IntermediateTopic 67 of 106Electrical Engineering

Transmission lines

High voltage reduces current and losses over long distances.

In depth

Overhead lines and cables carry bulk power at high voltage (110–765 kV) to cut I²R losses. Corona, sag, clearances and right of way affect design. Long lines show Ferranti effect and need compensation.

Key points

  • Surge impedance loading
  • Underground cables have high capacitance
  • Thermal rating
Example

Doubling voltage quarters the current for the same power.

Why it matters

High voltage transmission reduces current for the same power, which cuts resistive losses and lets long lines be built economically.

Where this is used

  • Choosing a transmission voltage for a 100 km line carrying 100 MW.
  • Explaining why power lines use high voltage instead of thick cables.
  • Estimating the losses of a rural grid extension.

Frequently asked questions

What is Transmission lines?

High voltage reduces current and losses over long distances.

Why is it important to understand transmission lines?

High voltage transmission reduces current for the same power, which cuts resistive losses and lets long lines be built economically.

Why does higher voltage reduce losses?

For a given power, current falls as voltage rises, and losses depend on the square of current, so losses fall rapidly.

Why not use even higher voltages?

Insulation, corona discharge and equipment costs rise, so the voltage is chosen to balance losses against these costs.

How is Transmission lines used in practice?

Typical applications include choosing a transmission voltage for a 100 km line carrying 100 MW, explaining why power lines use high voltage instead of thick cables and estimating the losses of a rural grid extension.

What should I learn before Transmission lines?

Study "Power generation methods" first (topic 66 of 106 in Electrical Engineering). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.

What are the key points of Transmission lines?

Surge impedance loading. Underground cables have high capacitance. Thermal rating.

Can you give an example of Transmission lines?

Doubling voltage quarters the current for the same power.

What comes after Transmission lines?

The next topic is "Per-unit system", which builds directly on this one.

How difficult is Transmission lines?

It is classed as Intermediate in Electrical Engineering (topic 67 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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