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Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 80

Far Away Load

06/18/2011 6:57 PM

I have a 500kW/380V LV Load in a distance of 700m.

Instead of buying step up and step down transformer, including all MV panels needed, i'm thinking of using 1 transformer, maybe 380/440V, so that they still can get 380V at the end of the line. Cost of losses can be neglected, as they are a coal mine and using their coal to generate power.

What would be others consideration of using such solution? Or is there better solution?

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#1

Re: Far away Load

06/18/2011 7:40 PM

The cheaper more efficient method would to be to use a simple buck/boost transformer sized to the intended load opposed to a full isolated 380/440 volt one.

With buck/boost setups you only transform the necessary voltage gain needed to get tot eh desired working voltage opposed to transforming the whole load.

With a 500 Kw load on a 380/440 transformer you would need a three phase transformer with the full 500 KVA or greater working capacity where as with a buck/boost system you only need the 440 - 380 = 60 volt difference which would work out to around 27 KVA per phase which is a much smaller and cheaper transformer system to deal with.

Just a thought.

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Far away Load

06/18/2011 11:24 PM

I agree in principle and gave you a GA. My only caveat is that the OP mentioned that this has something to do with a coal mine. The hazards of a coal mining operation requires considering how the electrical system will integrate into the coal mining operation. Because of the explosive environment of coal dust and the frequent scenario of water flooding (from both wetting down the dust and underground seepage) underground electrical systems should not be designed and installed by people that don't know the local mining codes.

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#3

Re: Far Away Load

06/19/2011 2:35 AM

If the steady state copper loss cable loss can be tolerated, the other consideration to take into account is sudden change of load or motor load starting.

Motor starting draws very high current, if your line impedance is high (due to long cable), the voltage dip may be very severe, your other electronic equipment may not like it.

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#4

Re: Far Away Load

06/19/2011 9:20 AM

If voltage drop in cables equates to IR, do take into account that under exceptional light loading conditions there will not be the desired voltage loss in the cable hence any electrical equipment in service at that time will get something like 440 v at the terminals and might burn.

Under regular loading conditions when you can expect 380 v at the load end, do take into account that the I2 R loss in cable is ending up in heating the cables and depending on the type of insulation there is a limit to heating of the cables.

Do take note of the applicable codes, rules and regulations.

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#5

Re: Far Away Load

06/19/2011 11:25 AM

You are right, regarding the change of voltage during a light load. My other idea is to use a voltage stabilizer at the load side, to maintain the 380V. That way I will only use 1 MCCB/ACB at the outgoing, 1 voltage stabilizer, and 1 MCCB/ACB at the incoming. It's much better than using 1 step up transformer, 1 step down transformer, and some LV and MV breakers.

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#6
In reply to #5

Re: Far Away Load

06/19/2011 11:36 AM

Is the equipment you are powering actually going to be underground in the mine? Will it be movable? (I mean, will it be moved occasionally while the mine is in operation, or will it be at a permanent location?)

I can guess that this is a load outside the actual mine, like a ventilation fan, a crusher, the motor(s) for a conveyor belthead, or a hoist or something like that?

For loads like that, actually outside the mine, I would consider running a high voltage overhead line from your high voltage source and then hanging (well, maybe setting an oil filled transformer) outside the mine to power the equipment. We did that for loads like I mentioned in the US 35 years ago, and I like that solution better than running a big cable and an improvised power boost of any sort. (Well, maybe improvised isn't the best choice of words, but it just seems a little kludgy.)

700 meters is almost a half mile. (I have trouble "thinking" metrically.)

How would you route the big cable that you'd need at 380 volts? If you'd hang it anyway, you'll need poles and hangers. (I guess you could use a suitable outdoor rated power cable (how many would you need) and a galvanized messenger wire and sister hooks (I'm envisioning running around the outside of a hill like we might do in West Virginia--if the land is flat would you dig a trench and bury the cable?

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#7
In reply to #6

Re: Far Away Load

06/21/2011 7:02 AM

Again I guess and with the comments that the load is on surface in a coal mine.In a coalmine flameproof features are required which is not mentioned. Normally in a mine there is not so much space to draw a HT overhead line. If this is so HT can be transmitted through power cable and transformer can be installed nearby the load. Economically this may be a better option taking into consideration LT related problems afterwards.

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