Thermal limits for transmission line power transfers are based on what?

Thermal limits for transmission line power transfers primarily focus on the physical characteristics of the transmission line itself, particularly how much current it can carry without overheating. When electric current flows through a conductor, it generates heat due to the resistance of the material. If the temperature of the line exceeds certain thresholds, it can lead to an unsafe condition, potentially causing damage or failure of the line.

The specific factors impacting thermal limits include fatigue of the line materials and the sag that occurs due to temperature changes. As a transmission line carries current, its temperature will rise, causing it to sag and possibly result in clearance issues with the ground or other objects. The fatigue refers to the wear and tear that the materials of the line experience over time due to thermal cycling and repeated loading conditions. These concerns help determine the maximum thermal limits for safe power transfer, ensuring that the line can handle operational conditions without compromising safety and functionality.

In contrast, voltage levels, reactive power (MVAR) flow, and contractual transfer limits are important for system reliability and operational planning but do not directly define the thermal limits of the physical lines. Thus, the focus on fatigue and sag provides a clearer and more precise basis for determining thermal capacity in transmission systems.