Saint Louis University

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

LABORATORY MANUAL

Activity No: 5
Performance of Transmission Lines, Part 2

At the end of this activity, the student should be able to:

TLO 6: Determine the maximum line loading capacity based on Surge Impedance
Loading (SIL), Thermal loading limit and receiving-end power-circle diagram.

I. INTRODUCTION:

Surge Impedance Loading (SIL)

The SIL is a very essential parameter when it comes to the study of power systems
as it is used in the prediction of maximum loading capacity of transmission lines. It gives
a limit of the maximum power that can be delivered by the line and is useful in designing
the transmission line. This can be used for the comparison of loads that can be carried
on the transmission lines at different voltages.

Thermal Loading Limit

The power handling ability of the line is limited by the thermal loading limit. The
increase in the conductor temperature, due to real power loss, stretches the conductors
and this will increase the sag between transmission towers. At higher temperatures this
may result in irreversible stretching. The thermal limit is specified by the current-carrying
capacity of the conductor and is available in the manufacturer’s data.

Power Circle Diagrams

Power circle diagrams are graphical representations of the performance of the line
and is very useful in designing transmission lines or for deciding the action to be taken
for the best operation of the lines by improving conditions economically when possible.
These diagrams help in completely working out the active power, reactive power, power
factor and any correction required for the voltage regulation or the power factor correction
of the line, line loss and operation of the line under different conditions. The diagrams can
be constructed for the receiving end or the sending end. The diagrams so constructed
are then known as receiving-end power circle diagram and sending-end power circle
diagram, respectively.

II. EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS NEEDED:

ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING COURSE #: EE 311L DESCRIPTIVE TITLE: ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT
 Saint Louis University
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

LABORATORY MANUAL

III. PROCEDURES:

For the line considered in the previous activity (Activity No.3: Performance of
Transmission Lines, Part 1):
a) Determine the maximum load in MW that can be delivered by the line based on
the surge impedance loading (SIL).
b) Calculate the Thermal loading limit of the line in MVA.
c) Construct the receiving-end power circle diagram and estimate the maximum
load in MW that can be delivered by the line. Use the scale 100 MVA: 1” (or
your preferred scale).

IV. REFERENCES:

Principles of Power System by V.K Mehta and Rohit Mehta

Deadline: April 2, 2020 (Thursday)

ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING COURSE #: EE 311L DESCRIPTIVE TITLE: ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT