The Impact of the Skin Effect on the Economic Costs of Power Transmission Systems

Abstract

The skin effect is a phenomenon in which an alternating electric current is not distributed uniformly throughout a conductor but instead flows primarily within its surface layers. The skin effect is significant in electrical engineering because it increases resistance in high-frequency power transmission lines, leading to energy losses. This paper examines a practical example and calculates the skin depth for a copper conductor at a specific temperature. It also compares alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power transmission systems, evaluating the impact of the skin effect on energy losses and economic costs. Based on the practical example, energy losses in transmission lines are calculated, and the potential annual economic benefit of using a DC line instead of an AC line is demonstrated.