Middle East university

Faculty of Engineering
Power Systems and Electronics Lab 0954702

Experiment Name: Transmission lines

Experiment Number: 3

Student’s Name: Rula Mohammed Hasan

Student’s ID: 202010721

Submission date: 11/17/2024

1. Introduction:
Transmission lines are a critical part of the electrical power system, responsible for the efficient transfer
of electrical energy from generating stations to substations and, eventually, to consumers. The reliability
and stability of transmission lines are essential for maintaining the quality and continuity of power
supply.
2. Types of Transmission Lines
Transmission lines are classified based on their voltage levels, construction, and insulation medium. The
primary types include:
 Overhead Transmission Lines: These are the most common and cost-effective method for long-
distance power transmission. They use bare conductors supported by towers or poles, insulated by
the surrounding air.

Figure 1: Overhead transmission lines

 Underground Transmission Lines: Typically used in densely populated or environmentally

sensitive areas, underground lines are insulated and buried underground. They are more
expensive and complex to install and maintain but provide better aesthetic appeal and protection
from weather-related damage.

Figure 2: Underground transmission lines

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Transmission lines are also categorized by voltage levels:
 Low Voltage (up to 1 kV)
 Medium Voltage (1 kV to 33 kV)
 High Voltage (33 kV to 220 kV)
 Extra-High Voltage (220 kV to 765 kV)
 Ultra-High Voltage (above 765 kV)
3. Components of Transmission Lines
Key components include:
 Conductors: Materials like aluminum or copper conduct the electrical current. Aluminum is
preferred for overhead lines due to its weight-to-conductivity ratio, while copper is used in
special cases due to its higher conductivity.
 Insulators: Made from materials like porcelain, glass, or polymers, insulators prevent leakage
currents and provide mechanical support.
 Towers and Poles: These structures support conductors above the ground and ensure safety by
maintaining clearance from objects on the ground.
 Protective Equipment: Components like lightning arresters, circuit breakers, and relays protect
the line from faults and surges.
4. Transmission Line Design Considerations
When designing transmission lines, engineers consider factors like electrical load, voltage level, distance,
environmental impact, and right-of-way. Some of the main design aspects are:
 Line Resistance: Affected by conductor material, length, and cross-sectional area, line resistance
causes energy losses in the form of heat. Minimizing resistance helps improve line efficiency.
 Inductance and Capacitance: These are inherent properties of transmission lines that affect
power flow, voltage regulation, and stability. Engineers calculate these parameters to mitigate
power losses and control voltage drops.
 Voltage Regulation: Maintaining voltage within acceptable limits along the transmission line is
essential for power quality and system stability.
 Environmental Factors: Climate, terrain, and weather impact transmission line selection and
maintenance. Lines in extreme climates need stronger materials and designs for resilience.
5. Power Losses in Transmission Lines
Power losses in transmission lines occur primarily due to resistance (I²R losses), corona discharge, and
dielectric losses. The main types include:
 Resistive Losses: Caused by the line resistance, these losses increase with the square of the
current. They can be reduced by using higher-voltage transmission, which lowers the current for a
given power level.

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  Corona Losses: Occur in high-voltage lines, particularly during adverse weather. Corona losses
can be mitigated by using conductors with a larger diameter and maintaining sufficient spacing
between conductors.
 Dielectric Losses: Occur in underground and insulated lines due to dielectric heating of the
insulation material.
6. Transmission Line Efficiency and Voltage Drop
The efficiency of a transmission line depends on the power losses along its length. Voltage drop is
another key concern, as it affects the power quality delivered to end-users. Engineers calculate voltage
drop using formulas that consider resistance, reactance, line length, and the load power factor.
7. Transmission Line Protection
Protecting transmission lines from faults like short circuits, lightning strikes, and overloads is crucial to
maintaining grid reliability. Common protection methods include:
 Relays and Circuit Breakers: Automatically disconnect faulted sections of the line to prevent
damage and maintain system stability.
 Surge Arresters: Protect against lightning and transient overvoltage’s.
 Grounding Systems: Essential for safety, grounding prevents overvoltage’s and ensures safe
operation.
8. Challenges in Transmission Line Operations
Transmission lines face several challenges:
 Environmental Impacts: Overhead lines impact landscapes, wildlife, and communities.
Underground cables mitigate this but are costly.
 Weather and Natural Disasters: Wind, ice, lightning, and seismic activities can damage lines
and disrupt power supply.
 Right-of-Way (ROW) Issues: Acquiring land for transmission lines can be a lengthy and
complex process, particularly in populated areas.
9. Future Trends in Transmission Line Technology
Innovations in materials, monitoring, and design are making transmission lines more efficient and
resilient:
 High-Temperature Low-Sag Conductors: These conductors carry more current without
significant sag, useful for long-span lines.
 Superconducting Cables: Offer near-zero resistance, reducing losses significantly. However,
they require cryogenic cooling and are still in the experimental stage.
 Smart Grid Technology: Advanced monitoring systems enable real-time data collection on line
conditions, improving reliability and enabling rapid response to faults.

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2. Discussion:

There are three primary types of transmission lines: short, medium, and long transmission lines. Initially,
voltage was applied to the short transmission line without any capacitors, and the VR (receiving-end
voltage) value was observed. This configuration is typically referred to as a short transmission line. In the
case of medium transmission lines, capacitance between the line and ground, as well as line-to-line
capacitance, starts to play a significant role. For long transmission lines, these effects become even more
pronounced, requiring additional considerations for capacitance and voltage regulation.
To distinguish between medium and long transmission lines, the impact of capacitance and VR must be
analyzed.
A three-phase power supply was connected to the transmission line. An ammeter was placed in series on
one phase, and a voltmeter was connected in parallel. In the short transmission line, the source voltage
(VS) was 412 V, while the receiving voltage (VR) was 411 V. For the medium transmission line, with the
same source voltage (VS = 412 V), the receiving voltage increased to 437 V, along with a slight increase
in current. In the long transmission line setup, capacitors were connected in parallel to the line, resulting
in a source voltage (VS) of 412 V and an increased receiving voltage (VR) of 448 V. This demonstrates
the effect of capacitance in boosting voltage levels over long distances.

Figure 3: long transmission lines connection

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Figure 4: medium transmission lines connection

Figure 5: short transmission lines connection

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