Solar PV Power Plant Underground Cable Sizing Case Study

Abstract

A cable ampacity study for a PV power plant is evaluated based on temperature measurements taken during normal operation for one year. Differences between the design and the installation are discussed regarding their impact on cable temperature. Soil thermal resistivity measurements are reviewed, highlighting the need for the design engineer to properly specify the soil conditions for the measurement. The measured temperature was significantly less than the temperature calculated using the Neher-McGrath method.