Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
Surge impedance loading is represented by (if V is voltage in kV and Z₀ is surge impedance loading)
2 V 2 Z 0 MVA
V 2 Z 0 MVA
V 2 2 Z 0
None of above
2V2Z0 MVA
Quick Summary: Surge Impedance Loading (SIL) is defined as the power delivered by a lossless transmission line to a purely resistive load equal to the surge impedance of the line. It represents the natural loading at which the reactive power generated by the line capacitance equals the reactive power absorbed by the line inductance.
Surge Impedance Loading (SIL) is defined as the power delivered by a lossless transmission line to a purely resistive load equal to the surge impedance of the line. It represents the natural loading at which the reactive power generated by the line capacitance equals the reactive power absorbed by the line inductance.
SIL=Z0V2 — Formula for Surge Impedance Loading in MVA
Z0=CL — Definition of Surge Impedance in Ohms
The surge impedance Z0 is given by CL. Under SIL conditions, the voltage profile along the line remains flat because the net reactive power demand is zero. Since SIL=Z0V2, the power transmitted is solely real power, maintaining the voltage constant at the receiving end equal to the sending end.
At SIL, the line operates at unity power factor.
The voltage profile is flat along the entire length of the line at SIL.
SIL is a crucial benchmark for determining the transmission capacity of EHV lines.
If load > SIL, the line consumes net reactive power (voltage drop).
If load < SIL, the line generates net reactive power (Ferranti effect may occur).
Maintains nominal voltage profile without compensation.
Efficient power transfer without reactive power losses.
Most practical lines operate below SIL, requiring shunt reactors.
Transmission lines rarely operate exactly at SIL due to load variations.
Design of EHV and UHV transmission lines.
Determining shunt compensation requirements.
SIL is independent of line length.
For overhead lines, Z0 is typically between 300-400 Ohms.
Option A is incorrect as it introduces an unnecessary factor of 2.
Option C is incorrect as it incorrectly divides the power by 2.
B is correct — Surge impedance loading represents the power level where the reactive power produced by line capacitance is exactly balanced by the reactive power consumed by line inductance, given by Z0V2 MVA.
Always remember that at SIL, the sending end voltage equals the receiving end voltage; any deviation from SIL loading will cause the voltage to fluctuate, necessitating reactive power compensation.