Underground cable trenches within a Wind Farm
Underground cable trenches within a Wind Farm
(OP)
Underground medium voltage (33 kV) cables are to be laid in trenches to connect the 50 individual wind generators of 2 MW each to be erected in a wind farm / park.
The wind farm covers a hilly area of approximately 3 km x 3 km and the trenches are to be excavated along one side of the earthen roads that will be prepared/constucted for erecting the wind generators.
Given that the wind farm area consists of leased land, is not fenced and is accessible to everybody including the individuals owning the nearby fields, what kind of mechanical protection is recommended for the underground cables so as to exclude the possibility of electrocution of a person who may mechanically or manually dig over the cables?
Any recommendations / suggestions / standards are appreciated in advance.
The wind farm covers a hilly area of approximately 3 km x 3 km and the trenches are to be excavated along one side of the earthen roads that will be prepared/constucted for erecting the wind generators.
Given that the wind farm area consists of leased land, is not fenced and is accessible to everybody including the individuals owning the nearby fields, what kind of mechanical protection is recommended for the underground cables so as to exclude the possibility of electrocution of a person who may mechanically or manually dig over the cables?
Any recommendations / suggestions / standards are appreciated in advance.






RE: Underground cable trenches within a Wind Farm
Regards
Marmite
RE: Underground cable trenches within a Wind Farm
I suspect a concrete culvert would be the safest bet.
Pipelines have similar issues and a meter, often, isn't enough.
Note the sod rippers.
Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Underground cable trenches within a Wind Farm
article 300.50 covers it
table 300.50
30k puts it at 600 mm for direct burial.
I would crack that nec book open and read it.
RE: Underground cable trenches within a Wind Farm
RE: Underground cable trenches within a Wind Farm
Direct-Buried Cable 900 mm
Rigid PVC Conduit 600 mm
Rigid Steel Conduit 150 mm
Concrete encased 100 mm
Warning tape is required unless encased in concrete
RE: Underground cable trenches within a Wind Farm
I agree with all above .I think -it is very expensive, indeed- a cable duct bank [6*6"plastic conduits embedded in 2-3 inches- exterior steel reinforced concrete-it is the maximum protection and it facilitates further development also. This duct bank has to be buried too 2.5-3 ft under the soil.
But for cable run all 150 -200 ft a manhole should be provided- including some cable trays.
Best Regards