Calculate the fraction of power generated that is lost in the lines

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the fraction of power lost in transmission lines when 30 MW of power at 45 kV (rms) is transmitted through 4-ohm lines. The correct calculation reveals that the power loss is 1.78 MW, which constitutes 5.9% of the total power generated. Key formulas used include the current calculation (I = P/V) and the power loss formula (P_loss = I^2 x R). The initial confusion regarding units was clarified, leading to the correct understanding of power loss in watts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical power formulas, specifically P = IV
  • Knowledge of Ohm's Law and its application in power loss calculations
  • Familiarity with the concept of voltage drop in transmission lines
  • Basic proficiency in calculating percentages and fractions in electrical contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of transmission line resistance on power efficiency
  • Learn about different methods to minimize power loss in electrical transmission
  • Explore the impact of voltage levels on power transmission efficiency
  • Investigate advanced power loss calculation techniques using software tools
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Electrical engineers, power system analysts, and students studying electrical engineering who are interested in optimizing power transmission and understanding power loss calculations.

joej
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If 30 MW of power at 45kV (rms) arrives at a town from a generator via 4-ohm transmission lines, calculate the fraction of power generated that is lost in the lines.

okay I think I'm not completely understanding what I'm supposed to do in this question, or I'm missing something as from my calculations there is more than 100% power loss

P/V = I

30,000,000W/45,000V = 666.7 A

Pl = I^2 x R

666.7^2 x 4 = 1777955.56V = 1778kV


probably something completely stupid that I'm doing here so would appreciate it if someone can set me straight, thnx


----edit-----

sorry stupidity strikes again... forgot that the power lost comes out in W not V

duh! sorry again, it's fine now
 
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more than 100% power loss

% Power loss = 1778/30 000 * 100 = 5.9 %


Gamma.
 
joej said:
If 30 MW of power at 45kV (rms) arrives at a town from a generator via 4-ohm transmission lines, calculate the fraction of power generated that is lost in the lines.

okay I think I'm not completely understanding what I'm supposed to do in this question, or I'm missing something as from my calculations there is more than 100% power loss
Power loss is in Watts not volts. I^2R = V_{drop}^2/R gives you the power loss in watts. I prefer to work with the voltage drop. So:

Voltage drop is IR = 666.7 x 4 = 2666.67 V.

(ie. the voltage drops to 42333.3 volts at the town). So the power lost in the lines is 2666.67^2/4 = 1.78E6 Watts or 1.78 MW. As a fraction of the total power the line loss is 1.78/30 = 5.9%

AM
 

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