IntermediateTopic 69 of 106Electrical Engineering

Line parameters

Resistance, inductance, capacitance and conductance characterise lines.

In depth

Series resistance R and inductive reactance X=ωL, shunt capacitance C and leakage conductance G. Geometry (spacing, conductor radius, bundling) sets L and C: L≈2×10⁻⁷ln(D/r′) H/m. Short, medium (π) and long line models are chosen by length.

Key points

  • Skin effect raises R
  • Bundled conductors reduce corona
  • Transposition balances phases
Example

A 400 kV line has X≈0.3 Ω/km.

Why it matters

Line parameters decide how power flows, how voltage drops and how much charging current a line draws, so they must be known for planning.

Where this is used

  • Calculating the voltage drop along a 30 km distribution line.
  • Estimating the charging current of an underground cable.
  • Choosing conductor spacing to reduce inductance on a transmission line.

Frequently asked questions

What is Line parameters?

Resistance, inductance, capacitance and conductance characterise lines.

Why is it important to understand line parameters?

Line parameters decide how power flows, how voltage drops and how much charging current a line draws, so they must be known for planning.

Why do long overhead lines have significant capacitance?

The conductors and the earth form a capacitor over long distances, and the charging current becomes significant for long lines.

What is the surge impedance?

The characteristic impedance of a lossless line, which is the ratio of voltage to current for a travelling wave.

How is Line parameters used in practice?

Typical applications include calculating the voltage drop along a 30 km distribution line, estimating the charging current of an underground cable and choosing conductor spacing to reduce inductance on a transmission line.

What should I learn before Line parameters?

Study "Per-unit system" first (topic 68 of 106 in Electrical Engineering). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.

What are the key points of Line parameters?

Skin effect raises R. Bundled conductors reduce corona. Transposition balances phases.

Can you give an example of Line parameters?

A 400 kV line has X≈0.3 Ω/km.

What comes after Line parameters?

The next topic is "Distribution systems", which builds directly on this one.

How difficult is Line parameters?

It is classed as Intermediate in Electrical Engineering (topic 69 of 106). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Electrical Engineering first.

Learning path

Want to practise? Open the interactive course for quick checks, quizzes, simulations and progress tracking.

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