Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: gar, Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Asked on: Sunday, June 5, 2011 at 8:09 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6:13 am EDT
Question: 110605-0750 EDTWhat is the cost to transfer a KWH by high voltage DC transmission lines?Clearly at each end of the line there is a fixed up and down voltage translation cost. The transformation ratio will have some impact on this fixed cost, as will the power level.A big factor is the length of the transmission line.What is an optimum voltage level?Is it feasible to consider a 2000 mile line?At 2000 miles, or some other long distance is $0.01 / KWH feasible?Obviously the cost needs to include the lost energy in the transmission system as well as the cost of the system.An associated question is --- what is the cost per KWH for pumped storage where the capacity is for 1 day of energy, and 7 days of energy? Energy being the total demand of the system...
Cost of Transferring Electricity by High Voltage DC Transmission Lines
The cost of transferring electricity by high voltage DC (HVDC) transmission lines is determined by the following factors: Fixed costs
Voltage translation costs at both ends of the line Transformation ratio Power level
Variable costs
Length of the transmission line Energy losses in the transmission system
Other costs
Cost of land acquisition Environmental impact assessments Maintenance and operation costs
Optimum Voltage Level
The optimum voltage level for HVDC transmission depends on the length of the line and the power level being transmitted. Generally, higher voltage levels result in lower losses but require more expensive equipment.
Feasibility of a 2000 Mile Line
A 2000-mile HVDC transmission line is technically feasible, but it would be a very expensive project. The cost of the line itself would be significant, and the energy losses would be substantial. The total cost of such a line would likely make it uneconomical.
Cost per KWH at 2000 Miles
The cost per KWH for a 2000-mile HVDC transmission line is difficult to estimate, but it is likely to be significantly higher than $0.01/KWH. The fixed and variable costs involved would make such a low cost target impractical.
Cost of Pumped Storage
The cost of pumped storage depends on the following factors: Size of the reservoir
Larger reservoirs are more expensive to build.
Head height
The higher the head height, the more efficient the pumped storage system.
Other costs
Land acquisition, environmental impact assessments, maintenance and operation costs.The cost per KWH for pumped storage can vary widely depending on these factors, but it is generally in the range of $0.10-$0.20/KWH.
Conclusion
HVDC transmission lines are an efficient and reliable way to transfer electricity over long distances. However, the cost of building and operating such lines is significant, and the energy losses involved can be substantial. Pumped storage is a valuable technology for storing energy, but it is also expensive to build and operate. The cost per KWH for HVDC transmission and pumped storage will vary depending on specific project parameters. Flag for review