Power is usually transmitted over long distances as alternating current (AC). Th

Question

Power is usually transmitted over long distances as alternating current (AC). The reason for this is that AC transformers can easily be used to "step-up" the voltage for transmission, and then "step-down" to supply to residences, whereas DC transformers are complicated and costly. Why is it preferable to transmit at high voltage (typically the frequency used is 60 Hz)? For very long distances the conducting cables actually start to gain a significant capacitance (for example, a typical copper 5 mile long cable would have a capacitance of 2.4 microFarad), which adds to the total impedance. In order to minimize the reactance of the above transmission cable, what would you have to do?

Explanation / Answer

Transmitting at high voltage means transmission of electrical power at low current thereby reducing power loss due to heating effect.

Reactance of the transmission line can be minimised by the addition of inductive reactance.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse P
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.