Different uses of medium voltage cables

The low voltage network does not cover all the needs of some companies, such as power plants. The power they need and the infrastructure on which they must rely to provide service to thousands of people in an interrupted manner requires other solutions.

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When we tackle these types of projects, at Sumcab we develop and manufacture the appropriate medium voltage cables and conductors to meet the needs of each customer.

Obviously, there is no single type of medium voltage cables, just as there is no single application for which we use them. Therefore, we personalise each project to the maximum so that it adapts to each customer&#;s every need.

Regarding medium voltage work there are nominal voltages from 1 kV to 36 kV, so there is a wide range to work on. Furthermore, due to the Spanish Royal Decree 223/, they are treated the same as high voltage installations in terms of safety measures. Therefore, it is always important to have specialised professionals, with experience and resources to be able to tackle these projects.

Below we identify some of the different uses given to medium voltage cables, depending on the specific needs of each installation.

Medium voltage cables for projects involving high levels of electrical conductivity

Depending on the project we are working on, medium voltage cables that offer high electrical conductivity may be required. Therefore, in addition to the performance of the cable in question, we need it to be made from the appropriate materials.

In these cases, copper is still today the most recommended solution. It is one of the metals with the greatest capacity for allowing electrical current to flow through it, which is why its conductivity is higher than that of many other metals.

This high electrical transmission enables the use of thinner conductors, although they carry the same power. Conductivity offers very interesting benefits in terms of the transport of the material and its installation.

However, copper has some disadvantages. It is a heavier metal than other alternatives and its cost is also higher. In installations that cover very large areas this implies a greater economic investment, for example if we have to install a greater number of supports.

Medium voltage cables for installations in large areas

Given the cost that copper can entail as a material for medium voltage cables, in those installations in which we have to cover large areas, aluminium becomes the most favourable option.

It is true that a medium voltage cable made of aluminium offers lower electrical conductivity than one made of copper, even 60% in comparison. But it also weighs much less, a third of that of copper.

Therefore, we can use enough aluminium for long distance installations and obtain the necessary power, in an installation that will be easier to carry out and, above all, more economical.

Despite all its benefits, aluminium also has disadvantages, in addition to its lower electrical conductivity. For this reason, solutions must always be customised for each project. It should be borne in mind that this metal has more pronounced cycles of expansion and contraction than copper, so a completely safe installation is essential in which any risk of fire is eliminated.

Projects with medium voltage cables with different insulation

Sometimes the electrical conductivity or the extension of the installation is not the most important factor in a medium voltage cable installation. There are projects in which insulation is a determining factor when choosing the most appropriate solution.

The insulation of the conductor is an important condition in these cables because its main function is to withstand the electric field inside.

Currently there is a wide variety of insulation that we can use in medium voltage cables, however there are 3 types that are among the most prominent.

XLPE Insulated Medium Voltage Cables

XLPE is cross-linked polyethylene, the most similar derivative to polyethylene that we can use. The fact that it is cross-linked enables it to offer great stability even in the face of temperature changes.

Therefore, with a medium voltage cable and XLPE insulation, there are no changes in its mechanical properties, even if it is subjected to high temperatures.

To this advantage, which is essential in some installations, it must also be added that it offers great flexibility and even greater resistance to impact than is possible with standard polyethylene.

It is true that XLPE is more rigid than other insulation options, such as the ones detailed below, and is therefore more difficult to handle. However, it is also much more affordable economically, which is why in some projects it is presented as the solution that offers the best value for money.

EPR Insulated Medium Voltage Cables

EPR consists of a cross-linked rubber, also known as ethylene propylene. It offers greater flexibility and thermal resistance than XLPE insulation for medium voltage cables.

It is especially useful in those installations where we need to manufacture cables of smaller section, capable of transmitting a specific power. In addition, it offers high resistance to oxidation, this factor is very important for some projects.

HEPR coated medium voltage cables

Derived directly from EPR, we can obtain HEPR or high modulus ethylene propylene. It is a material with even greater mechanical characteristics with respect to breaking load, modulus of elasticity and other features that do not offer the above options.

Medium voltage cables are fundamental components in the transmission of electricity in a variety of applications. these wires, defined by their nominal voltage that ranges between 1 kV y 35 kV, They play a crucial role in the distribution of electrical energy in various industries and environments. Let's take a look at the applications and characteristics of medium voltage cables.

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Table of Contents

• Classification of Medium Voltage Cables
  • Conductor
  • Insulation material
  • Structure
  • Use
• Characteristics of Medium Voltage Cables
  • Operating temperature
  • Short Circuit Resistance
  • Room temperature
• Advantages of Medium Voltage Cables
  • Less Energy Loss
  • Greater Load Capacity
  • Enhanced Security
  • They facilitate connection and disconnection
  • Resistance to Adverse Conditions
• Properties of Medium Voltage Cables
  • Electrical Properties
  • Mechanical properties
• Applications of Medium Voltage Cables
  • Urban Energy Distribution
  • Industry and Construction
  • Rural Electrical Networks
  • Feeding Systems in Mining
  • Railway transport
  • Large Mobile Systems
• conclusions

Classification of Medium Voltage Cables

Medium voltage cables can be categorized in several ways, which allows its design and materials to be adapted according to the specific needs of each application. Here we present some of the most common forms of classification:

Conductor

The conductors of medium voltage cables are usually made of copper or aluminum, which gives rise to two main categories: medium voltage cables with copper conductor and medium voltage cables with aluminum conductor. The choice between these materials depends on factors such as electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance..

Insulation material

Insulation is crucial to ensure safe and efficient performance of medium voltage cables. Common insulation materials include polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), Rubber, and others. This gives rise to three main categories: medium voltage cables with polyethylene insulation, XLPE medium voltage cables and rubber insulated medium voltage cables. The choice of insulation material depends on factors such as operating temperature and resistance to adverse conditions..

Structure

The structure of medium voltage cables can be divided into two fundamental categories: single core medium voltage cables and multi core medium voltage cables. Single core cables have a single conductor and are suitable for carrying single phase power, while multi-core cables have several conductors and are ideal for carrying three-phase power.

Use

Medium voltage cables are used in various applications, and their classification may be based on their specific purpose. Some examples include medium voltage cables for urban electrical networks, medium voltage cables for industrial use, medium voltage cables for mining, medium voltage cables for the petrochemical industry, among others. Each of these cables is designed to meet the particular requirements of your application.

Characteristics of Medium Voltage Cables

Medium voltage cables exhibit a series of characteristics that make them essential in many electrical power transmission applications.. These features include:

Operating temperature

Medium voltage cables can operate continuously at a maximum temperature of 90 &#;. This makes them suitable for applications requiring high load capacity and efficiency..

Short Circuit Resistance

In situations of short circuit (with a maximum duration of no more than 5 seconds), The maximum temperature of the cable conductor should not exceed 250 &#;. This ensures the safety and integrity of the cable under fault conditions..

Room temperature

Medium voltage cables must be installed in environments where the ambient temperature is not lower than 0 &#;. Ordinary types of medium voltage cables operate reliably except in extreme temperature climatic conditions..

Advantages of Medium Voltage Cables

Medium voltage cables offer a number of significant advantages compared to low voltage cables. These advantages include:

Less Energy Loss

Medium voltage cables are ideal for medium and long distance power transmission., since they experience less energy loss compared to the low voltage cables. This makes them efficient in the distribution of electricity.

Greater Load Capacity

Medium voltage cables can withstand higher levels of voltage and current compared to low voltage cables, making them suitable for applications requiring significant load capacity.

Enhanced Security

These cables are equipped with a strong insulation layer and a robust sheath that reduces the risk of short circuits., fires and electric shocks, improving safety in electrical installations.

They facilitate connection and disconnection

Medium voltage cables are ideal for connecting and disconnecting electrical equipment, as well as for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems, making operation and maintenance easier.

Resistance to Adverse Conditions

These cables can work in harsh conditions, resisting overloads and transient faults, ensuring safe and reliable power supply even in challenging environments.

Properties of Medium Voltage Cables

The performance of medium voltage cables is evaluated based on their electrical and mechanical properties. Some of these properties include:

Electrical Properties

• Endurance: The ability of the cable to withstand electrical current without overheating.
• Capacitance: The ability of the cable to store electrical charge.
• Insulation Resistance: The resistance of the insulating material to electric current.
• Dielectric Loss: The amount of energy dissipated as heat in the insulation.
• Download Features: The behavior of the cable in the event of electric shocks.

Mechanical properties

• Breaking strain: The maximum tension that the cable can withstand before breaking.
• Pressure Resistance: The ability of the cable to resist mechanical pressure.
• Abrasion resistance: The ability of the cable to resist wear.
• Tensile and Flexural Resistance: The ability of the cable to withstand repeated tension and bending.
• Temperature Resistance: The cable's ability to operate at extreme temperatures.

Applications of Medium Voltage Cables

Medium voltage cables have a wide variety of applications in various sectors, including:

Urban Energy Distribution

Medium voltage cables play a crucial role in the distribution of electrical energy in urban areas, efficiently supplying electricity to homes, companies and public services. Usually, in an electrical system, the medium voltage network can supply energy to a region, but it cannot be used to exchange energy between regions. It is the level of voltage found between the high voltage network and the low voltage installation of the building..

Industry and Construction

Some of the largest electricity customers, like industrial companies, the hospitals, the large swimming pools and the large radio and television towers, They usually receive medium voltage electricity supply from their own substations..

Rural Electrical Networks

In rural areas, These cables are essential for bringing electricity to remote and dispersed communities, improving quality of life and economic development.

Feeding Systems in Mining

The mining industry uses medium voltage cables to power heavy equipment and extraction systems in demanding conditions.

Railway transport

Railway systems with traction voltages between 15 kV y 25 kV depend on medium voltage cables to ensure efficient power supply to locomotives and railway systems.

Large Mobile Systems

Applications such as cranes and belt conveyor systems also require medium tension flexible cables specifically designed to support movement long lasting and high dynamic.

conclusions

Medium voltage cables are essential components in the transmission of electricity in a wide range of applications. The characteristics of medium voltage cables, advantages and mechanical and electrical properties make them a reliable and efficient option for the distribution of electrical energy in diverse environments. Whether in urban networks, transport systems or specialized industries, These cables play a crucial role in modern electrical infrastructure, improving quality of life and economic progress. The appropriate choice of medium voltage cables according to the specific needs of each application is essential to guarantee a safe and efficient electricity supply..

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