Why Multiply by sqrt(3) in Voltage Drop Formula?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of voltage drop in a three-phase system, specifically questioning the use of the square root of three (sqrt(3)) in the voltage drop formula. Participants are examining the implications of this factor in relation to cable sizing for a variable speed drive (VSD) application, with a focus on standards and theoretical underpinnings.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the necessity of multiplying by sqrt(3) in the voltage drop formula, suggesting that it is only relevant for converting between phase and line values in delta/star configurations.
  • Another participant clarifies that the sqrt(3) factor is used to approximate the line-to-line voltage drop in a three-phase system, contrasting it with the line-to-neutral voltage drop calculation.
  • A different participant provides a specific calculation using a given cable impedance, indicating that the voltage drop is below the acceptable limit based on the voltage at the motor control center (MCC).
  • One participant presents a formula for calculating percentage voltage drop in a symmetrical system, incorporating the sqrt(3) factor in the context of phase voltage drop.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of sqrt(3) in the voltage drop calculation. While some provide explanations for its use, others remain uncertain about its necessity, indicating an unresolved debate on this aspect of the calculation.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the definitions of voltage drop in three-phase systems and the specific conditions under which the calculations are made. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps or the implications of using different voltage references (line-to-line vs. line-to-neutral).

lavalin
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I have a 45kW VSD drive with pf of .9 and FL amp of 75A, I have a 350m run from the MCC to the VSD itself and I'm trying to calculate what size cable I need so that I don't exceed the specified voltage drop of 3%. The line-line voltage where the motor is to be placed is 400V and the cable impedance is say .2ohms per km.

I was looking in the australian standards and their voltage formula is as follows:
Vdrop = (sqrt(3) * I(line) * Distance * Z(cable))/1000
V(% drop) = Vdrop/400

What I want to know is, why are they multiplying by sqrt(3), when you already have the line value Current. I thought sqrt(3) was only used to convert between phase/line values of current or voltage in delta/star configurations. The motor has a delta winding and I'm running 4C (3C+E) out to it.

From what I understand it should be:
Vdrop = I(line) * Distance * Z(cable)
So;
Vdrop = (75 * 350 * .2) / 1000
Vdrop = 5.25V

V(%) = (Vdrop/V) * 100
V(%) = (5.25 / 400) *100
V(%) = 1.31%

Thanks
 
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lavalin said:
I have a 45kW VSD drive with pf of .9 and FL amp of 75A, I have a 350m run from the MCC to the VSD itself and I'm trying to calculate what size cable I need so that I don't exceed the specified voltage drop of 3%. The line-line voltage where the motor is to be placed is 400V and the cable impedance is say .2ohms per km.

I was looking in the australian standards and their voltage formula is as follows:
Vdrop = (sqrt(3) * I(line) * Distance * Z(cable))/1000
V(% drop) = Vdrop/400

What I want to know is, why are they multiplying by sqrt(3), when you already have the line value Current. I thought sqrt(3) was only used to convert between phase/line values of current or voltage in delta/star configurations. The motor has a delta winding and I'm running 4C (3C+E) out to it.

It appears they are approximating the voltage drop from line-to-line of a three phase system, not line-to-neutral.

The general approximation for a line-to-neutral voltage drop is:

VD = IRcos(phi) + IXsin(phi)

where,

VD = voltage drop in one conductor, one way
I = current flowing in one conductor
R = line resistance for one conductor in ohms
X = line reactance for one conductor in ohms
phi = angle whose cosine is the load power factor

Note that I is usually assumed to be the load carrying capacity of the conductor.

The line-to-line voltage drop for a three-phase system is then found by multiplying by sqrt(3).

CS
 
You have given cable Z of 0.2 ohm/km which is value for 95mm2
This cable has 3ph volt drop of 0.4mV/Am
Hence VD = 0.4 *75*350/1000 = 10.5v
Volt drop usually is % of voltage at MCC which usually 415v
3% of 415V is 12.45v hence you are below this
 
%V = ( phase voltage drop / rated phase voltage)* 100

%V (in symetrical system) = ( sqrt (3) * phase voltage drop / sqrt (3) * rated phase voltage) * 100


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