1. What is Area of X-Section Calculation?

The area of cross-section calculation determines the required wire size for underground AC electrical systems based on line losses, current, length, and material resistivity. This ensures efficient power transmission with minimal energy loss.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — Area of Underground AC Wire (m²)
• \( \rho \) — Resistivity of the material (Ω·m)
• \( L \) — Length of Underground AC Wire (m)
• \( I \) — Current Underground AC (A)
• \( P_{loss} \) — Line Losses (W)

Explanation: The formula calculates the minimum cross-sectional area needed to maintain specified line losses for given current and wire length.

3. Importance of Cross-Sectional Area Calculation

Details: Proper wire sizing is crucial for electrical safety, energy efficiency, voltage regulation, and preventing overheating in underground AC systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter resistivity in Ω·m, length in meters, current in amperes, and line losses in watts. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the factor 2 used in the formula?
A: The factor 2 accounts for the return path in single-phase systems, making the total conductor length effectively twice the physical length.

Q2: What are typical resistivity values for common conductors?
A: Copper: 1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Aluminum: 2.82×10⁻⁸ Ω·m at 20°C. Values vary with temperature.

Q3: How does wire size affect line losses?
A: Larger cross-sectional area reduces resistance, which decreases line losses for the same current flow.

Q4: What are acceptable line loss percentages?
A: Typically 2-5% of total power is considered acceptable for most electrical distribution systems.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for DC systems?
A: While the principle is similar, DC systems may have different considerations and the formula might need adjustment.