriate diameter of 2-core copper cable for a 5 kW solar PV system located 30 meters from the control electronics, aiming to limit power loss to around 10%. The user references a copper wire resistance table and calculates that using 14 AWG copper wire results in a power loss of 12.5 watts for both conductors. The resistivity of copper is noted as 1.69 x 10^-6 m^3, which is critical for accurate calculations of cable sizing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical resistance and power loss calculations
  • Familiarity with wire gauge standards, specifically AWG (American Wire Gauge)
  • Knowledge of solar PV system components and configurations
  • Ability to interpret resistance tables for copper wire
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of cable length on voltage drop in solar PV systems
  • Learn about different wire gauge sizes and their applications in solar installations
  • Explore methods to calculate power loss in electrical circuits
  • Investigate alternative materials for wiring in solar applications, such as aluminum
USEFUL FOR

Solar energy installers, electrical engineers, and anyone involved in optimizing cable selection for solar PV systems will benefit from this discussion.

blimthepixie
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Hello all,

First time here and first time posting. Just like to say a quick hello before getting started...

Due to the rise of solar PV panels being installed before the Feed in Tariff was cut earlier this year (in the UK) I've been thinking about the cable losses that these incur.

Imagine a relatively small, 5 kW system with a peak power rating of 175W (and 5A). This array is 30m from the control electronics and is using 2-core cable. (Copper having a resistivity of 1.69 x 10^-6 m^3).

What cross sectional area of cable will be needed to keep power loss in the cable to around 10%?.

Thanks in advance for taking a look at this and if I've negated to mention anything important just let me know...
 
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Use this copper wire resistance table http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm
For example, 14 Ga. copper wire is rated at 5.9 amps max, and has a resistance of 2.5 ohms per 1000 feet. So for 30 meters = 100 feet, the power loss is I2 R = 52·0 .25 = 6.25 watts.
 
Bob S said:
Use this copper wire resistance table http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm
For example, 14 Ga. copper wire is rated at 5.9 amps max, and has a resistance of 2.5 ohms per 1000 feet. So for 30 meters = 100 feet, the power loss is I2 R = 52·0 .25 = 6.25 watts.
Sorry. This is for only one conductor. Two conductors represent 12.5 watts.
 

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