What is the comparison between D.C. and A.C. transmission line ? ~ Electrical & Electronics Knowledge

What is the comparison between D.C. and A.C. transmission line ?

The electric power can be transmitted either by means of d.c. or a.c. Each system has its own merits and demerits. It is, therefore, desirable to discuss the technical advantages and disadvantages of the two systems for transmission of electric power.

Construction of Transformer

1. D.C. transmission line :

D.C. transmission line

For some years past, the transmission of electric power by d.c. has been receiving the active consideration of engineers due to its numerous advantages.

Advantages. The high voltage d.c. transmission has the following advantages over high voltage a.c. transmission :

It required only two conductor as compared to three for a.c. transmission.
There is no inductance, capacitance, phase displacement and surge problems in d.c. transmission.
Due to the absence of inductance, the voltage drop in a d.c. transmission line is less than the a.c. line for the same load and sending end voltage. For this reason, a d.c. transmission line has better voltage regulation.
There is no skin effect in a d.c. system. Therefore, entire cross section of the line conductor is utilised.
For the same working voltage, the potential stress on the insulation is less in case of d.c. system than that in a.c. system. Therefore, a d.c. line requires less insulation.
A d.c. line has less corona loss and reduced interference with communication circuits.
The high voltage d.c. transmission is free from the dielectric losses, particularly in the case of cables.
In d.c. transmission, there are no stability problems and synchronising difficulties.

Disadvantages.

Electric power cannot be generated at high d.c. voltage due to commutation problems.
The d.c. voltage cannot be stepped up for transmission of power at high voltages.
The d.c. switches and circuit breakers have their own limitations.

2. A.C. transmission :

Now a days, electrical energy is almost exclusively generated, transmitted and distributed in the from of a.c.

Advantages:

The power can be generated at high voltages.
The maintenance of a.c. sub-stations is easy and cheaper.
The a.c. voltage can be stepped up or stepped down by transformers with ease and efficiency. This permits to transmit power at high voltage and distribute it at safe potentials.

Disadvantages:

An a.c. line requires more copper than a d.c. line.
The construction of a.c. transmission line is more complicated than a d.c. transmission line.
Due to skin effect in the a.c. system, the effective resistance of the line is increased.
An a.c. line has capacitance. Therefore, there is a continuous loss of power due to charging current even when the line is open

Conclusion:

For the above comparison, it is clear that high voltage d.c. transmission is superior to high voltage a.c. transmission. Although at present, transmission of electric power is carried by a.c., there is an increasing interest in d.c. transmission. The introduction of mercury arc rectifiers and thyratrons have made it possible to convert a.c. into d.c. and vice-versa easily and efficiently. Such devices can operate upto 30MW at 400 kV in single units. The present day trend is towards a.c. for generation and distribution and high voltage d.c. for transmission.

A.C and D.C. transmission line

The single line diagram of high voltage d.c. transmission. The electric power is generated as a.c. and is stepped up to high voltage by the sending end transformer Ts. The a.c. power at high voltage is fed to the mercury arc rectifiers which convert a.c. into d.c. The transmission of electric power is carried at high d.c. voltage. At the receiving end, d.c. is converted into a.c. with the help of thyratrons. The a.c. supply is stepped down to low voltage by receiving end transformer TR for distribution.

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