Is there any derating factor that can be used when using 500MCM cables? I am currently running 27 cables to a breaker, but I would like to minimize the spacing to less than 100% spacing. IS this possible?
Sure, but it lowers the ampacity of the conductor and increase the number of conductor, resulting in more total space required. There is a reason that the ampacity in tray with proper spacing is higher than the ampacity in conduit.
There are hugh derating factors for adjacent AC cables. I recommend that you contact your manufacturer, ask for applicaiton engineering. They typically have models which they can use to give you a conservative estimate.
Benjamin Lanz
Past Chair of IEEE 400
Sr. Application Engineer
IMCORP- Power Cable Reliability Consultants