Theoretical Analysis of Tuned HVAC Line for Low Loss Long Distance Bulk Power Transmission

One of the main objectives of the smart grid initiative is to enable bulk power transmission over long distance, with reduced transmission losses. Besides the traditional high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) transmission, with the advancement in power electronics, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission is increasingly becoming important. One of the main factors impacting the transmission line parameters and the losses is the length of the transmission line (overhead). In this paper, a concept of tuned high-voltage AC line is presented for long (> 250 km) transmission line. A tuned line is where the receiving-end voltage and current are numerically equal to the corresponding sending-end values. This paper presents the detailed theoretical analysis of the tuned HVAC line, suggesting adaptation of the transmission frequency as per the length of the line. The simulation of a tuned HVAC line is performed using the PSCAD/EMTDC. Simulation results for two different line lengths, substantiate the theoretical analysis of reducing the reactive power absorbed in the line, while increasing the active power transmission. Index Terms DC transmission, FACTS, frequency converter, high voltage, HVAC, HVDC, long transmission line, power transmission, transmission loss, tuned frequency, zero voltage regulation. August 11, 2015 DRAFT