1. What is Resistivity?

Resistivity is the measure of how strongly a material opposes the flow of current through them. It's a fundamental property that determines how well a material conducts electricity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the resistivity formula:

Where:

• \( \rho \) — Resistivity (Ω·m)
• \( P_{loss} \) — Line Losses (Watt)
• \( A \) — Area of Overhead AC Wire (m²)
• \( I \) — Current Overhead AC (Ampere)
• \( L \) — Length of Overhead AC Wire (Meter)

Explanation: This formula calculates the resistivity of the wire material based on power losses, cross-sectional area, current flow, and wire length in a single-phase two-wire overhead system.

3. Importance of Resistivity Calculation

Details: Calculating resistivity is crucial for designing efficient electrical transmission systems, selecting appropriate conductor materials, and minimizing energy losses in power distribution networks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line losses in watts, wire area in square meters, current in amperes, and wire length in meters. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect resistivity?
A: Resistivity depends on the material type, temperature, and in some cases, pressure and magnetic fields.

Q2: How does temperature affect resistivity?
A: For most conductors, resistivity increases with temperature, while for semiconductors, it decreases with temperature.

Q3: What are typical resistivity values for common conductors?
A: Copper: ~1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Aluminum: ~2.82×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Silver: ~1.59×10⁻⁸ Ω·m at 20°C.

Q4: Why is the factor of 2 in the denominator?
A: The factor of 2 accounts for the two-wire system where both conductors contribute to the total power loss.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation method?
A: This method provides a good estimation but actual resistivity may vary due to temperature effects, material impurities, and manufacturing variations.