How do transmission lines carry low current but high voltage?
Transmission Lines: High Voltage, Low Current Efficiency
Transmission lines are intended to efficiently transport electrical power over long distances by utilizing high voltage & low current.
This method reduces energy loss owing to resistance in the conductor. The power (đ) delivered through a line is the product of voltage (đ) and current (I), represented as
P=VĂI
For a certain amount of power, increasing the voltage causes a commensurate decrease in current.
Reducing the current considerably reduces power loss in the form of heat, as it is proportional to the square of the current
High-voltage transmission lines are therefore more efficient since they can transport enormous volumes of power with far reduced losses.
Furthermore, these lines have specialized insulation & support structures to securely withstand the high voltages.
This efficiency is critical for transporting electricity from power plants, which are frequently located far from population centers, to consumers in a consistent and cost-effective manner.