Current Transmission in power lines

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Power lines effectively transmit current over long distances by functioning as waveguides that guide electromagnetic waves, specifically AC voltage signals. This method mitigates energy loss that typically occurs due to the inverse square law, which states that electric field intensity diminishes with the square of the distance from the source. By directing the propagation of energy along a specific path, power lines maintain efficiency in energy transmission, ensuring minimal loss over extensive distances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Familiarity with AC voltage signals
  • Knowledge of transmission line theory
  • Basic principles of electrical engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic waveguides
  • Explore AC voltage signal transmission techniques
  • Study transmission line theory and its applications
  • Investigate methods to minimize energy loss in power transmission
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, power system designers, and anyone involved in optimizing energy transmission in power lines will benefit from this discussion.

siddharth5129
Messages
94
Reaction score
3
If the electric field at a point drops off in intensity as the inverse ratio of the square of distance from the source, how do power lines manage to carry current through such large distances?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Transmission lines are waveguides. They guide an electromagnetic wave that propagates the AC voltage signal. So instead of letting the energy radiate in all directions off in space (which gives rise to the 1/r^2 space loss), we direct its propagation along a desired path.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
668
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K