Deciding factors for transmission line voltage

dear guest

various factors which decides the transmission voltage level may be as

1. Power to be transmitted

2. Line length (i think it is a prime factor)

3. power where to be pool (to a nearest substation or distribution or some where

else, the voltage level for this recieving part may also play an imp role.)

4. what more factors hmmmmmmmm (thinking) i will respond soon if found

Guest

"I want to know what are the different factors that determine the suitable transmission line voltage for a new hydro electric generating station of 16MW capacity."

To the best of my knowledge and experience there are two categories of consideration that play into the final decisions.

First are technical considerations such as:

1.) the distance (miles or kilometers) the power must be sent,
2.) the amount of power (Volts x Amps) that must be provided at the receiving end, 3.) the acceptable losses due to resistance heating (I squared R losses),
4.) subsidiary concerns like Power Factor, number of phases, frequency, etc.

There are obviously numerous Voltage/Amperage/Resistance combinations that will accomplish the stated objective so the decision will ultimately be driven by the second consideration, cost:

1.) cost and availability of suitable cable (size, gauge, material, resistivity, mechanical strength, expected life, etc.)
2.) cost and availability of suitable power transmission components (transformers, capacitors, insulators, connectors, etc.)
3.) actual hardware required in terms of towers or pole structures and the labor cost of building the line. Higher voltage conductors may be physically smaller but may require greater spacing and larger insulators. etc.

I suppose I should add a third category--all of the above may be influenced, required, denied, or made more or less cost effective by regulatory and political considerations.

Best I can do off the top of my head--hope it is helpful.

Lonnie