Why do we use high voltage to transmit electrical power?
The use of high voltage for transmitting electrical power is driven by several key advantages and efficiencies:
Reduced Energy Losses
High-voltage transmission minimizes the energy losses that occur due to the resistance of the conductors. According to Ohm's law, when the voltage is increased while the power to be transmitted remains constant, the current decreases. Lower current results in lower resistance losses (Joule heating) in the conductors, which in turn reduces the overall energy loss during transmission245.
Increased Efficiency
Higher transmission voltages enable more efficient long-distance power transmission. By stepping up the voltage at the source, less power is lost as the electricity travels over long distances. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining a reliable and efficient electrical grid135.
Economic Benefits
Using high voltage allows for the use of thinner, lighter-weight wires, which reduces the material costs and the structural requirements for transmission towers. This makes high-voltage transmission an economical solution for long-distance power transmission5.
Compact and Lightweight Equipment
High-voltage systems also enable more compact equipment design. For example, high-voltage operation permits the use of smaller transformers and reduced cable diameters, contributing to sleeker and more streamlined designs in various applications, including mobile electronics and industrial systems1.
Stability and Control
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology is particularly useful for transmitting large amounts of power over very long distances or for interconnecting asynchronous grids. HVDC links can stabilize power distribution networks by controlling power flow independently of the phase angles of the connected AC networks, thus preventing synchronization problems and cascading failures3.
In summary, high-voltage transmission is essential for reducing energy losses, increasing efficiency, providing economic benefits, enabling compact equipment design, and ensuring stability in power distribution networks.