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Chapter 7: Problem 29

Why is it economical to use extremely high voltages for the transmission of electrical power?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Using extremely high voltages for the transmission of electrical power is more economical because it reduces power loss along transmission lines and improves overall efficiency, leading to lower energy costs and a more reliable power supply. By increasing the voltage, the current required decreases, resulting in decreased power loss and more efficient energy transmission, even over longer distances.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Power Transmission

Power transmission is the process of transferring electric power from the generating stations to the consumers or the end users. During this process, it is necessary to minimize the power loss to make it more efficient and cost-effective.
02

Relation Between Power Loss and Voltage

The power loss in transmission lines is given by the formula P_loss = I^2 × R, where P_loss is the power loss, I is the current, and R is the resistance in the transmission line. The electric power delivered is given by the formula: P = V × I, where P is the power, V is the voltage, and I is the current.
03

Increasing the Voltage

By increasing the voltage, the current required to transmit the same amount of power decreases. According to the formula P = V × I, as V increases, I decreases to maintain constant power.
04

Reducing Power Loss

Since power loss (P_loss) is proportional to the square of the current (I), as I decreases, power loss will also decrease significantly. Using the formula P_loss = I^2 × R, it can be seen that decreasing the current (I) leads to a decrease in power loss.
05

Cost-effective Transmission

When the power loss is minimized by using high voltage transmission, it ultimately saves energy and costs in the long run. Moreover, higher voltage transmission allows delivering electric power over longer distances with less loss, which enables supplying electricity to remote areas more efficiently. In conclusion, using extremely high voltages for the transmission of electrical power is economical because it reduces power loss along transmission lines and improves overall efficiency, leading to lower energy costs and a more reliable power supply.

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