Surge Impedance and Surge Impedance Loading

Surge Impedance is the characteristic impedance of a lossless transmission line. It is also called Natural Impedance because this impedance has nothing to do with load impedance. Since line is assumed to be lossless, this means that series resistance and shunt conductance is negligible i.e. zero for power lines.

This means that, Series Resistance R = 0 and Shunt Conductance G  = 0

As Characteristic Impedance Z_c = z/y

where z is series impedance per unit length per phase and y is shunt admittance per unit length per phase.

z = R +jwL

y = G + jwC

For lossless line, z = jwL and y = jwC

Hence according to definition,

Surge Impedance = Z_s = Z_c = v(jwL/jwC)

      = v(L/C)

Surge Impedance Loading SIL

A transmission line terminated with load equal to surge impedance of line is called surge impedance loading SIL. 

Let us a look at the voltage profile along the line for surge impedance loading condition. We know that voltage at any point is given as

V = [(V_r +Z_cI_r)/2]e^�x + [(V_r-Z_cI_r)/2]e^-�x

Where Zc is characteristic impedance. Since line is assumed lossless therefore characteristic impedance and surge impedance will be equal i.e. Z_c = Z_s. Also, line is terminated with surge impedance therefore V_r = Z_sI_r

V = [(V_r +Z_sI_r)/2]e^�x + [(V_r-Z_sI_r)/2]e^-�x

    = Z_sI_r e^�x

Since � = vyz = � = v(j²w²LC) = jwvLC

V = Z_sI_r e^jwxvLC

Assuming wxvLC = O

V = Z_sI_r e^jO = Z_sI_r ?O

The above expression of voltage shows that, for surge impedance loading the voltage profile along the line is uniform or flat. This means sending end voltage and receiving end voltages are same for surge impedance loading.

Thus SIL can also be defined as,

Surge Impedance Loading is the connected load in transmission line for which reactive power generated is equal to reactive power consumed i.e. the flow of reactive power is zero. There is an exact balance between reactive power generation and consumption. Mind that reactive power is generated here by shunt capacitance and being consumed by series inductance of line.

From the above definition of SIL, we can have a second method to calculate Surge Impedance Zs.

Reactive Power Generated = Reactive Power Consumed

V²wC = I²wL

(V/I) = v(L/C)

Zs = v(L/C)

Surge Impedance Zs = v(L/C)

Hope you fully understand the concept. Still if you have any doubts please comment. Thank you!