Increase in voltage = decrease in current?

In summary, the use of high voltage in transmission lines leads to a decrease in current, which in turn reduces power losses in the transmission lines. This is achieved through the mathematical relationship between voltage, current, and power. By using a lower current and higher voltage, the power loss is minimized, allowing for more efficient power transmission over large distances. This is made possible through the use of transformers to step up and step down the voltage as needed.
  • #1
chwl3
1
0
Increase in voltage = decrease in current??

Homework Statement


Electric power is transferred over large distances at very high voltages. Explain how the high voltage reduces power losses in the transmission lines.


Homework Equations


V = IR
P = VI

The Attempt at a Solution


From searching on the web, many people say increase in voltage will naturally lead to decrease in current, thus reducing the power losses in the lines. With those equations, I cannot understand why a rise in voltage would lead to a drop in current, and not rise? Also, how does drop in current reduce the power loss?
 
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  • #2


Should add another equation.

p=I2R

The line with resistance will consume power too. If less current means less power loses due to line resistance.

P=IV
With same power usage, either we increase current and decrease voltage(means more power consume by the lines) or more voltage less current.
 
  • #3


With these equations you can show the ida with a numerical example:
Suppose you need to supple 2kW of electrical power along cables having a total resistance of 1 ohm.
If the supply voltage is 1000V then the current needs to be 2A and the power wasted in the cables is I^2.r = 4 x 1 = 4Watts...negligible!
If the supply voltage is 100V then the current needs to be 20A and the power loss = 400W...a 10 times lower voltage means 100 times greater power loss.
The principle is to use the greatest possible voltage for transmission but for safety and convenience reasons the voltage at the generator and the user should be low.
This means some way of 'stepping up' voltage for transmission and then 'stepping down' voltage for use is needed. This stepping up and stepping down is easilydone with transformers and this is why electricity is generated as AC...so that transformers can be used.
 
  • #4


how about ''P=V^2/R
more voltage means more power dissipation in transmission
 
  • #5


asitiaf said:
how about ''P=V^2/R
more voltage means more power dissipation in transmission

No because you don't drop your entire voltage over the transmission line.
 
  • #6


chwl3 - transmission lines are used to transmit power from one area to another.

Power transmitted = Voltage * Current...(1)

So you can choose any combination of voltage and current that meets the above equation.

The losses in the cable are

Power Loss = current2 * resistance ....(2)

So there is an incentive to use a low current and high voltage in (1).
 
  • #7
CWatters said:
chwl3 - transmission lines are used to transmit power from one area to another.

Power transmitted = Voltage * Current...(1)

So you can choose any combination of voltage and current that meets the above equation.

The losses in the cable are

Power Loss = current2 * resistance ....(2)

So there is an incentive to use a low current and high voltage in (1).



I think that
P=VI; so, for constant power voltage and current are inversely proportional.
P=I^2R; it is the power dissipated (loss)
during transmission. So, lesser the current, lesser the dissipation and more power delivered.
P=V^2/R; it is the power delivered (carried) during transmission. So, more the voltage, more the power delivered.
Please confirm, whether I am right.
 

1. What is the relationship between voltage and current?

The relationship between voltage and current is known as Ohm's law, which states that the current through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance.

2. Why does an increase in voltage result in a decrease in current?

An increase in voltage causes an increase in the electric field, which in turn increases the force on the charge carriers and causes them to move faster. This results in a higher current. However, as the voltage increases, the resistance of the circuit also increases, which causes a decrease in the current.

3. Does this relationship hold true for all types of circuits?

Yes, this relationship holds true for all types of circuits, including both AC and DC circuits. However, the specific values of voltage and current may vary depending on the type of circuit and the components used.

4. How does a change in resistance affect the voltage-current relationship?

A change in resistance directly affects the voltage-current relationship as stated in Ohm's law. An increase in resistance leads to a decrease in current for a given voltage, while a decrease in resistance leads to an increase in current.

5. Can an increase in voltage ever result in an increase in current?

Yes, an increase in voltage can result in an increase in current if the resistance of the circuit decreases at the same time. This can occur, for example, when a variable resistor is used to decrease resistance in a circuit as the voltage increases.

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