Article
Article
Electric power transmission
Article By:
Karady, George G. Department of Electrical Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.757277
The transport of generator-produced electric energy to loads. An electric power transmission system interconnects generators and loads and generally provides multiple paths among them. Multiple paths increase system reliability because the failure of one line does not cause a system failure. Most transmission lines operate with three-phase alternating current (ac). The standard frequency in North America is 60 Hz; in Europe, 50 Hz. The three-phase system has three sets of phase conductors, one to four conductors per phase, and system voltage is defined as the root-mean-square voltage between any two of the phases. Long-distance energy transmission occasionally uses high-voltage direct-current (dc) lines. See also: Alternating current; Direct current; Direct-current transmission
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