Resumen

TORANO, J; RODRIGUEZ, R; DIEGO, I  y  LOPEZ, L.M.. Selection of Cable Economy Taking Thermal Losses into Consideration. Inf. tecnol. [online]. 2004, vol.15, n.3, pp. 23-29. ISSN 0718-0764.  doi: 10.4067/S0718-07642004000300004.

The objective of this study was to determine as simply as possible the criteria that can serve as a guide for determining when an economic analysis of an electrical installation considering heat losses is required. A large number of simulations representative of industrial installations were carried out using computer software specifically designed for this purpose. Each simulation was begun with a section obtained from calculations made from three basic criteria (voltage drop, current, and short circuit conditions) and then increasing the cable section to determine the increase of the capital cost caused by the increase in the cable section. Finally, this cost was compared with operational cost due to thermal losses when using the initial cable which was smaller in section. It is concluded from the study that for moderate power (approx. 700-2800 kW in 4180 V or 75-300 kW in 480 V) economic analysis is highly recommended

Palabras clave : electric cables; electric transmission; thermal losses; economic calculation.