The amount of copper used by a 3-wire distributor having the same maxi...
Concept:
- For the same conductor length, the same amount of power, same losses and same maximum voltage to earth, 3 wire DC system requires a minimum conductor area.
- For transmitting the same amount of power at the same voltage, a three-phase transmission line requires less conductor material than a single-phase line; The three-phase transmission system is so cheaper
- For a given amount of power transmitted through a system, the three-phase system requires conductors with a smaller cross-sectional area; This means a saving of copper and thus the original installation costs are less.
Important Points:
- Below is given the table which shows the ratio of conductor-material in any system compared with that in the corresponding 2-wire DC system.
- Cos φ is the power factor in an AC system.
The amount of copper used by a 3-wire distributor having the same maxi...
Introduction:
In electrical distribution systems, the amount of copper used is an important factor to consider. Copper is a common material used in electrical conductors due to its high conductivity. Therefore, understanding the relationship between the number of wires in a distributor and the amount of copper required is essential.
Explanation:
To determine the amount of copper used by a 3-wire distributor compared to a 2-wire DC distributor, we need to analyze the differences in their wiring configurations and how it affects the copper requirement.
1. 2-wire DC Distributor:
In a 2-wire DC distributor, the system typically consists of a positive wire (hot) and a negative wire (neutral). The maximum voltage to earth, also known as the line-to-ground voltage, is the same for both wires.
2. 3-wire Distributor:
In a 3-wire distributor, the system usually consists of a three-phase power supply, with each phase having its own wire. The maximum voltage to earth is the same for all three wires.
Comparison:
To compare the copper requirement between the two systems, we need to consider the following factors:
a. Number of Conductors:
- In a 2-wire DC distributor, there are two conductors (positive and negative).
- In a 3-wire distributor, there are three conductors (three phases).
b. Current Carrying Capacity:
- The current carrying capacity of a conductor depends on its cross-sectional area. A larger cross-sectional area allows for higher current carrying capacity.
- In a 3-wire distributor, the three conductors can be sized smaller compared to a 2-wire DC distributor because the load is distributed across three phases. This is known as the skin effect.
c. Copper Requirement:
- The amount of copper used is directly proportional to the cross-sectional area of the conductors.
- Since the conductors in a 3-wire distributor can be smaller due to the skin effect, the total copper requirement is lower compared to a 2-wire DC distributor.
Conclusion:
Based on the above factors, the amount of copper used by a 3-wire distributor with the same maximum voltage to earth as compared to a 2-wire DC distributor is 31.25% (option D). This indicates a significant reduction in copper requirement for the 3-wire distributor.
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