Voltage drop

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Sheldon Barfuss

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Idaho
I have been ask by a farmer to run power to a 80 volt photo cell powered invertor. the run is 2400 feet. Can run the smaller size wire feeding it with 120v to drop the voltage to 80 volts. using the wire voltage drop to get the 80 volts.:roll:
 
mdshunk said:
Why do you need to "feed" a solar powered inverter?
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Good question, but if you end up doing this, a Variac (variable auto-transformer) might be the best bet.
 
voltage drop

voltage drop

I agree with MD a step down transformer is your best bet. voltage and amperage are inversely proportional ,trying to use your conductor to achieve the desired voltage would be a shot in the dark as I see it.and considering that your amperage would increase who knows what kind of problems you will have. stick to time prov en methods until new methods are formed and you should not have a problem. the cost is a little more but a lot less than call backs.
Dennis
 
You left out a lot of application specific data to allow any meaningful answers.

80VAC is an uncommon supply voltage. I've never heard of it. Are you sure that is what is required?

What is the actual voltage, current, number of phases, frequency you are trying to deliver?

An example of how you might do this for say 120V, 1ph, 60hZ, 20A, 2400':

1. Get 2 each 2.5kva 120V/600V transformers - at least one rated for step-up.

2. Connect step-up xfm to 120VAC 20A circuit, stepping up to 600V.

3. Run 2400', 2 conductor, #8 out to the area.

4. Connect second xfm step-down to 120V.

carl
 
LarryFine said:
Good question, but if you end up doing this, a Variac (variable auto-transformer) might be the best bet.
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We are using a Variac now feeding it with a generator. This is a mini pivot. It only has four motors 1.7 amps @ 80 volts. I don't think if the voltage varied + or - 10% it would only effect the speed wouldn't it

Sheldon
 
Are the motors AC or DC? If they are AC motors, the speed is not determined by voltage, but by frequency. I agree with the others. Since voltage drop is determined by amperage load as well as conductor resistance, it would be VERY risky to rely on voltage drop to provide the required voltage. If part of the load was turned off, reducing the current flow on the conductors, the voltage would increase to the remaining loads.
 
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