28/1004 Electrical Power Engineering Reference & Applications Handbook where S'= centre spacing between two phases in mm (Figure 28.8) a supied by the conductors of one phase in b= width of the conductors in mm, ‘The factor& decreases with the increase in spacing ‘S°. For application of the above equation, refer to Example 28.12. 28.5 Service conditions ‘The performance of a bus system can be affected by the following service conditions: Ambient temperature Altitude Atmospheric conditions and Excessive vibrations and seismic effects 28.5.1 Ambient temperature ‘The ratings as provided in Tables 30.2 (a, b and c), 30.4 and 30.5 and others refer to an ambient temperature, with a peak of 40°C and an average of 35°C over a period of 24 hours. The end temperature for aluminium, is considered safe at 85-90°C, at which the metal does not degenerate (oxidise) or change its properties (mechanical strength) over a long period of operation. Figure 28.9 shows the effect of higher operating temperatures on the mechanical strength of aluminium, metal. The oxidation and mechanical strength are two vital factors that need be borne in mind when selecting busbar size to ensure its adequacy during long hours of continuous operation. Table 28.2 lists the permissible ‘operating temperatures of the various parts of a bus system, For higher ambient temperatures, current capacity should be suitably reduced to maintain the same end temperature during continuous operation. Refer to Tables 28.3(a) and (b), recommending the derating factors for a higher ambient temperature or a lower temperature rise for the same end temperature of 85°C or 90°C respectively. For intermediate ambient temperatures, see Figure 28.10. Operating temperatures of bus conductors Aluminium and copper conductors are susceptible to A ¥ 2 ON a re 7 A jd rots S> 220" 2b whichever is more. Figure 28.8 Placement of busbars to minimize the effect of proximity » vse ts see Bs 1750 i nove 5 : period (seconds) wm Figure 26.9 Curves showing the tensile strength of Indal DSOSWP at higher temperatures Table 28.2 Operating temperature of a bus system Type of bus connection Maximum temperature limit asin TEEE-C-3720.P° ‘© Bus conductor with plain connection joints 70°C ‘¢ Bus conductor with silver plated or welded contact surfaces tose Enclosure f¢ Accessible past 80°C 4 Non-accessible part Hoc ‘Termination at cables with plain connections 70°C {Termination at cables silver-surfaced or equivalent connections 85°C *Or as specified by the user. Note FFor temperatures above 100°C it is recommended to use epoxy insulators/supports, which can continuously operate up to 125°C. FRD (fibreglass reinforced plastic) inslators/supports may not withstand 125°C. oxidation and corrosion as noted in Section 29.2. But at clevated temperatures above 85-90°C this phenomenon becomes rapid and may endanger the joint. The oxides of aluminium (AIO) and copper (CuO) are poor conductors of electricity and adversely affect bus conductors, particularly at joints reducing their current- transfer capacity over time, This may lead to their over- heating, even an eventual failure. Universal practice therefore, is to restrict the operating temperature of the bus conductors aluminium or copper to 85-90°C for all ratings, at least in the medium range say, up to 3200 A. ~The joints as such, however good they are made, make only micro contacts surface to surface and contain air