Electricity is transported from coast to coast via high-voltage transmission lines to reach our homes. Electricity is transmitted up to 500,000 Volts in some areas of the US grid. When a large amount of power is to be sent over a distance, a high-voltage transmission is required.
Why High Voltage?
High voltages are used to improve efficiency. Electricity is sent over long distances, and there are energy losses. Electricity flows from one place to another at a high voltage. This minimizes power loss. How? The resistance losses of the conductors will be lower when the current is lower. When resistance losses are small, energy loss is also low. Electrical engineers take into account factors like the power transmitted and the distance needed for transmission to determine the optimal transmission voltage.
High voltage transmission also has an economic advantage. As electricity flows through the cables, the lower current associated with high-voltage transmission reduces the resistance of the conductors. It is possible to use thin, lightweight wires for long-distance communication. Transmission towers don’t need to be designed to support heavier wires, which would be required for high currents. This makes high-voltage transmission of long distances a cost-effective solution.
High Voltage Market
In recent years, the rapidly growing renewables industry has played a major role in the market for high voltage. Demand for high-voltage transmission will increase as more localized renewable electrical sources come online.
In conclusion, the use of high-voltage transmission lines plays a vital role in efficiently delivering electricity across vast distances, ensuring that power reaches our homes and industries. The rationale behind employing high voltages is deeply rooted in the principles of minimizing energy losses and enhancing transmission efficiency. By reducing the current flowing through the conductors, resistance losses are mitigated, resulting in decreased energy wastage. Moreover, the economic benefits of high-voltage transmission are evident in the ability to utilize thinner and lighter wires, thus reducing the structural requirements of transmission towers and lowering overall costs.
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the high-voltage market finds itself closely intertwined with the dynamic renewable energy sector. The demand for high-voltage transmission is poised to rise in response to the increasing integration of localized renewable sources into the grid. This trend is underscored by the need to replace and upgrade existing transmission infrastructure, coupled with the expansion of new generation and transmission capacity.
In essence, high-voltage transmission stands as a pivotal enabler of efficient and cost-effective electricity delivery, with a promising future shaped by the ongoing evolution of renewable energy and the modernization of transmission networks.
For nearly half a century, Swartz Engineering has been at the forefront of industry safety. They are a family-owned company specializing in power distribution for the electrical industry. Our design ensures maximum flexibility for excellent reliability and a high return on investment. Click here for more information.
