Power Loss in Transmission Lines: AC vs DC Comparison Explained with a Model

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The discussion explores the differences in power loss between AC and DC transmission lines, using a marble analogy to illustrate concepts. It suggests that AC may lose more power over long distances due to friction and inductive losses, while DC maintains a more consistent voltage after an initial phase. However, participants highlight that the complexities of electrical conduction, such as skin effect and inductive losses, cannot be accurately modeled with simple analogies. AC is favored for its ability to easily transform voltages, crucial for efficient long-distance transmission, while DC is increasingly used for very long distances due to lower losses. Ultimately, understanding the instantaneous versus average power relationships clarifies the differences in losses between AC and DC.
  • #51
Thanks for all the help everyone.
 

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