Table of Contents
Why can AC current travel further?
The reason we have used an still use AC for long distance transmission is because it is so much easier to step the voltage up at the generator and down at the use end than DC is. The reason we do this is to reduce the losses due to current flow. Every metal we use as a conducting cable has some resistance.
Why is AC power used instead of DC?
Simply put, AC voltage is capable of converting voltage levels with just a transformer, making it far easier to transport across great distance than DC, whose conversion requires more complex electronic circuitry. Electric charge in AC periodically changes direction, causing the voltage level to reverse.
Which travels faster AC or DC?
In practice, DC CURRENT usually travels faster, because AC CURRENT is slowed by reactance (that is determined by the frequency of the AC and turns in the wire), and even more so by every transformer in the circuit. CURRENT is the movement of electrons.
How does AC travel long distances?
The most important feature of AC in long-distance transmission is the property of voltage and capability of stepping up and down in the transformers. Using this method increases the voltage at the base, and the power source decreases the current and substantially reduces the power loss.
How Far Can AC power travel?
A typical substation at a power plant Typical voltages for long distance transmission are in the range of 155,000 to 765,000 volts in order to reduce line losses. A typical maximum transmission distance is about 300 miles (483 km).
What has to happen before AC electricity could travel through the air?
In order to create an electrical current, electrons must be ripped off of the air molecules so that they are free to move and form a current.
What is the difference between AC current and DC current?
Direct current only flows in one direction, while alternating current changes direction periodically. In AC current the voltage will also reverse due to the current changing directions. It is used to power homes and offices while DC current is more often found in the powering of small electronics.
Why is the conductor cost lower in DC than in AC?
However, in DC, the conductor requirement is lower as there is no skin effect. This reduces the conductor cost. Actually it is quite the opposite. DC is much preferable for long distance transmission than AC. Refer High-voltage direct current or HVDC.
Why don’t we use AC instead of DC for long distances?
The second point is to debunk the common answer given, which is “because DC won’t go long distances”. Sure it will. In fact DC is sometimes better for long distance (because you don’t have capacitive or EM radiation losses). But, yes, AC has been used traditionally. The “why” is because of a series of “a leads to b leads to c leads to…”:
What are the advantages of DC over AC power lines?
No radiation loss with DC. Long transmission lines act as antennas and do radiate some power. That can only happen with AC. No induction losses. The changing magnetic field around a wire carrying AC current causes induced voltage and current in nearby conductors.