Power loss over distance

[myaliusc]

Dear Senior members

I have installed 72 solar panels of 330 watt (ZN Shine) to run 2 separate motors of 15 HP each for tubewell.

Now due to some seasonal consideration, i want to run another motor 5000 feet with the above mentioned solar panel setup. What is the maximum motor size capacity i can run with this setup 5000 feet way? (Ideally i'd run to run 25 HP motor using all 72 panels)
Also, what are your suggestions for cable gauge and brand?

[babarhyd]

@capsat please guide sir.

[Hassan1991]

Online calculators are available you can calculate the wire size. You need more values like running amps, motor is single phase,3 phase, dc or ac and allowable drop.

[nfssaad]

your motor is 5000 feet away from the solar panels?

ideally your inverter should be at the shortest possible distance from the solar panels.

once you are at 220 volts / 380 volts, you should be able to run an electric motor with no issues 5000 feet away.

[nfssaad]

is the motor AC or DC?

[myaliusc]

AC 3 phase motor.

[myaliusc]

I have two solar wells. Each using 36 (330 watt) panels to run a 15 HP motor. In few months when we have river water, i want to use both these panel set ups (72 panels) to draw water from river which is 5000 feet away from my land. Now what HP motor can i run with 72 (330 watt) panels on river which is 5000 feet away?

I hope my explanation is better than initial pharasing!

[Hassan1991]

5000 feet need a pretty thick wire gauge to drive 15hp motor considering the losses.

[nfssaad]

to answer your question regarding HP rating.

assuming your panels provide a full 330 watt x 72 = 23760 watts / 746 = 31.8 HP.

however considering efficiency losses, you should be able to run a 20 - 25 HP pump.

[Hassan1991]

You can run 25hp motor. Here the problem will be length of wire. What is the starting current (inrush) and running current of motor?
Try online wire size calculator.

[nfssaad]

depends on the voltage being used. and quality of wire.

a step up / step down transformer may be used.

but i dont think an inverter will work with a transformer on its output. at least the inverter i have shuts down if i connect a common stabilizer to its output.

[myaliusc]

Thanks for the time you have taken. Sir, are you assuming standard Wapda gauge wire?

[myaliusc]

I am not technical but when i visit site, i will take the image of specs card on the motor and upload it here. I appreciate your engagement with my question.

[nfssaad]

i am not assuming any gauge.

the wire gauge is selected according to the maximum running amperes required by the motor.

assuming you utilize a 25 Hp pump. 25 Hp = 18.650 KW.

assuming its a 220 volt, single phase motor, 18650/220 = 84 amperes. which would mean a gauge AWG 4 wire

[Hassan1991]

Agree
That depends upon the type of system he's using. Like on grid , off grid etc

[nfssaad]

high ampere means thick expensive wire.

which is why 3 phase motors are used in conjunction with soft starter (wye-delta) to reduce the starting amperes or surge load.

[myaliusc]

Its a 3 phase AC motor that i intend to use.

[nfssaad]

please do share the name plate details of the motor.

[myaliusc]

Looking forward to it.

[capsat]

Motor & Inverter specs may please be shared. also if possible, provide present distance between Panel Bank and Inverter. And between Inverter and Motor.

@nfssaad is spot on for the wire gauge in terms of efficiency of AC / DC Voltage & Amperes