Formula Used:
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The Area of X-Section using Load Current formula calculates the cross-sectional area of an overhead AC wire based on current flow, material resistivity, wire length, and acceptable power losses. This is crucial for proper electrical system design and efficiency.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the required cross-sectional area to achieve specified power losses for given current, material properties, and wire length.
Details: Proper wire sizing is essential for minimizing power losses, preventing overheating, ensuring voltage stability, and maintaining overall system efficiency and safety.
Tips: Enter current in amperes, resistivity in ohm-meters, length in meters, and line losses in watts. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why is the factor 2 used in the formula?
A: The factor 2 accounts for the two-wire system in single-phase overhead transmission, where both wires contribute to the total power loss.
Q2: What is typical resistivity for copper wire?
A: Copper has a resistivity of approximately 1.68 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m at 20°C, while aluminum is about 2.82 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m.
Q3: How does temperature affect the calculation?
A: Resistivity increases with temperature, so calculations should use resistivity values at the expected operating temperature.
Q4: What are acceptable line losses for power transmission?
A: Typically, line losses are kept below 5% of the total power transmitted, but this varies based on specific system requirements and regulations.
Q5: Can this formula be used for DC systems?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to DC systems, though the factor 2 would be removed for single-wire DC systems with ground return.