EE249-Smart Grids

Advantages of
High Transmission Voltages
(derivations and problems)

Michael Pacis, PhD

Legends:
I. Reduces the volume of the conductor
material
I. Reduces the volume of the conductor
material

It is clear from exp. (i) that for given values of P, l, ρ and W, the volume of
conductor material required is inversely proportional to the square of
transmission voltage and power factor. In other words, the greater the
transmission voltage, the lesser is the conductor material required.
II. Increase Transmission Efficiency
II. Increase Transmission Efficiency

As J, ρ and l are constants, therefore, transmission efficiency

increases when the line voltage is increased.
III. Decreases Percentage Line Drop

As J, ρ and l are constants, therefore, percentage line drop

decreases when the transmission voltage increases.
Sample Problem
A 50 km long transmission line supplies a load of 5 MVA at 0·8
p.f. lagging at 33 kV. The efficiency of transmission is 90%.
Calculate the volume of aluminium conductor required for the
line when (i) single phase, 2-wire system is used. The specific
resistance of aluminium is 2·85 × 10 -8 Ω - m.
Solution:
Solution:

Supplementary Problem. Recompute the sample problem using

the following system of supply:
i.) 3 phase, 3 wire
ii.) 3 phase, 4 wire