Electrical Methodology

A methodology to size the electrical equipment and the power

cables of a photovoltaic plant
December 11, 2023

Ignacio Álvarez Iberlucea,

Álvaro Pajares Barroso,
Álvaro Benito Oliva
Petranka Boncheva,
Hassan Farhat,
Félix Ignacio Pérez Cicala,
Miguel Ángel Torrero Rionegro
 Abstract

Abstract

This electrical methodology explains the electrical calculations that the software does throughout
the PV plant. It also explains the different criteria of each of the electrical cabling standards that
pvDesign offers. The following topics are introduced in the methodology:

• The calculation of the maximum and minimum modules per string.

• The types of PV plant electrical configurations that pvDesign offers.
• The sizing of the equipment’s protective devices such as fuses and breakers.
• The model that has been followed to size cables according to IEC and NEC standards.
• The electrical parameters of the cables, including the positive sequence impedance, the
zero sequence impedance and the capacitive susceptance.
• The power flow representation of the pvDesign project according to the Western Electricity
Coordinating Council (WECC)

Electrical Methodology 1
 Contents

Contents

Abstract 1

1 Electrical equipment calculation 6

1.1 Number of modules per string calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.1.1 Consequences of considering minimum historical temperature as cell tem-
perature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.2 Electrical configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.3 Protective devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.3.1 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.3.2 Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2 Distribution of strings into inverters and power stations 13

2.1 Definition of possible power stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.2 Calculation of the resulting power stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.2.1 Maximum capacity obtaining the exact DC/AC ratio . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.2.2 Maximum capacity installing the maximum peak power . . . . . . . . . 15
2.2.3 Specific capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.2.4 Distribution of strings into inverters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3 Electrical Sizing Criteria 19

3.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.2 Cable selection based on the maximum current-carrying capacity . . . . . . . . 20
3.2.1 IEC standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.2.2 NEC standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.2.3 Australian standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.2.4 National Standard of the People’s Republic of China . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.2.5 Temperature of the cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.3 Cable selection based on short-circuit temperature rise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.3.1 IEC standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.3.2 NEC standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.3.3 Australian standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.3.4 National Standard of the People’s Republic of China . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.3.5 Consequences of taking the cable heat dissipation factor = 1 . . . . . . . 28
3.4 Cable selection based on voltage drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.4.1 Consequences of taking the maximum operational temperature of the
insulation for cable sizing based on voltage drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.4.2 Consequences of taking the AC resistance equals to the DC resistance . 32

Electrical Methodology 2
 Contents

4 Electrical Parameters 34
4.1 Resistance calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.2 Reactance calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.3 Zero sequence impedance calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.4 Capacitive Susceptance calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

5 Power Flow Model 38

5.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5.2 Explicit representation of the Overhead Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.3 Explicit representation of the Power Transformers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.4 Equivalent representation of the MV Collectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
5.5 Equivalent representation of the inverter pad-mounted transformers . . . . . . 40
5.6 Equivalent representation of the generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Bibliography 43

A Determining the distribution of strings into inverters and power stations 45

B Determining cable cross-sections 48

B.1 Medium voltage cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
B.1.1 IEC standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
B.1.2 NEC standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
B.2 Low voltage cables. String level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
B.2.1 IEC standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
B.2.2 NEC standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

C Determining electrical characteristics of the cable 55

C.1 Determining the electrical characteristics of a medium voltage cable . . . . . . . 55
C.1.1 Temperature of the cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
C.1.2 Voltage drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
C.1.3 Withstand short-circuit current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

D Determining electrical parameters of the cable 57

D.1 Determining the positive sequence parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
D.2 Determining the zero sequence parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
D.3 Determining the capacitive susceptance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Electrical Methodology 3
 List of Figures

List of Figures

1.1 Maximum number of modules per string with module temperature from -10 ºC
to -8ºC. Source: Own elaboration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.2 Maximum number of modules per string with module temperature from 5 ºC to
7ºC. Source: Own elaboration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.3 Maximum number of modules per string with module temperature from 10 ºC to
12ºC. Source: Own elaboration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.4 Maximum number of modules per string with module temperature from 20 ºC to
22ºC. Source: Own elaboration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3.1 Dissipation factor and Cu XLPE cross-section based on short-circuit temperature

rise [𝑚𝑚 2 ]. Source: Own elaboration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.2 Dissipation factor and Al XLPE cross-section based on short-circuit temperature
rise [𝑚𝑚 2 ]. Source: Own elaboration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.3 Al XLPE cable cross-section based on resistivities at different temperatures [𝑚𝑚 2 ].
Source: Own elaboration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
3.4 AC and DC resistivities for a Cu cable based on IEC. Source: Own elaboration. . 33
3.5 AC and DC resistivities for a Cu cable based on Tables 8 and 9 of the NEC stan-
dard. Source: Own elaboration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

5.1 Power Flow Model example. Source: pvDesign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

5.2 Power Flow Model of a PV plant with a secondary inverter enabled. Source:
pvDesign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
5.3 Power Flow Model of a PV plant with an AC coupled battery energy storage
system. Source: pvDesign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Electrical Methodology 4
 List of Tables

List of Tables

3.1 Correction factors applied according to IEC standards, [4] and [5]. . . . . . . . . 21
3.2 Correction factors applied according to NEC standard [2] . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.3 Correction factors applied according to AUS standards, [6] [7]. . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.4 Correction factors applied according to GB 50217-2018 [8] . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.5 Constants that depend on the nature of the conductor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.6 Maximum conductor temperatures for different types of insulating compound
according to IEC [4] and [5]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.7 Maximum conductor temperatures for different types of insulating compound
according to NEC [2]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.8 Maximum conductor temperatures for different types of insulating compound
according to Australian standards [6] [7]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.9 Differences between the 𝑘 used in pvDesign and the one given by the Australian
Standard [6] [7]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.10 Maximum conductor temperatures for different types of insulating compound
according to [8] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.11 Differences between the 𝑘 used in pvDesign and the one given by the Chinese
Standard [8]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.12 Maximum conductor temperatures for different types of insulating in normal
condition to electrical standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

B.1 Correction factors according to IEC standard for MV cables. . . . . . . . . . . . 49

B.2 Correction factors according to NEC standard for MV cables. . . . . . . . . . . . 51
B.3 Correction factors according to IEC standard for LV cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
B.4 Correction factors according to NEC standard for LV cables. . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Electrical Methodology 5
 Chapter 1. Electrical equipment calculation

Chapter 1

Electrical equipment calculation

1.1 Number of modules per string calculation

The number of modules that can be connected in series in a PV plant is constrained by two
conditions. The first condition is that the voltage of the modules must always be lower than the
maximum input voltage of the inverter and the maximum module voltage. The second condition
is that the voltage of the modules must be within the voltage range that maximizes the efficiency
of the inverter.

The upper limit of the number of modules per string is constrained by both conditions, and the
second condition marks the lower limit.

The maximum voltage will be reached in low-temperature conditions when the modules operate
at high efficiency. Therefore, based on the minimum operating temperature, the expression used
to calculate the maximum number of modules in series according to the first condition mentioned
above is given by Equation 1.1.

𝑉max DC system
𝑁 𝑠 max (𝑉max DC system ) = (1.1)
𝑉oc (𝑇cell min )

Where:

• 𝑁𝑠 max (𝑉max DC system ) is the maximum number of modules per string that can be defined
without exceeding the maximum DC voltage.
• 𝑉max DC system is the minimum of the following values: maximum input voltage at the in-
verter, and maximum approved voltage of the module in [V].
• 𝑉oc (𝑇cell min ) is the open-circuit voltage of the cell at its minimum temperature in [V], cal-
culated using Equation 1.2.

The open-circuit voltage of the PV cells as a function of their temperature is calculated using
Equation 1.2.

𝜇
𝑉oc (𝑇cell min ) = 𝑉oc (25◦𝐶) + (𝑇cell min − 25) · 𝑉oc (25◦𝐶) · (1.2)
100

Electrical Methodology 6
 Chapter 1. Electrical equipment calculation

Where:

• 𝑉oc (𝑇cell min ) is the open-circuit voltage of the cell at its minimum temperature in [V].
• 𝑉oc (25◦𝐶) is the open-circuit voltage of the cell at standard conditions in [V].
• 𝜇 is the module temperature coefficient of Voc in [%/ºC].
• 𝑇cell min is the minimum temperature of the solar cells in [ºC], calculated using Equation 1.3.

The cell temperature is obtained from the minimum air temperature at the location, as recom-
mended in IEC 62548 [1] and NEC 2017 [2] standards, as expressed in Equation 1.3.

𝑇cell min = 𝑇air min (1.3)

Where:

• 𝑇cell min is the minimum temperature of the solar cells in [ºC].

• 𝑇air min is the minimum historical value of air temperature at the location in [ºC].

To determine the maximum number of modules per string, the second condition must be also
taken into consideration. The expression used to calculate the maximum number of modules per
string that satisfies this condition is given by Equation 1.4.

𝑉max MPPT inverter

𝑁 𝑠 max (𝑉max MPPT inverter ) = (1.4)
𝑉mp (25◦𝐶)

Where:

• 𝑁𝑠 max (𝑉max MPPT inverter ) is the maximum number of modules per string that can be defined
to work within the voltage range that maximizes inverter’s efficiency.
• 𝑉max MPPT inverter is the maximum voltage of the MPPT voltage range of the inverter in [V].
• 𝑉mp (25◦𝐶) is the voltage at the maximum power of the cell at standard conditions in [V].

Once both conditions have been evaluated, the most restrictive value of the maximum number
of modules per string is considered as the final one.

To ensure that the voltage given by the string is within the operation window of the inverters,
the minimum number of modules per string must ensure that the voltage given is above the
minimum MPPT voltage accepted by the inverter even at maximum temperature conditions,
where the voltage of the string will be lower. The minimum number of modules per string is
calculated using Equation 1.5.

𝑉min MPPT inverter

𝑁 𝑠 min = (1.5)
𝑉mp (𝑇cell max )

Where:

• 𝑁𝑠 min is the minimum number of modules per string.

• 𝑉min MPPT inverter is the minimum voltage of the MPPT voltage range of the inverter in [V].

Electrical Methodology 7
 Chapter 1. Electrical equipment calculation

• 𝑉mp (𝑇cell max ) is the voltage at the maximum power of the module at maximum temperature
in [V], calculated using Equation 1.6.

The voltage of the module at its MPP when the temperature is the maximum one is calculated
using Equation 1.6.

𝜇
𝑉mp (𝑇cell max ) = 𝑉mp (25◦𝐶) + (𝑇cell max − 25) · 𝑉mp (25◦𝐶) · (1.6)
100

Where:

• 𝑉mp (𝑇cell max ) is the voltage at the maximum power of the module at maximum temperature
in [V].
• 𝑉mp (25◦𝐶) is the voltage at the maximum power of the module at standard conditions in
[V].
• 𝜇 is the module temperature coefficient of Voc in [%/ºC].
• 𝑇cell max is the maximum temperature of the solar cells in [ºC], calculated using Equation 1.7.

And, the maximum cell temperature is obtained from Equation 1.7.

𝑇𝑁 𝑂𝐶𝑇 ( ◦𝐶 ) −20◦𝐶
𝑇cell max = 𝑇air max + 𝐺 max · (1.7)
800𝑊 /𝑚 2

Where:

• 𝑇cell max is the maximum temperature of the solar cells in [ºC].

• 𝑇air max is the maximum historical value of air temperature at the location in [ºC].
• 𝑇𝑁 𝑂𝐶𝑇 ( ◦𝐶 ) −20◦𝐶 is the nominal operating cell temperature (45 °C), measured at 800 W/𝑚 2
irradiance, with spectral distribution AM 1.5 G, air temperature 20 °C and wind speed 1
m/s.
• 𝐺 max is the maximum irradiance in [W/𝑚 2 ]. It equals 1000 [W/𝑚 2 ].

1.1.1 Consequences of considering minimum historical temperature as

cell temperature
When the first condition is approached, deviations from the method above mentioned can be
applied with engineering justification. A method that is commonly applied in ground-mounted
PV plant designs is the one defined by IEC TS 62738 [3], which recommends to take as cell
temperature the minimum historical temperature limited to sunlight hours when irradiance is
higher than 10 W/𝑚 2 .

The minimum historical temperature normally occurs after the sunrise, when the atmosphere has
been longer without the sun heating it up. For this reason, differences between both temperatures
(minimum historical temperature and minimum historical temperature limited to sunlight hours)
do not normally cause differences in the maximum number of modules per string.

Considering a system where the DC maximum voltage is 1500 V, 𝑉OC of the module is 49.6 V and
the module temperature coefficient is -0.233 %/ºC and minimum historical temperatures of -10

Electrical Methodology 8
 Chapter 1. Electrical equipment calculation

ºC, 5 ºC, 10 ºC and 20 ºC, Figure 1.1, Figure 1.2, Figure 1.3 and Figure 1.4 represent the tempera-
ture variation needed in the module to get an increase on the maximum value recommended of
modules per string.

Figure 1.1: Maximum number of modules per string with module temperature from -10 ºC to
-8ºC. Source: Own elaboration.

Figure 1.2: Maximum number of modules per string with module temperature from 5 ºC to 7ºC.
Source: Own elaboration.

Electrical Methodology 9
 Chapter 1. Electrical equipment calculation

Figure 1.3: Maximum number of modules per string with module temperature from 10 ºC to 12ºC.
Source: Own elaboration.

Figure 1.4: Maximum number of modules per string with module temperature from 20 ºC to 22ºC.
Source: Own elaboration.

These figures show that the differences between minimum historical temperature and the mini-
mum historical temperature limited to sunlight hours must be 0.6 ºC, 1.7 ºC, 11.6 ºC and 1.6 ºC for
the cases where the minimum historical temperature is -10 ºC, 5 ºC, 10 ºC and 20 ºC, respectively,
to denote an increase on the maximum recommended number of modules per string. Moreover,
in a range of 30 ºC (between -10 ºC and 20 ºC), only 2 units on the number of modules per string
were increased (from 27 to 29).

Due to the small differences in the results obtained with both methods and to be in compliance
with NEC 2017 [2], pvDesign uses as cell temperature the minimum historical temperature to
calculate the maximum number of modules per string.

1.2 Electrical configuration

pvDesign offers two types of electrical configurations in the case of central inverters and two in
the case of string inverters.

Electrical Methodology 10
 Chapter 1. Electrical equipment calculation

In the case of central inverters:

• String Box: The strings of modules are connected to a string box. And groups of string
boxes are connected to central inverters. The number of strings per string box ranges
from 4 to 36.
• Bus System: The strings are connected to a DC Bus collector and the connections reach
the inverters. The number of strings per DC Bus collector ranges from 4 to 36.

In the case of string inverters:

• String Inverter (Field): The strings are connected directly to the string inverters. The string
inverters are located in the field (outside the power stations).
• String Inverter (Station): The string inverters, in this case, are located in the power stations.

1.3 Protective devices

1.3.1 Fuses
The fuses of the LV DC side must meet the following conditions:

1. The fuse current must be greater than or equal to 1.56 times the module’s short circuit
current.
𝐼 fuse ≥ 1.56 · 𝐼 sc (1.8)

2. The fuse current must have a value between the cable’s load current and its maximum
current capacity.
𝐼 load ≤ 𝐼 fuse ≤ 𝐼 ccc (1.9)

Where:

• 𝐼 fuse is the rated current of the fuse in [A].

• 𝐼 sc is the short-circuit current of the PV module for string cables and the short-circuit
current of the PV module multiplied by the number of strings per box/DC bus collector for
upper PV plant levels in [A].
• 𝐼 load is the load current through the cable in [A].
• 𝐼 ccc is the maximum current capacity of the cable in [A].

1.3.2 Breakers
To size the on-load circuit breaker, the following conditions must be considered:

1. The switch current rating must be greater than or equal to 1.25 times the module’s short
circuit current.
𝐼 breaker ≥ 1.25 · 𝐼 sc (1.10)

2. The switch current rating must be less than or equal to the maximum current capacity of
cables.
𝐼 breaker ≤ 𝐼 ccc (1.11)

Where:

Electrical Methodology 11
 Chapter 1. Electrical equipment calculation

• 𝐼 breaker is the rated current of the breaker in [A].

• 𝐼 sc is the short-circuit current of the PV module for string cables and the short-circuit
current of the PV module multiplied by the number of strings per box/DC bus collector for
upper PV plant levels in [A].
• 𝐼 ccc is the maximum current capacity of the cable in [A].

Electrical Methodology 12
 Chapter 2. Distribution of strings into inverters and power stations

Chapter 2

Distribution of strings into

inverters and power stations

This section explains how strings are distributed into inverters and power stations in pvDesign.

This distribution will be influenced by many aspects:

• The equipment defined such as PV module, inverter, structure and power station.
• The number of modules per string.
• The maximum number of structures that can be installed in the area, along with the number
of strings defined per structure. Strings from one structure will always be connected to the
same inverter.
• The power requirements like the distribution preferences and the desired DC/AC ratio.

It is important to also mention that areas cannot be connected electrically in pvDesign, so strings
from one area must be connected to inverters defined in that area.

2.1 Definition of possible power stations

There are two types of power stations that will be defined:

1. Default power stations: power stations that will be prioritised in the plant, installing as
many as possible. Default power stations are defined by users.
2. Non-default power stations: power stations that will be installed in the case that the strings
remaining are not enough to fill one additional default power station. The order of priority
when installing them will be determined by the AC power of the non-default power station.
The definition of non-default power stations will depend on the type of inverter defined.

• Central inverters: all the possible combinations of inverters that do not exceed the
total amount of inverters defined in a default power station nor the maximum value
defined for one type of inverter.
• String inverters: all the possible combinations within the limits defined by the user.

Electrical Methodology 13
 Chapter 2. Distribution of strings into inverters and power stations

2.2 Calculation of the resulting power stations

The calculation of the resulting power stations installed will be done based on the power require-
ments:

1. Maximum capacity: install the maximum AC power in the design. There can be two modes
of simulation:

• Obtain the desired DC/AC ratio: this option ensures that the DC/AC ratio defined
by the user is matched in every area, but may result in structures uninstalled due to
incompatible electrical configuration.
• Install the maximum peak power: this option ensures that the maximum peak power
is installed for every area, always having a resulting DC/AC ratio that does not exceed
the limits of ±0.15 with respect to the desired one.
2. Specific capacity: install a specific AC power in the design by defining the number of
inverters of each type desired. It will ensure that the DC/AC ratio defined by the user is
matched in every area.

This calculation will give as result the power stations that will be installed and the total number
of strings per area. The later step will define the distribution of strings into inverters.

2.2.1 Maximum capacity obtaining the exact DC/AC ratio

This option ensures that the maximum AC power is installed, obtaining as result the desired
DC/AC ratio in every area.

For every possible power station, starting with the default one and following with the non-default
ones, the number of power stations installed is calculated by Equation 2.1.

 
𝑃 DC,available
𝑁 PS = 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟 (2.1)
𝑃 AC,PS · 𝑃 DC/AC, desired + 𝑃 DC,embedded

Where:

• 𝑁 PS is the resulting amount of the power station in evaluation to install.

• 𝑃DC,available is the DC power available. It is recalculated considering power stations that
have been already installed.
• 𝑃AC,PS is the active AC power of the power station in evaluation.
• 𝑃DC/AC, desired is the desired DC/AC ratio.
• 𝑃DC,embedded is the DC power loss relative to one embed power station (if applicable).

The total number of strings installed is calculated by Equation 2.2.

 
𝑃 AC,comb · 𝑅DC/AC, desired 1
𝑁 strings,area = 𝑅𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 · · 𝑁 strings,structure (2.2)
𝑃 DC,string 𝑁 string,structure

Where:

Electrical Methodology 14
 Chapter 2. Distribution of strings into inverters and power stations

• 𝑁 strings,area is the number of strings to install in the area evaluated.

• 𝑃AC,comb is the active AC power related to the combination of power stations installed in
the area.
• 𝑅DC/AC, desired is the desired DC/AC ratio.
• 𝑃DC,string is the DC power related to one string.
• 𝑁 strings,structure is the number of strings installed in one structure.

2.2.2 Maximum capacity installing the maximum peak power

This option ensures that the maximum AC power is installed, installing the maximum DC power
in every area, not exceeding the limits of DC/AC ratio ± 0.15.

Many combinations are evaluated, following the procedure explained hereafter.

For every possible power station, starting with the default one and following with the non-default
ones sorted by AC power, the lower and upper amount of power stations of each type that can
be installed is calculated using Equation 2.3 and Equation 2.4.

 
𝑃 DC,available
𝑁 PS,lower = 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟 (2.3)
𝑃 AC,PS · 𝑅DC/AC, desired + 𝑃 DC,embedded
 
𝑃 DC,available
𝑁 PS,upper = 𝐶𝑒𝑖𝑙 (2.4)
𝑃 AC,PS · 𝑅DC/AC, desired + 𝑃 DC,embedded
Where:

• 𝑁 PS,lower is the upper amount of the power station in evaluation to install. When installing
this amount of the power station in evaluation, there cannot be other power stations in-
stalled afterwards, as would give a DC/AC ratio that deviates more from the one desired.
• 𝑁 PS,upper is the lower amount of the power station in evaluation to install. When installing
this amount of the power station in evaluation, there can be other power stations installed
afterwards.
• 𝑃DC,available is the DC power available. It is recalculated considering the lower number of
previous power stations already installed.
• 𝑃AC,PS is the active AC power of the power station in evaluation.
• 𝑅DC/AC, desired is the desired DC/AC ratio.
• 𝑃DC,embedded is the DC power loss relative to one embed power station (if applicable).

For every possible combination, it will be evaluated if installing the maximum number of strings
available would give a DC/AC ratio within the limits. If so, that number of strings will be consid-
ered as the maximum that can be installed with that combination. If not, the maximum number
of strings that can be installed for the combination in evaluation is calculated as the value that
would give the maximum possible DC/AC ratio.

From all the combinations in consideration, the resulting combination for the area in evaluation
is the one with the highest DC power and the DC/AC ratio closest to the one desired.

Electrical Methodology 15
 Chapter 2. Distribution of strings into inverters and power stations

2.2.3 Specific capacity

This option ensures that the required AC power is installed, while also getting the DC/AC ratio
defined by the user.

It is important to note that, with this option, the areas that will be filled first with the inverters
defined will be the ones that are closest to the substation.

To calculate the resulting combination of power stations, a similar approach to the one explained
above for maximum capacity is followed, but considering also the number of inverters that are
remaining to be installed.

For every possible power station, starting with the default one and following with the non-default
ones sorted by AC power, the number of power stations installed is calculated using Equation 2.5.

𝑁 PS = 𝑀𝑖𝑛 𝑁 remaining,PS, 𝑁 max,PS (2.5)

Where:

• 𝑁 remaining,PS is the number of power stations that can be installed according to the inverters
remaining to be installed. It is calculated as the minimum relation between the inverters
remaining and the ones defined in the power station in evaluation.
• 𝑁 max,PS is the maximum number of power stations that can be installed according to the
DC power available, calculated using Equation 2.6.

 
𝑃 DC,available
𝑁 max, PS = 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟 (2.6)
𝑃 AC,PS · 𝑅DC/AC, desired + 𝑃DC,embedded

And:

• 𝑁 max,PS is the maximum amount of the power station in evaluation.

• 𝑃DC,available is the DC power available. It is recalculated considering the lower number of
previous power stations already installed.
• 𝑃AC,PS is the active AC power of the power station in evaluation.
• 𝑅DC/AC, desired is the desired DC/AC ratio.
• 𝑃DC,embedded is the DC power loss relative to one embed power station (if applicable).

The total number of strings installed is calculated by Equation 2.2.

2.2.4 Distribution of strings into inverters

The objective is to minimise the number of inverters working at different DC/AC ratios, while
having the power stations as balanced as possible.

For each inverter, the optimal number of strings to get the DC/AC ratio closest to the resulting
one is using Equation 2.7.

Electrical Methodology 16
 Chapter 2. Distribution of strings into inverters and power stations

𝑃 AC,inverter · 𝑅DC/AC, resulting

 
1
𝑁 strings,inverter = 𝑅𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 · · 𝑁 strings,structure (2.7)
𝑃 DC,string 𝑁 string,structure

Where:

• 𝑁 strings,inverter is the number of strings installed in the inverter evaluated.

• 𝑃AC,inverter is the active AC power related to the inverter evaluated.
• 𝑅DC/AC, resulting is the resulting DC/AC ratio.
• 𝑃DC,string is the DC power related to one string.
• 𝑁 strings,structure is the number of strings installed in one structure.

This number of strings defined per inverter could imply exceeding or not reaching the number
of strings desired to be installed in the area. The number of strings remaining to be installed or
removed from defined inverters is calculated as byEquation 2.8.

𝑁 inv,
∑︁area
𝑁 strings, redistribution = 𝑁 strings, area − 𝑁 strings, i (2.8)
𝑖=1

Where:

• 𝑁 strings,redistribution is the number of strings that are remaining to be installed or that have
to be removed from defined inverters. Note that this value can be negative or positive.
• 𝑁 strings,area is the number of strings to be installed in the area.
• 𝑁 inv,area is the number of inverters defined in the area.
• 𝑁 strings,i is the number of strings installed in the inverter in evaluation.

These strings remaining to be installed imply a certain number of inverters to be redistributed,

calculated using Equation 2.9.

𝐴𝑏𝑠 (𝑁 strings, redistribution )

𝑁 inverters, adapt = (2.9)
𝑁 strings, structure

Where:

• 𝑁 inverters,adapt is the number of inverters to be adapted in the area.

• 𝑁 strings,redistribution is the number of strings that are remaining to be installed or that have
to be removed from defined inverters. Note that this value can be negative or positive.
• 𝑁 strings,structure is the number of strings installed in one structure.

The number of inverters to be redistributed per power station will be directly related to the total
contribution of its inverters to the total number of inverters.

𝑁 inverters, PS
𝑁 inverters, adapt PS = · 𝑁 inverters, adapt (2.10)
𝑁 inverters, total

Electrical Methodology 17
 Chapter 2. Distribution of strings into inverters and power stations

Where:

• 𝑁 inverters,adapt PS is the number of inverters to adapt in the PS.

• 𝑁 inverters,PS is the total number of inverters that compose the PS.
• 𝑁 inverters, total is the total number of inverters installed in the area.
• 𝑁 inverters,adapt is the number of inverters to be adapted in the area.

Lastly, the inverters that will be adapted to include the strings remaining will be the ones with
higher AC power, as those will have a lower deviation on the DC/AC ratio.

Electrical Methodology 18
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

Chapter 3

Electrical Sizing Criteria

This section explains the different criteria followed by each of the electrical standards that pvDe-
sign offers.

3.1 Introduction
To size the cables of the PV plant based on the electrical standards, the following criteria must
be satisfied:

• Current-carrying capacity criterion: The operating current is corrected based on the dif-
ferent characteristics of the installation and the site. This corrected value must then be
lower than the maximum current-carrying capacity that the cable can withstand. These
maximum current-carrying capacity values are based on standard tables.
• Short-circuit temperature rise criterion: The short-circuit current must be lower than the
limit supported by the cabling. This criterion is taking into account only for medium volt-
age cables.
• Voltage drop criterion: The voltage drop criterion which states that the voltage drop in
each cable should be lower than the maximum values established by the user in pvDesign.
Although this criterion is considered to size the cable, to not comply with this condition
do not imply that the cable becomes damaged, but imply that the losses will be higher.

The constraints considered when calculating the low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV)
cables were:

• To minimize the costs using the minimum valid cable cross-section(s). We tend to limit
the number of cross-sections to a maximum of two in each sub-system of the PV plant
(standardize the cable cross-sections).
• Copper is proposed as the conducting material for the LV DC string cables. Aluminium is
proposed as the conducting material for the rest of cables (DC, AC and MV).

The assumptions made when sizing and rating the cables are the following:

• The soil temperature equals 25°C if no information is available.

Electrical Methodology 19
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

• The ambient temperature is the maximum historical temperature of the site (provided by
the meteo data source).
• The soil resistivity equals 1 K·m/W if no information is available.
• The depth of cables are 700 mm for buried LV cables and 900 mm for MV cables.
• There is no space between LV cables and the MV cables are spaced 0.2 m between group
centres.
• String cables are fastened to the structures. The rest of LV cables are directly buried in
trenches. MV radial networks from the power stations to the substation are directly buried
in trenches.
• Within a single MV circuit, cables are disposed in trefoil, with a separation between them
equal to two times the diameter of the cable.

3.2 Cable selection based on the maximum current-carrying

capacity
The current-carrying capacity is defined as the maximum current that can flow through an elec-
tric conductor without damaging it. This value varies depending on the conductor, environ-
mental conditions, cross-section, insulating material, the number of grouped conductors, among
others.

The operating current is corrected based on the different characteristics of the installation and
the site. This corrected value must then be lower than the maximum current-carrying capacity
that the cable can withstand.

The equation for the corrected allowed current is given by Equation 3.1.

𝐼 sizing ≤ 𝐼 ccc (3.1)

Where:

• 𝐼 sizing is the sizing current for the current-carrying capacity criterion in [A].
• 𝐼 ccc are the current values standardized for each cable cross-section based on the cable and
the installation characteristics in [A]

As it is presented in the following sections, the operating current of the cable is corrected with
some factors:

1. An ambient air temperature correction factor is only applied when the cables are exposed
to air or installed in trays fastened to the structures.
2. A soil temperature correction factor is only applied when the cables are directly buried in
trenches or underground cable ducts.
3. A soil resistivity correction factor is only applied when the cables are directly buried in
trenches or underground cable ducts.
4. We consider a depth of burial correction factor is only applied when the cables are directly
buried in trenches or underground cable ducts.

Electrical Methodology 20
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

5. Grouping cables together leads to additional heating of the cables which increases the
current passing through them.

3.2.1 IEC standard

Based on IEC standards [4] and [5], the sizing current is given by Equation 3.2.

𝐼 operating
𝐼 sizing = (3.2)
𝐶𝐹

Where:

• 𝐼 sizing is the sizing current for the current-carrying capacity criterion in [A].
• 𝐼 operating is the load current running through the cable in [A].
• 𝐶𝐹 is the product of all the applied correction factors.

The ambient and soil temperature correction factors are calculated using Equation 3.3.

 12
𝜃 i − 𝜃 a 𝛽 + 𝜃 i′

𝐶𝐹 temp = ′ · (3.3)
𝜃 i − 𝜃 a′ 𝛽 + 𝜃 i

Where:

• 𝐶𝐹 temp is the ambient or soil temperature correction factor.

• 𝛽 is the reciprocal of the temperature coefficient of resistivity at 0ºC. This parameter equals
234.5 ºC for copper (Cu) and 228 ºC for aluminium (Al).
• 𝜃 i′ is the conductor rated temperature at which the base ampacity is specified in [ºC].
• 𝜃 i is the maximum allowable conductor temperature in [ºC]. It equals the maximum oper-
ational insulator temperature in normal operation.
• 𝜃 a′ is the ambient or soil temperature at which the base ampacity is specified in [ºC].
• 𝜃 a is the actual soil or ambient temperature in [ºC]. It equals the maximum historical air
temperature of the site or a temperature of 25 ºC underground cables.

The other correction factors that are used to size a cable according to IEC standards are given in
Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Correction factors applied according to IEC standards, [4] and [5].

For MV cables: For LV cables:

Correction Factors
IEC 60502-2 IEC 60364-5-52
For soil thermal resistivities Table B.14, B.15, B.16, and B.17 Table B.52.16
For depths of laying Table B.12 and B.13 Not applied
Table B.18, B.19, B.20,
For groups of cables Table B.52.17, B.52.18, B.52.19
B.21, B.22, and B.23

According to IEC standards [4] and [5], in order to compute the correction factor for a group of
cables:

Electrical Methodology 21
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

• For DC cables: Two single-core cables or one multi-core cable are considered as one current-
carrying conductor.
• For AC cables: Three single-core cables or one multi-core cable are considered as one
current-carrying conductor.

3.2.2 NEC standard

Based on the Article 690 of the NEC standard [2], the sizing current for the output circuit of a
PV plant (from inverters to the substation) is given by Equation 3.4.

𝐼 operating
𝐼 sizing = (3.4)
𝐶𝐹

Where:

• 𝐼 sizing is the sizing current for the current-carrying capacity criterion in [A].
• 𝐼 operating is the load current running through the cable in [A]. It is the inverter continuous
output current for string inverters and the operating current for the MV system.
• 𝐶𝐹 is the product of all the applied correction factors.

The sizing current for the photovoltaic source circuit (from modules to the inverters) is given by
Equation 3.5.

𝐼 sizing = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 (𝐼 corrected , 𝐼 OCPD ) (3.5)

Where 𝐼 corrected is calculated using Equation 3.6.

1.25 · 𝐼 sc
𝐼 corrected = (3.6)
𝐶𝐹

Where:

• 𝐼 corrected is the current corrected by factors in [A].

• 𝐼 sc is the short-circuit current of the PV module for the string cables and the short-circuit
current of the module multiplied by the number of strings per box/DC bus in [A].
• 𝐶𝐹 is the product of all the applied correction factors.

And the 𝐼 OCPD is calculated by Equation 3.7.

1.25 · (1.25 · 𝐼 sc ) = 1.56 · 𝐼 sc ⇒ 𝐼 OCPD (3.7)

After that, we raise the result to the next standard fuse or circuit breaker size defined in section
240.6 of the NEC. The obtained current will be denoted as 𝐼 OCPD .

Where:

• 𝐼 OCPD is the protective device rated current defined in section 240.6 of the NEC in [A].

Electrical Methodology 22
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

• 𝐼 sc is the short-circuit current of the PV module for the string cables and the short-circuit
current of the module multiplied by the number of strings per box/DC bus in [A].

The ambient and soil temperature correction factors are calculated using Equation 3.3. The other
correction factors that are used to size a cable according to NEC standards are given in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2: Correction factors applied according to NEC standard [2]

For MV and LV cables:

Correction Factors
NEC 2017
IEEE Std 399-1997
For soil thermal resistivities
Table 13-5, 13-6, 13-7
For depths of laying NEC Annex B, Section B.3(b)
For groups of cables NEC Annex B, Table B.310.15(B)(2)(11)

According to NEC standards, in order to compute the correction factor for a group of cables:

• For DC cables: Two single-core cables or one multi-core cable are considered as two
current-carrying conductors.
• For AC cables: Three single-core cables or one multi-core cable are considered as three
current-carrying conductors.

3.2.3 Australian standard

Based on [6] [7], the sizing current is given by Equation 3.2, where the ambient temperature
and soil resistivity correction factors are calculated using Equation 3.3, and the other correction
factors are given by the tables mentioned in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3: Correction factors applied according to AUS standards, [6] [7].

For MV cables: For LV cables:

Correction Factors
Prysmian Guide AS 3008.1.1
For soil thermal resistivities Ratings information (page 135-136) Table 29
For depths of laying Ratings information (page 135-137) Table 29
For groups of cables Ratings information (page 136-137) Table 22, Table 25 and Table 26

The Australian standard considers one circuit to compute the correction factor for a group of
cables as any multicore cable with 2 or 3 current-carrying cores or a group of single core cables
with 2 or 3 current-carrying cables.

3.2.4 National Standard of the People’s Republic of China

This standard has been implemented according to [8], being the sizing current calculated by using
Equation 3.2. The ambient and soil correction factors have been calculated by using Equation 3.3,
and the other correction factors considered are defined in Table 3.4.

Electrical Methodology 23
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

Table 3.4: Correction factors applied according to GB 50217-2018 [8]

For MV and LV cables:

Correction Factors
GB 50217-2018
For soil thermal resistivities Table D 0.3
For depths of laying Not apply
For groups of cables Table D 0.4 and D 0.5

To adapt the values given by [8] to the type of cables that are used in photovoltaic installations,
the following considerations have been made:

• Table C.0.1-1/2 has been used for low voltage PVC cables and Table C.0.1-3/4 has been used
for low voltage XLPE cables.
• Table C.0.3 has been used for MV XLPE cables.
• The values given for single core low voltage cables have been considered for both AC and
DC cables.
• The values given for multi core medium voltage cables have been considered for both single
and multi core cables.
• Soil resistivity correction factor has been considered for XLPE and PVC low voltage cables
and for XLPE medium voltage cables.
• The correction factors for groups of cables have been extended up to 12 cables, including
also the possibility of having cables touching. To do this, the guidelines presented in other
standards such as [4] and [6] have been followed.

3.2.5 Temperature of the cable

The temperature of the cable is calculated using Equation 3.8. [9]

 2
𝐼
𝜃 = 𝜃 amb + (𝜃 i − 𝜃 amb ) · (3.8)
𝐼a

Where:

• 𝜃 is the temperature of the cable in [ºC].

• 𝜃 amb is the ambient/ground temperature in [ºC].
• 𝜃 i is the maximum allowable conductor temperature in [ºC]. It equals the maximum oper-
ational insulator temperature in normal operation.
• 𝐼 is the load current in [A].
• 𝐼 a is current-carrying capacity for the conductor based on standard tables in [A].

3.3 Cable selection based on short-circuit temperature rise

When a short-circuit occurs, the amount of current flowing through the conductor might surpass
nominal current during short periods of time, heating up the insulator. It is necessary to verify
that the proposed cross-section can withstand the maximum short-circuit current. This criterion

Electrical Methodology 24
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

is only applied in the case of MV cables and the equation that is applied is valid for all the electrical
standards. [10]

The cross-section of the cable is given by Equation 3.9.

√ √
𝐼 AD · 𝑡 𝐼 sc · 𝑡
𝑆= = (3.9)
𝑘 𝜀 ·𝑘

Where:

• 𝑆 the cable cross-section in [𝑚𝑚 2 ].

• 𝐼 AD is the short-circuit current for adiabatic conditions.
• 𝐼 sc is the short-circuit current. The complete calculation of this short-circuit current is
presented in [11].
• 𝜀 is the cable heat dissipation factor. For adiabatic conditions 𝜀 = 1.
• 𝑡 is the short-circuit duration in [s]. It equals 1 [s].
• 𝑘 is given by Equation 3.10.

√︄  
𝜃f + 𝛽
𝑘 =𝐾· 𝑙𝑛 (3.10)
𝜃i + 𝛽

Where:

• 𝐾 is a constant that depends on the nature of the conductor and the temperature limit
of the insulator in [𝐴𝑠 0.5 /𝑚 2 ]. This parameter equals 226 𝐴𝑠 0.5 /𝑚𝑚 2 for copper (Cu) and
148 𝐴𝑠 0.5 /𝑚𝑚 2 for aluminium (Al).
• 𝛽 is the reciprocal of the temperature coefficient of resistivity at 0ºC. This parameter equals
234.5 ºC for copper (Cu) and 228 ºC for aluminium (Al).
• 𝜃 f is the final short circuit temperature of the conductor in [ºC]. Its value depends on the
standard.
• 𝜃 i is the maximum allowable conductor temperature in [ºC]. It equals the maximum oper-
ational insulator temperature in normal operation.

Hence, the cross-section of the cable is given by Equation 3.11.

√
𝐼 sc · 𝑡
𝑆= √︄   (3.11)
𝜃f + 𝛽
𝐾 · 𝑙𝑛
𝜃i + 𝛽

Where the 𝐾 that is a constant that depends on the nature of the conductor and the temperature
limit of the insulator and 𝛽 that is the reciprocal of the temperature coefficient of resistivity at
0ºC, are shown in Table 3.5.

Electrical Methodology 25
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

Table 3.5: Constants that depend on the nature of the conductor

Conductor material K [𝐴𝑠 0.5 /𝑚 2 ] 𝛽 [ºC]

Copper 226 234.5
Aluminium 148 228

3.3.1 IEC standard

The IEC standard that has been followed to perform this calculation is [4] and [5]. In addition,
the IEC 60502-2 presents the maximum conductor temperatures for different types of insulating
compound and they can be seen in Table 3.6.

Table 3.6: Maximum conductor temperatures for different types of insulating compound accord-
ing to IEC [4] and [5].

Maximum conductor temperature [ºC] XLPE EPR

in normal operation, 𝜃 i 90 90
in short-circuit conditions, 𝜃 f 250 250

3.3.2 NEC standard

According to Table 240.92(B) in [2], conductors are considered to be protected under short-circuit
conditions when their short-circuit temperature limit is not exceeded. Conductor heating under
short-circuit conditions is determined by Equation 3.12 or Equation 3.13.

 
2 2 𝜃 f + 234.5
𝐼 sc · 𝑡 = 0.0297 · 𝑆 Cu · 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (3.12)
𝜃 i + 234.5

 
2 2 𝜃 f + 228
𝐼 sc · 𝑡 = 0.0125 · 𝑆 Al · 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (3.13)
𝜃 i + 228

Where:

• 𝑆 the cable cross-section in [cmils].

• 𝐼 sc the maximum short-circuit current in [A].
• 𝜃 f is the final short circuit temperature of the conductor in [ºC]. Its value depends on the
standard.
• 𝜃 i is the initial short circuit temperature of the conductor in [ºC]. Its value depends on the
standard.
• 𝑡 is the short-circuit duration in [s]. It equals 1 seconds.

However, by applying Equation 3.14 and Equation 3.15.

𝑙𝑛(𝑥)
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (𝑥) = (3.14)
2.3
1 𝑚𝑚 2 = 1973.5 𝑐𝑚𝑖𝑙 (3.15)

Electrical Methodology 26
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

The NEC equations to calculate the section based on the short-circuit rise criterion are the same
as the method followed by the IEC.

√
𝐼 sc · 𝑡 0.5 2
𝑆 Cu = √︂ √︄   ⇒ 𝐾Cu = 224.1 ≈ 226 𝐴𝑠 /𝑚𝑚 (3.16)
0.0297 𝜃 f + 234
· 1973.5 · 𝑙𝑛
2.3 𝜃 i + 234

√
𝐼 sc · 𝑡 0.5 2
𝑆 Al = √︂ √︄   ⇒ 𝐾Al = 145.4 ≈ 148 𝐴𝑠 /𝑚𝑚 (3.17)
0.0125 𝜃 f + 228
· 1973.5 · 𝑙𝑛
2.3 𝜃 i + 228

The NEC presents the maximum conductor temperatures for different types of insulating com-
pound and they can be seen in Table 3.7.

Table 3.7: Maximum conductor temperatures for different types of insulating compound accord-
ing to NEC [2].

Maximum conductor temperature [ºC] THHN XHHN

in normal operation , 𝜃 i 75 90
in short-circuit conditions, 𝜃 f 150 250

3.3.3 Australian standard

Australian standards [6] [7] presents in its Table 53 the temperature limits according to the type
of insulation used. These are summed up in Table 3.8.

Table 3.8: Maximum conductor temperatures for different types of insulating compound accord-
ing to Australian standards [6] [7].

Maximum conductor temperature [ºC] XLPE/EPR PVC

in normal operation , 𝜃 i 90 75
in short-circuit conditions, 𝜃 f 250 160

Apart from these temperature limits, the Australian Standard provides the value of 𝑘 required in
its Table 52. The differences between those values and the ones calculated using the constants
presented in Table 3.5 are outlined in Table 3.9. As the differences are negligible, the constants
from Table 3.5 have been used to apply this criterion.

Table 3.9: Differences between the 𝑘 used in pvDesign and the one given by the Australian Stan-
dard [6] [7].

Conductor and insulator 𝑘 pvDesign [𝐴𝑠 0.5 /𝑚 2 ] 𝑘 Australian standard [𝐴𝑠 0.5 /𝑚 2 ]
Cu PVC 111.3 111.0
Al PVC 73.6 73.6
Cu XLPE/EPR 143.1 143.0
Al XLPE/EPR 94.5 94.5

Electrical Methodology 27
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

3.3.4 National Standard of the People’s Republic of China

The maximum operating temperatures are given in Table A in [8], being the ones presented in
Table 3.10.
Table 3.10: Maximum conductor temperatures for different types of insulating compound ac-
cording to [8]

Maximum conductor temperature [ºC] XLPE PVC

in normal operation , 𝜃 i 90 70
in short-circuit conditions, 𝜃 f 250 140

Applying the recommended values from this standard for copper and aluminium, and the max-
imum temperature allowed by insulating materials, the differences in the value of 𝑘 between
Table 3.5 and the ones given by this standard are the ones presented in Table 3.11. The values
are very similar and the constants from Table 3.5 have been used to apply this standard.

Table 3.11: Differences between the 𝑘 used in pvDesign and the one given by the Chinese Stan-
dard [8].

Conductor and insulator 𝑘 pvDesign [𝐴𝑠 0.5 /𝑚 2 ] 𝑘 Chinese standard [𝐴𝑠 0.5 /𝑚 2 ]
Cu PVC 102.8 112.82
Al PVC 68.0 67.07
Cu XLPE/EPR 143.1 143.37
Al XLPE/EPR 94.5 93.22

3.3.5 Consequences of taking the cable heat dissipation factor = 1

According to [12], the cable heat dissipation factor is given by Equation 3.18.

√︄ √︂
𝑡 𝑡 
𝜀= 1+𝐹 ·𝐴· + 𝐹2 · 𝐵 · (3.18)
𝑆 𝑆

Where:

• 𝜀 is the cable heat dissipation factor.

• 𝐹 is a factor that considers the irregularity of the thermal contacts between conductors. It
equals to 0.7.
• 𝑆 the cable cross-section in [𝑚𝑚 2 ].
• 𝑡 is the short-circuit duration in [s]. It equals 1 seconds.
• 𝐴, 𝐵 are empirical constants.

In order to analyse the error that is made by estimating a dissipation factor equals to 1, the next
process has been followed.

1. The cross-section of the cable is calculated with a dissipation factor equals to 1.

2. Then, the cross-section is introduced in Equation 3.18 and the real dissipation factor is
obtained.

Electrical Methodology 28
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

3. If the real dissipation factor is closed to 1, the error made would be negligible.

As presented in Figure 3.1 and Figure 3.2, the real dissipation factor for short-circuit currents
higher than 10 kA (more common short-circuit currents for the MV system of a PV plant), is
almost 1. In conclusion, the dissipation factor can be taken as 1 and the error made would be
negligible.

Figure 3.1: Dissipation factor and Cu XLPE cross-section based on short-circuit temperature rise
[𝑚𝑚 2 ]. Source: Own elaboration.

Electrical Methodology 29
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

Figure 3.2: Dissipation factor and Al XLPE cross-section based on short-circuit temperature rise
[𝑚𝑚 2 ]. Source: Own elaboration.

3.4 Cable selection based on voltage drop

Voltage drop limitations impose the use of bigger cable cross-sections. However, not to fulfil with
this criterion only derives in higher losses. To calculate the cable cross-section that respects the
voltage drop limit chosen by the user the following equations are used. These equations vary
slightly depending on the type of current running through the cable.

In the case of AC cables, in both LV and MV sub-systems, the minimum cable cross-section per
the voltage drop criterion is given by Equation 3.19.

𝜌 · cos 𝜙
𝑆= (3.19)
Δ𝑉 · 𝑉
 
𝑛· √ − 𝑋 · sin 𝜙
3·𝐼 ·𝐿

Where:

• 𝑆 the cable cross-section in [𝑚 2 ].

• 𝜌 is the conducting material resistivity at the cable’s insulator maximum operational tem-
perature in [Ω𝑚 2 /𝑚].
• cos 𝜙 is the power factor, taken at the inverters point.
• 𝑛 is the number of trefoil circuits
• 𝑋 is the reactance of a single circuit in [Ω/𝑚]

Electrical Methodology 30
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

• 𝐿 is the cable length in [m].

• 𝐼 is the operating current running through the cable in [A].
• Δ𝑉 is the voltage drop in parts per one.
• 𝑉 is the voltage of the system of the PV plant in [V].

In the case of DC cables, the minimum cable cross-section per the voltage drop criterion ig given
by Equation 3.20.

2·𝜌 ·𝐿·𝐼
𝑆= (3.20)
Δ𝑉 · 𝑉

Where:

• 𝑆 the cable cross-section in [𝑚𝑚 2 ].

• 𝜌 is the conducting material resistivity at the cable’s insulator maximum operational tem-
perature in [Ω𝑚 2 /𝑚 ].
• 𝐿 is the cable length in [m].
• 𝐼 is the operating current running through the cable in [A].
• Δ𝑉 is the voltage drop in parts per one.
• 𝑉 is the voltage of the system of the PV plant in [V].

The resistivity of the conducting material at a specific temperature is calculated using Equa-
tion 3.21.

𝜌 (𝜃 i ) = 𝜌 (20◦𝐶) · (1 + 𝛼 (𝜃 i − 20)) (3.21)

Where:

• 𝜌 is the conducting material resistivity at the cable’s insulator maximum operational tem-
perature in [Ω𝑚 2 /𝑚].
• 𝜌 (20◦𝐶) is the conducting material resistivity at 20ºC in [Ω𝑚 2 /𝑚]. It equals 1/56·10−6 Ω𝑚 2 /𝑚
for copper and 1/35 · 10−6 Ω𝑚 2 /𝑚 for aluminium
• 𝛼 is a parameter that depends on the type of material used. It equals 0.00392 ◦𝐶 −1 for
copper and 0.00403 ◦𝐶 −1 for aluminium.
• 𝜃 i is the maximum allowable conductor temperature in [ºC]. It equals the maximum oper-
ational insulator temperature in normal operation.

3.4.1 Consequences of taking the maximum operational temperature

of the insulation for cable sizing based on voltage drop
To size the cable based on the voltage drop criterion, the temperature that has been taken to ob-
tain the section equals the maximum operation temperature of the insulation material in normal
conditions. These temperatures can be seen in Table 3.12.

Electrical Methodology 31
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

Table 3.12: Maximum conductor temperatures for different types of insulating in normal condi-
tion to electrical standards

Maximum conductor temperature [ºC] PVC THHN EPR/XLPE/XHHN

in normal operation , 𝜃 i 70 75 90

Sometimes, this temperature is taken as the maximum ambient temperature: 30 ºC or 35 ºC.

This decision can cause up to 25% error when sizing a cable. Taking the maximum operational
temperature causes more conservative results as it is seen in Figure 3.3.

Figure 3.3: Al XLPE cable cross-section based on resistivities at different temperatures [𝑚𝑚 2 ].
Source: Own elaboration.

3.4.2 Consequences of taking the AC resistance equals to the DC resis-

tance
There is a slight difference between the DC cable resistance and the AC cable resistance. The
second one is affected by the skin effect and the proximity of other conductors. The AC resistance
is calculated using Equation 3.22. [12]

𝑅AC = 𝑅DC · (1 + 𝑦s + 𝑦p ) (3.22)

Where:

• 𝑅AC is the AC cable resistance Ω/𝑚.

• 𝑅DC is the DC cable resistance Ω/𝑚.
• 𝑦s represents the skin effect.
• 𝑦s represents how other close conductors affect the cable.

Electrical Methodology 32
 Chapter 3. Electrical Sizing Criteria

Considering the DC cable resistance equals to the AC cable resistance can produce a maximum
of 7% error for sections from 300 to 630 𝑚𝑚 2 . For sections lower than 300 𝑚𝑚 2 , this error is
negligible. Taking both resistances as equals causes less conservative results as it is seen in
Figure 3.4 and Figure 3.5.

Figure 3.4: AC and DC resistivities for a Cu cable based on IEC. Source: Own elaboration.

Figure 3.5: AC and DC resistivities for a Cu cable based on Tables 8 and 9 of the NEC standard.
Source: Own elaboration.

Electrical Methodology 33
 Chapter 4. Electrical Parameters

Chapter 4

Electrical Parameters

This section presents the calculation of the electrical parameters for the cables of the PV plant
and the BESS. The chapter introduces the calculation of the resistance, reactance, zero sequence
resistance, zero sequence reactance and susceptance of the conductors, covering only the LV AC
and MV AC cables.

4.1 Resistance calculation

The resistance of the cables will be calculated using the resistivity at a specific temperature ob-
tained from Equation 3.21. The calculation for a bundle of circuits is performed following Equa-
tion 4.1:
𝜌 (𝜃 )
𝑅𝐴𝐶 ≈ 𝑅𝐷𝐶 = (4.1)
Φ·𝑛

Where:

• 𝑅𝐴𝐶 is the resistance of the AC cable in [Ω/𝑚]. Subsection 3.4.2 covers the reason why the
AC resistance is taken as equal to the DC resistance.
• 𝑅𝐷𝐶 is the resistance of the DC cable in [Ω/𝑚].
Ω
 
• 𝜌 (𝜃 ) is the resistivity of the conductor at temperature 𝜃 in .
𝑚𝑚 2 · 𝑚
• Φ is the section of the conductor in [𝑚𝑚 2 ].
• 𝑛 is the number of circuits.

4.2 Reactance calculation

The inductive reactance of the cables is applicable only to the AC cables due to its dependency
with the frequency. Additionally, the geometrical configuration between the conductors plays
an important role in the calculation of the inductance between the cables.

The inductance of the conductors can be obtained from Equation 4.2.

 
2·𝑆
𝐿 = 𝐾 + 0.2 · ln · 10−6 (4.2)
𝑑

Electrical Methodology 34
 Chapter 4. Electrical Parameters

Where:

• 𝐿 is the inductance of the conductor in [H/m].

• 𝐾 is a constant that depends on the number of wires in the conductors. A value of 0.05 is
used, which corresponds to solid conductors [13].
• 𝑆 is the axial spacing between conductors in trefoil in [mm]. A value of two times the
diameter was selected, assuming an insulation thickness equal to the conductor’s radius.
The conductors in trefoil are considered to not have an extra separation between each
other.
• 𝑑 is the diameter of the conductor in [mm].

The reactance is then calculated using Equation 4.3:

𝑋𝐿 = 2𝜋 𝑓 𝐿 (4.3)
Where:

• 𝑋𝐿 is the reactance of the conductor bundle in [Ω/𝑚].

• 𝑓 is the frequency in [Hz].
• 𝐿 is the inductance calculated from Equation 4.2 in [H/m].

4.3 Zero sequence impedance calculation

Unlike the positive and negative sequence currents, zero sequence currents have no phase shift
between different phases, and are typically used for the calculation of phase to ground short-
circuit currents. Obtaining the zero sequence parameters can be challenging, as complex equa-
tions are required. Hence, a simplified set of equations is presented in the IEC-60909 [14]:

1.851
𝛿 = √︂ (4.4)
𝜇0
2𝜋 𝑓
𝜌
Where:

• 𝛿 is the equivalent soil penetration depth in [m].

• 𝜇0 is the permeability of free space, which is equal to 4𝜋 · 10−7 in [H/m].
• 𝜌 is the soil resistivity in [Ω𝑚]. A value of 300 has been assumed for the calculations
in pvDesign, corresponding to a medium level of soil resistivity. This value is typical for
limestone, sandstone and shale [15].

𝑅1 3 © 𝛿 𝜇𝑇 ª®
𝑍 0 = 𝑅0 + j𝑋 0 = + 𝜋 𝑓 𝜇0 + j𝑓 𝜇0 ­­3 · ln √︃ + (4.5)
𝑛 4 3 2 4 · 𝑛®
𝑟 · 𝐷𝑀
« ¬
Where:

• 𝑍 0 is the zero sequence impedance of the conductor in [Ω/𝑚].

Electrical Methodology 35
 Chapter 4. Electrical Parameters

• 𝑅1 is the positive sequence resistance of the conductor in [Ω/𝑚].

• 𝑛 is the number of subconductors per bundle, which is equal to 1.
• 𝑓 is the frequency in [Hz].
• 𝛿 is the equivalent soil penetration depth according to Equation 4.4 in [m].
• 𝑟 is the radius of the conductor in [m].
• 𝐷 𝑀 is the geometrical mean spacing between the conductors in [m]. A value of two times
the diameter of the conductor is taken, considering that the insulation thickness is equal
to the radius of the conductor.
• 𝜇𝑇 is the relative permeability of the conductor, which is considered equal to 1 for conduc-
tors.

4.4 Capacitive Susceptance calculation

The capacitance of a conductor is the property that permits the storage of an electric charge, mea-
sured in Farads. The conductor will have a capacitance due to its sheath, and will be calculated
with the following equation:
𝑄
𝐶= (4.6)
𝑉
Where:

• 𝐶 is the capacitance of the capacitor in [F].

• 𝑄 is the maximum charge that can be stored in [C].
• 𝑉 is the voltage across the two plates of the capacitor in [V].

The potential difference between the capacitor can be calculated as:

∫ 𝐵
𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = ®
𝐸® · 𝑑𝐿 (4.7)
𝐴

Where:

• 𝑉𝐴 and 𝑉𝐵 are the voltage levels at A and B respectively in [𝑉 ].

• 𝐸® is the electrical field in [𝑉 /𝑚].
® is the derivative of the distance between A and B in [𝑚].
• 𝑑𝐿

By applying the geometrical features of the cylindrical surface of a conductor, the following
formula is obtained for the capacitance:
2𝜋𝜖0𝜖𝑅
𝐶= (4.8)
𝑅2
ln
𝑅1
Where:

• 𝐶 is the capacitance of the conductor per unit length in [𝐹 /𝑚]

• 𝜖0 is the permittivity of free space, which is equal to 8.8542 · 10−12 [𝐹 /𝑚]
• 𝜖𝑅 is the relative permittivity of the material, also known as the dielectric constant. It takes
a value depending on the insulation material of 3.0 for EPR, 2.3 for XLPE and 4.5 for PVC.

Electrical Methodology 36
 Chapter 4. Electrical Parameters

• 𝑅1 is the radius of the conductor in [m].

• 𝑅2 is the radius of the conductor and the insulation in [m], which is assumed to have the
same thickness as the conductor radius. Therefore, it will be equal to two times 𝑅1 .

The susceptance is then calculated from the capacitance using Equation 4.9, where "B" is the
capacitive susceptance in Siemens [S].

𝐵 = 2𝜋 𝑓 𝐶 (4.9)

Electrical Methodology 37
 Chapter 5. Power Flow Model

Chapter 5

Power Flow Model

This section presents the calculation of the Power Flow Model (PFM) following the guidelines of
the WECC [16]. The PFM represents the different elements of a PV plant as equivalent systems
in a simplified way.

5.1 Introduction
According to the WECC, the representation of the PFM is carried out for PV plants of over 20 MVA
and connected to 60 kV or above. However, pvDesign calculates the equivalent model regardless
of the size of the facility, therefore this calculation is applicable to any design generated with the
software.

The model includes the following equivalent systems:

• An explicit representation of the overhead line, if it was defined in the site.

• An explicit representation of every power transformer of the substation. For switching
and breaking stations, this will be omitted.
• An equivalent representation of the collector systems. This refers to the equivalent of
the medium voltage lines that collect the capacity of the different power stations and are
connected to the interconnection facility.
• An equivalent representation of the inverter pad-mounted transformers, which represents
the power stations of the PV plant or the power conversion systems from a battery energy
storage system (BESS).
• An equivalent representation of the generators, which can come from PV or from BESS.

Since pvDesign does not include the calculation of the reactive compensation devices, the equiv-
alent reactive compensation is not considered in the calculation of the PFM. An example of a
simple power flow model is shown in Figure 5.1.

Electrical Methodology 38
 Chapter 5. Power Flow Model

Figure 5.1: Power Flow Model example. Source: pvDesign

5.2 Explicit representation of the Overhead Line

Since the representation of the Overhead Line does not require the calculation of an equivalent
system, the calculation of the electrical parameters is carried out according to the overhead line
methodology [17]. The explicit representation of the overhead line will include the following
information:

• The voltage of the line in kV.

• The capacity of the line in MVA.
• The positive sequence resistance and reactance per unit.
• The zero sequence resistance and reactance per unit.
• The susceptance per unit.
• The base per unit values (capacity, voltage and impedance).

The base capacity used to calculate the values per unit will be considered equal to 100 MVA.
However, for overhead lines with smaller capacities of less than 20 MVA, the base capacity will
be equal to the capacity of the line.

5.3 Explicit representation of the Power Transformers

The representation of the power transformers does not require a calculation of an equivalent sys-
tem. Each pair of windings, primary and secondary, will be represented as a power transformer
in the PFM, meaning that a three winding transformer will have two explicit representations,
one for the primary-secondary pair and one for the primary-tertiary pair.

The power transformer includes the following characteristics:

• The input and output voltage levels in kV.

• The rated capacity of the transformer (not the capacity connected to it).
• The resistance and reactance per unit, which will be applicable to both, positive and zero
sequence.
• The base per unit values (capacity, voltage and impedance). The values for the high voltage
side will be used to calculate the impedances.

The calculation of the short circuit resistance and reactance can be done using the copper losses
and the short circuit impedance of the transformer.

Electrical Methodology 39
 Chapter 5. Power Flow Model

The copper losses given as parts per unit will represent the per unit resistance of the transformer.
The per unit reactance can then be calculated as:
√︃
𝑋𝑝𝑢 = 𝑍𝑐𝑐,𝑝𝑢2 2
− 𝑅𝑝𝑢 (5.1)

The criteria to calculate the base capacity will be the same as the one for the overhead line.

5.4 Equivalent representation of the MV Collectors

The underground medium voltage lines that are placed in the PV plant and in the BESS facility can
be represented as equivalent MV collector systems. The calculation of the MV collector system
can be performed according to a method developed by NREL [18], which is used to obtain the
equivalent impedance and susceptance with Equation 5.2 and Equation 5.3 respectively:

· 𝑛𝑖2
Í𝑚
𝑖=1 𝑍𝑖
𝑍𝑒𝑞 = 𝑅𝑒𝑞 + 𝑗𝑋𝑒𝑞 = (5.2)
𝑁2
𝑚
∑︁
𝐵𝑒𝑞 = 𝐵𝑖 (5.3)
𝑖=1

Where:

• 𝑍𝑒𝑞 is the equivalent impedance of the MV collector system in [Ω].

• 𝑍𝑖 is the impedance of a single MV line in [Ω] calculated from Equation 4.1 and Equa-
tion 4.3.
• 𝑛𝑖 is the number of inverters connected to a single MV line.
• 𝑁 is the total number of inverters in the MV collector system.
• 𝑚 is the total number of MV lines.
• 𝐵𝑒𝑞 is the equivalent capacitive susceptance of the MV collector system in [𝑆].
• 𝐵𝑖 is the capacitive susceptance a single MV line in [𝑆].

The criteria to calculate the base capacity will be the same as the one for the overhead line.

5.5 Equivalent representation of the inverter pad-mounted

transformers
The pad-mounted transformers of the PV plant are represented with an equivalent system. When
all the power transformers are identical, and are connected to the same number of inverters, the
following equations are applicable:

𝑍𝑇 𝑒𝑞 = 𝑍𝑇 (5.4)
𝑆𝑇 𝑒𝑞 = 𝑁 · 𝑆𝑇 (5.5)

Where:

Electrical Methodology 40
 Chapter 5. Power Flow Model

• 𝑍𝑇 𝑒𝑞 is the equivalent impedance per unit of the equivalent pad-mounted transformer.

• 𝑍𝑇 is the impedance per unit of a single transformer in its own MVA base.
• 𝑆𝑇 𝑒𝑞 is the equivalent power rating of the equivalent pad-mounted transformer in [𝑀𝑉 𝐴].
• 𝑁 is the number of inverters connected to the transformer.
• 𝑆𝑇 is the power rating of one transformer in [𝑀𝑉 𝐴].

The WECC [16] covers the case where there is a different number of inverters connected to each
power transformer, which requires the application of the same method used for the MV collector
(Equation 5.2). However, pvDesign will consider the simplified case where the default power
station will be repeated across the PV plant.
The base capacity used to convert to per unit values is calculated according to Equation 5.6:

𝑆𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑣 · 𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑣 (5.6)

Where:

• 𝑆𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 is the base capacity of the equivalent pad mounted transformer in [VA].
• 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑣 is the rated capacity of one inverter in [VA].
• 𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑣 is the number of inverters of the equivalent system.

If different inverters are installed behind the same substation transformer, each type of inverter
will have its own pad-mounted transformer equivalent. Figure 5.2 shows an example of an equiv-
alent system with secondary inverter enabled.

Figure 5.2: Power Flow Model of a PV plant with a secondary inverter enabled. Source: pvDesign

5.6 Equivalent representation of the generators

The equivalent system that represents the PV modules and the batteries will be defined as a
generator and not a negative load.

Since the power level of a solar PV plant depends on the weather conditions, the definition of
this power will depend on the objective of the equivalent model. For interconnection studies,
which is the case in pvDesign, the PV plant is modelled at full output. For other purposes, this
PV power can be modelled at partial output.

Electrical Methodology 41
 Chapter 5. Power Flow Model

For the AC coupled BESS, the batteries and PV are modelled by separate equivalent generators,
equivalent pad-mounted transformers and equivalent MV collector systems. In Figure 5.3, an
example of a PFM with batteries is presented, without enabling the secondary inverter for the
PV plant.

Figure 5.3: Power Flow Model of a PV plant with an AC coupled battery energy storage system.
Source: pvDesign

Electrical Methodology 42
 Bibliography

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Electrotechnical Commision, IEC 62548:2016, 2016.
[2] National Electrical Code Committee, “Nfpa 70 national electrical code,” International Stan-
dard, 2017.
[3] Technical Committee 82, “Ground-mounted photovoltaic power plants - design guidelines
and recommendations,” International Electrotechnical Commision, IEC TS 62738:2018, 2018.
[4] Technical Committee 20, “Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for
rated voltages from 1 kv (um = 1,2 kv) up to 30 kv (um = 36 kv) - part 2: Cables for rated
voltages from 6 kv (um = 7,2 kv) up to 30 kv (um = 36 kv),” International Electrotechnical
Commision, IEC 60502-2:2014, 2014.
[5] Technical Committee 64, “Low-voltage electrical installations - part 5-52: Selection and
erection of electrical equipment - wiring systems,” International Electrotechnical Commi-
sion, IEC 60364-5-52:2009, 2009.
[6] S. A. Limited and S. N. Zealand, “Electrical installations: Selection of cables. cables for al-
ternating voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kv : Typical australian installation conditions,”
AS 3008.1.1:2017, 2017.
[7] “Medium voltage cables,” Prysmian Australia Pty Ltd, Technical report, 2015.
[8] “Standard for design of cables of electric power engineering,” National Standard of the
People’s Republic of China, Technical report GB 50217-2018, 2018.
[9] Prysmian Group, “Manual tecnico y practico de cables y accesorios para media tension,”
White paper, 2008.
[10] Technical Committee 20, “Calculation of thermally permissible short-circuit currents, tak-
ing into account non-adiabatic heating effects,” International Electrotechnical Commision,
IEC 60949:1988, 1988.
[11] RatedPower, “Substation methodology. a methodology to design an air-insulated substa-
tion,” RatedPower, 2020.
[12] Technical Committee 20, “Electric cables - calculation of the current rating - part 1-1: Cur-
rent rating equations and calculation of losses - general,” International Electrotechnical
Commision, IEC 60287-1-1:2006, 2006.
[13] BICC Cables Ltd, Electric Cables Handbook, 3rd Edition. 1997.

Electrical Methodology 43
 Bibliography

[14] Technical Committee 73, “Short-circuit currents in three-phase ac systems - part 3: Cur-
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Electrical Methodology 44
 Appendix A. Determining the distribution of strings into inverters and power stations

Appendix A

Determining the distribution of

strings into inverters and power
stations

For a better understanding of the process followed by pvDesign to calculate the distribution of
strings into inverters and power stations, one case scenario with the following characteristics is
considered:

1. There is just one available area.

2. The PV module has a DC power of 595 W.
3. The central inverter has an AC power of 2500 kVA.
4. The structure is a 2V tracker with 3 strings, each of which has a total number of 25 modules.
The maximum number of structures that can be installed is 743.
5. The default power station has 2 inverters and is located outside the DC field.
6. The objective is to install the maximum capacity while installing the maximum peak power,
with an objective DC/AC ratio of 1.2.

The possible power stations to be defined are:

1. Default power station: formed by 2 central inverters.

2. Non-default power station: formed by 1 central inverter.

The maximum DC power available is calculated as:

𝑃 DC,available = 0.595 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐/𝑚𝑜𝑑 · 25 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑠/𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 · 2229 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 = 33156.375 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐 (A.1)

The lower and upper number of default power stations that can be installed is calculated as:

 
𝑃 DC,available
𝑁 defPS,lower = 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟 (A.2)
𝑃 AC,PS · 𝑅DC/AC, desired + 𝑃 DC,embedded

Electrical Methodology 45
 Appendix A. Determining the distribution of strings into inverters and power stations

© 33156.375 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐 ª
𝑁 defPS,lower = 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟 ­ ®=5 (A.3)
­ ®
­ 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐 ®
5000 𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑐 · 1.2 +0
« 𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑐 ¬
 
𝑃 DC,available
𝑁 defPS,upper = 𝐶𝑒𝑖𝑙 (A.4)
𝑃AC,PS · 𝑅DC/AC, desired + 𝑃 DC,embedded

© 33156.375 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐 ª
𝑁 defPS,upper = 𝐶𝑒𝑖𝑙 ­ ®=6 (A.5)
­ ®
­ 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐 ®
5000 𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑐 · 1.2 +0
« 𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑐 ¬

The updated DC power remaining for non-default power stations is calculated as:

𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐
𝑃 DC,available = 33156.375 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐 − 5 · 5000 𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑐 · 1.2 = 3156.375 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐 (A.6)
𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑐

The lower and upper number of non-default power stations that can be installed is calculated as:

 
𝑃 DC,available
𝑁 defPS,lower = 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟 (A.7)
𝑃 AC,PS · 𝑅DC/AC, desired + 𝑃 DC,embedded

© 3156.375 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐 ª
𝑁 defPS,lower = 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟 ­ ®=1 (A.8)
­ ®
­ 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐 ®
2500 𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑐 · 1.2 +0
« 𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑐 ¬
 
𝑃 DC,available
𝑁 defPS,upper = 𝐶𝑒𝑖𝑙 (A.9)
𝑃AC,PS · 𝑅DC/AC, desired + 𝑃 DC,embedded

© 3156.375 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐 ª
𝑁 defPS,upper = 𝐶𝑒𝑖𝑙 ­ ®=2 (A.10)
­ ®
­ 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐 ®
2500 𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑐 · 1.2 +0
« 𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑐 ¬

The possible combinations of power stations to evaluate are:

• 5 default power stations: 2229 strings can be installed and the resulting ratio would be
1.326.
• 6 default power stations: 2229 strings can be installed and the resulting ratio would be
1.105
• 5 default power stations and 1 non-default power station: 2229 strings can be installed and
the resulting ratio would be 1.205
• 5 default power stations and 2 non-default power stations: 2229 strings can be installed
and the resulting ratio would be 1.105

Electrical Methodology 46
 Appendix A. Determining the distribution of strings into inverters and power stations

From the possible combinations, installing 5 default power stations and 1 non-default power
station is selected as the optimal one, as all the strings available would be installed and the ratio
is the one closest to the desired.

The optimal number of strings to install in one inverter is calculated as:

𝑃 AC,inverter · 𝑅DC/AC, resulting

 
1
𝑁 strings,inverter = 𝑅𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 · · 𝑁 strings,structure (A.11)
𝑃 DC,string 𝑁 string,structure

𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐
© 2500 𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑐 · 1.2056 1 ª®
𝑁 strings,inverter = 𝑅𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 ­
­ 𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑐 · ® · 3 = 204 (A.12)
­ 0.595 𝑘𝑊 𝑑𝑐/𝑚𝑜𝑑 · 25 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑠/𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 3 ®
« ¬

The number of strings that have to be redistributed is calculated as:

𝑁 inv,
∑︁area
𝑁 strings, redistribution = 𝑁 strings, area − 𝑁 strings, i (A.13)
𝑖=1

𝑁 inv,
∑︁area
𝑁 strings, redistribution = 2229 − 𝑁 strings, i = 2229 − 11 · 204 = −15 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 (A.14)
𝑖=1

So, the number of inverters to adapt the optimal strings defined is:

𝐴𝑏𝑠 (𝑁 strings, redistribution ) 𝐴𝑏𝑠 (−15)

𝑁 inverters, adapt = = = 5 𝑖𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 (A.15)
𝑁 strings, structure 3

15 strings need to be removed from 5 inverters, or 3 strings per inverter. As 5 default power
stations were defined, 3 strings will be removed from one inverter in each of them.

After this calculation, the resulting combination of power stations that will give a DC/AC ratio
of 1.2056 and will be composed by:

• 5 default power stations with 2 inverters, one with 201 strings and another with 204 strings.
• 1 non-default power station with 1 inverter with 204 strings.

Electrical Methodology 47
 Appendix B. Determining cable cross-sections

Appendix B

Determining cable cross-sections

The assumptions made for the following examples are the following ones:

• The soil temperature equals 25°C.

• The ambient temperature equals 40°C.
• The soil resistivity equals 1 Km/W.
• The depth of cables are 700 mm for buried LV cables and 900 mm for MV cables.
• The MV cables are spaced 0.2 m between group centres and there is no space between LV
cables.
• String cables are single core Cu cables fastened to the structures. XLPE is chosen for IEC
and XHHN for NEC.
• Medium voltage cables are single core Al cables directly buried in trenches. XLPE is chosen
for IEC and XHHN for NEC.
• The voltage drop is considered as 0.5 % for LV and MV cables.
• The power factor is considered as 0.9 at the MV cables level, resulting in a phi of 25.842º

B.1 Medium voltage cables

The power of the cable is 12 MVA. The voltage level is 30 kV and the length is 500 m. In addition,
there are 10 lines that are group together to connect the plant with the substation. The short-
circuit current equals 25 kA and the short-circuit time equals 1 s.

B.1.1 IEC standard

The operating current is calculated as:

𝑆 VA 12 · 106
𝐼 load = √ = √ = 230 𝐴 (B.1)
𝑉 · 3 30 · 103 · 3

The IEC standard followed to size a medium voltage cable is the IEC 60502-2. The reference
conditions that the IEC standard takes as basis for its tables are the following ones:

Electrical Methodology 48
 Appendix B. Determining cable cross-sections

• A maximum conductor temperature of 90 °C

• An ambient air temperature of 30 °C
• A ground temperature of 20 °C
• A depth of laying of 0.8 m
• A thermal resistivity of soil of 1.5 Km/W

As the medium voltage cable is directly buried, the ground temperature correction factor is given
by Equation 3.3. The conductor is aluminium whose 𝛽 equals 228 ºC. The insulator material is
XLPE whose operational temperature in normal conditions is 𝜃 i = 90 ºC.

 21  12
𝜃 i − 𝜃 a 𝛽 + 𝜃 i′
 
90 − 25 228 + 90
𝐶𝐹 temp = ′ · = · = 0.928 (B.2)
𝜃 i − 𝜃 a′ 𝛽 + 𝜃 i 90 − 20 228 + 90

The others corrections factors are given in the following table. In order to find them in the tables,
there are few parameters that need to be taken into account.

First of all, this medium voltage cable is a single core cable. There are 10 circuits that are grouped
together to link the power stations to the substations. In this case, according to IEC, a value of
10 current-carrying conductors should be considered to obtain the correction factor for a group
of cables. Second, the cable is installed at a depth of 0.9 m and they are spaced 0.2 m between
group centres. Last, the soil resistivity that is considered equals 1 Km/W.

Table B.1: Correction factors according to IEC standard for MV cables.

For MV cables: Correction factors

Correction Factors
IEC 60502-2
For soil thermal resistivities Table B.14 ≈ 1.19
For depths of laying Table B.12 ≈ 0.975
For groups of cables Table B.19 0.54

Then, the sizing current is given by Equation 3.2.

𝐼 operating 230 230

𝐼 sizing = = = = 395 𝐴 (B.3)
𝐶𝐹 0.928 · 1.19 · 0.975 · 0.54 0.58

According to table B.3 of the IEC standard, the section chosen is 300 𝑚𝑚 2 .

𝑆 = 300 𝑚𝑚 2 ⇒ 𝐼 ccc = 414 𝐴 > 𝐼 sizing = 395 𝐴 (B.4)

According to the short-circuit current criterion, the section is obtained using Equation 3.11. The
short-circuit temperature of the XLPE is 250 ºC.

√ √
𝐼 sc · 𝑡 25000 · 1 2
𝑆= √︄   = √︄   = 266 𝑚𝑚 (B.5)
𝜃f + 𝛽 250 + 228
𝐾 · 𝑙𝑛 148 · 𝑙𝑛
𝜃i + 𝛽 90 + 228

Electrical Methodology 49
 Appendix B. Determining cable cross-sections

The inductance value is calculated from Equation 4.2:

 
2·𝑆
𝐿 = 𝐾 + 0.2 · ln · 10−6 = (0.005 + 0.2 · ln 2) · 10−6 = 0.1436 · 10−6𝐻 /𝑚 (B.6)
𝑑

𝑋 = 2𝜋 𝑓 𝐿 = 2𝜋 · 50 · 0.1436 · 10−6 = 0.00004511Ω/𝑚 (B.7)

The resistivity is calculated from Equation 3.21

𝜌 (𝜃 i ) = 𝜌 (20◦𝐶) · (1 + 𝛼 (𝜃 i − 20)) = 1/35 · (1 + 0.00403(90 − 20)) = 0.036631Ω𝑚𝑚 2 /𝑚 (B.8)

According to the voltage drop criterion, the section is obtained using Equation 3.19.

𝜌 · cos 𝜙 0.036631 · 0.9

𝑆=  =  ≈ 45𝑚𝑚 2 (B.9)
Δ𝑉 · 𝑉
 
0.005 · 30000
𝑛 ·√ − 𝑋 · sin 𝜙 1· √ − 0.00004511 · sin 25.842
3·𝐼 ·𝐿 3 · 230 · 500

Finally, the section of the cable is given by the following expression:

𝑆 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 300 𝑚𝑚 2, 266 𝑚𝑚 2, 45 𝑚𝑚 2 = 300 𝑚𝑚 2

(B.10)

B.1.2 NEC standard

The operating current is calculated as:

𝑆 VA 12 · 106
𝐼 load = √ = √ = 230 𝐴 (B.11)
𝑉 · 3 30 · 103 · 3

The reference conditions that the NEC standard takes as basis for its tables of MV cables are the
following ones:

• A maximum conductor temperature of 90 °C

• An ambient air temperature of 40 °C
• A ground temperature of 20 °C
• A depth of laying of 0.9 m
• A thermal resistivity of soil of 0.9 Km/W

As the medium voltage cable is directly buried, the ground temperature correction factor is given
by Equation 3.3. The conductor is aluminium whose 𝛽 equals 228 ºC. The insulator material is
XHHN whose operational temperature in normal conditions is 𝜃 i = 90 ºC.

 21  12
𝜃 i − 𝜃 a 𝛽 + 𝜃 i′
 
90 − 25 228 + 90
𝐶𝐹 temp = ′ · = · = 0.928 (B.12)
𝜃 i − 𝜃 a′ 𝛽 + 𝜃 i 90 − 20 228 + 90

The others corrections factors are given in the following table. In order to find them in the tables,
there are few parameters that need to be taken into account.

Electrical Methodology 50
 Appendix B. Determining cable cross-sections

First of all, this medium voltage cable is a single core cable. There are 10 circuits that are grouped
together to link the power stations to the substations. In this case, according to NEC, a value of
30 current-carrying conductors should be considered to obtain the correction factor for a group
of cables. Second, the cable is installed at a depth of 0.9 m and they are spaced 0.2 m between
group centres. Last, the soil resistivity that is considered equals 1 Km/W.

Table B.2: Correction factors according to NEC standard for MV cables.

For MV cables: Correction factors

Correction Factors
NEC
For soil thermal resistivities IEEE Std 399-1997 - Table 13-7 ≈ 0.91
For depths of laying NEC Annex B, Section B.3(b) 1
For groups of cables NEC Table B.310.15(B)(2)(11) 0.6

Then, the sizing current is given by Equation 3.6.

𝐼 operating 230
𝐼 sizing = = = 453 𝐴 (B.13)
𝐶𝐹 0.928 · 0.91 · 1 · 0.6

According to table 310.60(C)(86) of the NEC standard, the section chosen is 750 kcmil.

𝑆 = 750 𝑘𝑐𝑚𝑖𝑙 ⇒ 𝐼 ccc = 550 𝐴 > 𝐼 sizing = 453 𝐴 (B.14)

According to the short-circuit current criterion, the section is obtained using Equation 3.11. The
short-circuit temperature of the XHHN is 250 ºC.

√ √
𝐼 sc · 𝑡 25000 · 1 2
𝑆= √︄   = √︄   = 266 𝑚𝑚 (B.15)
𝜃f + 𝛽 250 + 228
𝐾 · 𝑙𝑛 148 · 𝑙𝑛
𝜃i + 𝛽 90 + 228

According to the voltage drop criterion, the section is obtained using the same methodology as
for IEC with Equation B.9.

𝑆 𝑁 𝐸𝐶 = 𝑆𝐼 𝐸𝐶 ≈ 45𝑚𝑚 2 (B.16)

Finally, the section of the cable is given by the following expression:

𝑆 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 750 𝑘𝑐𝑚𝑖𝑙, 266 𝑚𝑚 2, 45 𝑚𝑚 2 = 750 𝑘𝑐𝑚𝑖𝑙 ≈ 380 𝑚𝑚 2

(B.17)

B.2 Low voltage cables. String level

The power of the string is 10.585 kW. The MPP voltage is 1145 V and the length is 30 m. In
addition, there are 24 strings that are group together to connect the structures to a string box.
The short-circuit current of the modules equals 9.75 A.

Electrical Methodology 51
 Appendix B. Determining cable cross-sections

B.2.1 IEC standard

The operating current is calculated as:

𝑆 VA 10.585 · 103
𝐼 load = √ = = 9.24 𝐴 (B.18)
𝑉· 3 1145·

The IEC standard followed to size a low voltage cable is the IEC 60364-5-52. The reference con-
ditions that the IEC standard takes as basis for its tables are the following ones:

• A maximum conductor temperature of 90 °C for XLPE and 70 ºC for PVC.

• An ambient air temperature of 30 °C
• A ground temperature of 20 °C
• The depth of laying is not considered.
• A thermal resistivity of soil of 2.5 Km/W

As the low voltage cable is fastened to a structure, the ambient temperature correction factor is
given by Equation 3.3. The conductor is copper whose 𝛽 equals 234.5 ºC. The insulator material
is XLPE whose operational temperature in normal conditions is 𝜃 i = 90 ºC.

 12  21
𝜃 i − 𝜃 a 𝛽 + 𝜃 i′
 
90 − 40 234.5 + 90
𝐶𝐹 temp = ′ · = · = 0.83 (B.19)
𝜃 i − 𝜃 a′ 𝛽 + 𝜃 i 90 − 30 234.5 + 90

The others corrections factors are given in the following table. In order to find them in the tables,
there are few parameters that need to be taken into account.

First of all, this low voltage cable is a single core cable. There are 24 circuits that are grouped
together to link the structures to a string box. In this case, according to IEC, a value of 24 current-
carrying conductors should be considered to obtain the correction factor for a group of cables.
Second, the cable is fastened to a structure and they are touching among each other.

Table B.3: Correction factors according to IEC standard for LV cables.

For MV cables: Correction factors

Correction Factors
IEC 60502-2
For groups of cables Table B.52.17 0.72

Then, the sizing current is given by Equation 3.2.

𝐼 operating 9.24
𝐼 sizing = = = 15.4 𝐴 (B.20)
𝐶𝐹 0.833 · 0.72

According to table B.52.12 of the IEC standard, the section chosen is 1.5 𝑚𝑚 2 .

𝑆 = 1.5 𝑚𝑚 2 ⇒ 𝐼 ccc = 29 𝐴 > 𝐼 sizing = 15.4 𝐴 (B.21)

Electrical Methodology 52
 Appendix B. Determining cable cross-sections

According to the voltage drop criterion, the section is obtained using Equation 3.20.

2 · 𝜌 (20◦𝐶) · (1 + 𝛼 (𝜃 i − 20)) · 𝐿 · 𝐼 2 · 1/56 · (1 + 0.00392(90 − 20)) · 30 · 15.4

𝑆= = = 3.7 𝑚𝑚 2
Δ𝑉 · 𝑉 0.005 · 1145
(B.22)

Finally, the section of the cable is given by the following expression:

𝑆 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 1.5 𝑚𝑚 2 , 3.7 𝑚𝑚 2 = 3.7 𝑚𝑚 2 ⇒ 4 𝑚𝑚 2 (𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

(B.23)

B.2.2 NEC standard

The sizing current is calculated by Equation 3.5.

𝐼 sizing = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 (𝐼 corrected , 𝐼 OCPD ) (B.24)

The reference conditions that the NEC standard takes as basis for its tables of LV cables are the
following ones:

• A maximum conductor temperature of 90 °C for XHHN insulation and 75 ºC for THHN

insulation.
• An ambient air temperature of 30 °C
• A ground temperature of 20 °C
• A thermal resistivity of soil of 0.9 Km/W

As the low voltage cable is fastened to a structure, the ambient temperature correction factor is
given by Equation 3.3. The conductor is copper whose 𝛽 equals 234.5 ºC. The insulator material
is XHHN whose operational temperature in normal conditions is 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑡𝑎 i = 90 ºC.

 12  21
𝜃 i − 𝜃 a 𝛽 + 𝜃 i′
 
90 − 40 234.5 + 90
𝐶𝐹 temp = ′ · = · = 0.83 (B.25)
𝜃 i − 𝜃 a′ 𝛽 + 𝜃 i 90 − 30 234.5 + 90

The others corrections factors are given in the following table. In order to find them in the tables,
there are few parameters that need to be taken into account.

First of all, this low voltage cable is a single core cable. There are 24 circuits that are grouped
together to link the structures to a string box. In this case, according to NEC, a value of 48
current-carrying conductors should be considered to obtain the correction factor for a group of
cables. Second, the cable is fastened to a structure and they are touching among each other.

Table B.4: Correction factors according to NEC standard for LV cables.

For MV cables: Correction factors

Correction Factors
NEC
For groups of cables NEC Table B.310.15(B)(2)(11) 0.5

Electrical Methodology 53
 Appendix B. Determining cable cross-sections

Then, the corrected current is given by Equation 3.6.

1.25 · 𝐼 sc 1.25 · 9.75

𝐼 corrected = = = 29 𝐴 (B.26)
𝐶𝐹 0.83 · 0.5

On the other hand, the 𝐼 OCPD is calculated based on Equation 3.7.

1.25 · (1.25 · 𝐼 sc ) = 1.56 · 9.75 = 15.21 𝐴 ⇒ 𝐼 OCPD = 20 𝐴 (B.27)

Then, the sizing current is calculated as:

𝐼 sizing = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 (29 𝐴 , 20 𝐴) = 29 𝐴 (B.28)

According to table 310.15(B)(17) of the NEC standard, the section chosen is 14 AWG.

𝑆 = 14 𝐴𝑊 𝐺 ⇒ 𝐼 ccc = 35 𝐴 > 𝐼 sizing = 29 𝐴 (B.29)

According to the voltage drop criterion, the section is obtained using Equation 3.20.

2 · 𝜌 (20◦𝐶) · (1 + 𝛼 (𝜃 i − 20)) · 𝐿 · 𝐼 2 · 1/56 · (1 + 0.00392(90 − 20)) · 30 · 15.4

𝑆= = = 3.7 𝑚𝑚 2
Δ𝑉 · 𝑉 0.005 · 1145
(B.30)

Finally, the section of the cable is given by the following expression:

𝑆 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 14 𝐴𝑊 𝐺 , 3.7 𝑚𝑚 2 = 3.7 𝑚𝑚 2 ⇒ 10 𝐴𝑊 𝐺 (𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

(B.31)

Electrical Methodology 54
 Appendix C. Determining electrical characteristics of the cable

Appendix C

Determining electrical
characteristics of the cable

After selecting the cross-section based on the three criteria that have been presented in this
methodology, the electrical characteristics of the cable are computed. These are the voltage drop,
the temperature and the short-circuit current that the cables can withstand.

C.1 Determining the electrical characteristics of a medium

voltage cable
The following example is based on the cable that was calculated in Subsection B.1.1. At the end,
the cable cross-section was 300 𝑚𝑚 2 .

C.1.1 Temperature of the cable

The temperature of the cable is calculated using Equation 3.8.

 2
𝐼
𝜃 = 𝜃 amb + (𝜃 i − 𝜃 amb ) · (C.1)
𝐼a

 2
230
𝜃 = 25 + (90 − 25) · = 84 ◦𝐶 < 𝜃 i = 90 ◦𝐶 ⇒ 𝑂𝐾 (C.2)
414 · 0.58

C.1.2 Voltage drop

The voltage drop is calculated using the following formula:

√
 
𝜌 · cos 𝜙 𝑋𝐿 · sin 𝜙
Δ𝑉 = 3 · 𝐼 · 𝐿 · + =
𝑛·Φ 𝑛
(C.3)
√
 
0.036631 · 0.9 0.00004511 · sin 25.842
3 · 230 · 500 · + = 25.8𝑉
1 · 300 1

Electrical Methodology 55
 Appendix C. Determining electrical characteristics of the cable

Δ𝑉
Δ𝑉 (%) = ∗ 100 = 0.086% < Δ𝑉input = 0.5% ⇒ 𝑂𝐾 (C.4)
𝑉

C.1.3 Withstand short-circuit current

The withstand short-circuit current that the cable can withstand is calculated as follows:

√︄  
𝜃f + 𝛽
𝑆 ·𝐾 · 𝑙𝑛
𝜃i + 𝛽
𝐼 sc = √ (C.5)
𝑡

√︄  
250 + 228
300 · 148 · 𝑙𝑛
90 + 228
𝐼 sc = √ = 28.2 𝑘𝐴 > 𝐼 sc grid = 25 𝑘𝐴 ⇒ 𝑂𝐾 (C.6)
1

Electrical Methodology 56
 Appendix D. Determining electrical parameters of the cable

Appendix D

Determining electrical
parameters of the cable

After the conductor section has been selected, the electrical parameters of the cable can be com-
puted following the equations of Chapter 4.

The following example is based on the cable that was calculated in Subsection B.1.1. At the end,
the cable cross-section was 300 𝑚𝑚 2 .

A radius of 9.77 mm has been considered.

A distance between the center of the cables in trefoil of 39.09 mm has been considered, which is
equal to two times the diameter of the conductor. Therefore, the geometrical mean separation
between the conductors of the trefoil is also equal to 39.09 mm as they are symmetrically dis-
posed.
A relative permeability 𝜇𝑇 of 1 has been considered for the conductor.

D.1 Determining the positive sequence parameters

The resistance of the conductor can be calculated according to Equation 3.21 and Equation 4.1:

𝜌 (𝜃 i ) = 𝜌 (20◦𝐶) · (1 + 𝛼 (𝜃 i − 20)) = 1/35 · (1 + 0.00403(84 − 20)) = 0.03594Ω𝑚𝑚 2 /𝑚 (D.1)

𝜌 (𝜃 ) 0.03594
𝑅𝐴𝐶 ≈ 𝑅𝐷𝐶 = ·= · 500 = 0.00012Ω/𝑚 (D.2)
Φ·𝑛 300 · 1

The total resistance of the conductor would be:

𝑅𝐴𝐶𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑅𝐴𝐶 · 𝑙 = 0.00012 · 500 = 0.06Ω (D.3)

The reactance of the conductor can be calculated from Equation 4.2 and Equation 4.3. Note that
the axial separation of the conductors in trefoil "S" has been approximated to two times the

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 Appendix D. Determining electrical parameters of the cable

diameter of the conductor, meaning that Equation 4.2 can be calculated without knowing the
real diameter of the conductor.

   
2·𝑆 −6 2 · 9.77
𝐿 = 𝐾 + 0.2 · ln · 10 = 0.05 + 0.2 · ln (2 · ) · 10−6 = 0.32726 · 10−6𝐻 /𝑚 (D.4)
𝑑 9.77

𝑋𝐿 = 2𝜋 𝑓 𝐿 = 2𝜋 · 50 · 0.32726 · 10−6 = 0.000103Ω/𝑚 (D.5)

The total reactance of the conductor would be:

𝑋𝐿𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑋𝐿 · 𝑙 = 0.000103 · 500 = 0.0514Ω (D.6)

D.2 Determining the zero sequence parameters

The zero-sequence impedance of the conductor is calculated according to Equation 4.4 and Equa-
tion 4.5:

1.851 1.851
𝛿 = √︂ = √︂ = 1612.7𝑚 (D.7)
𝜇0 4𝜋 · 10 −7
2𝜋 𝑓 2𝜋 · 50
𝜌 300

𝑅1 3 © 𝛿 𝜇𝑇 ª®
𝑍 0 =𝑅0 + j𝑋 0 = + 𝜋 𝑓 𝜇 0 + j𝑓 𝜇0 ­­3 · ln √︃ +
𝑛 4 3 2 4 · 𝑛®
𝑟 · 𝐷𝑀
«  ¬  (D.8)
0.00012 3 −7 −7 1612.7 1
= + 𝜋 · 50 · 4𝜋 · 10 + j50 · 4𝜋 · 10 3 · ln √3 +
1 4 0.00977 · 0.039092 4 · 1
= (0.000268 + j0.00206)Ω

The total zero-sequence impedance would be:

𝑍 0𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑍®0 · 𝑙 = (0.000268 + j0.00206) · 500 = (0.134 + j1.031)Ω (D.9)

Due to a small distance between the conductors in the trefoil, the zero-sequence reactance value
is much higher than the positive-sequence value

D.3 Determining the capacitive susceptance

The capacitive susceptance of the conductor can be calculated from Equation 4.8 and Equation 4.9
:

2𝜋𝜖0𝜖𝑅 2𝜋 · 8.8542 · 2.25 · 10−12

𝐶= = = 1.806 · 10−10 𝐹 /𝑚 (D.10)
𝑅2 9.77 · 2
ln ln
𝑅1 9.77

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 Appendix D. Determining electrical parameters of the cable

𝐵 = 2𝜋 𝑓 𝐶 = 2𝜋 · 50 · 1.806 · 10−10 = 0.0567 · 10−6𝑆/𝑚 (D.11)

The total susceptance of the cable is calculated as

𝐵𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝐵 · 𝑙 = 0.0567 · 10−6 · 500 = 28.37 · 10−6𝑆 (D.12)

Electrical Methodology 59