FERRANTI EFFECT

Ferranti Effect is the rise in receiving-end voltage (V_R) as compared to the sending-end voltage (V_S) of a transmission line. It was first noticed by Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti on a project involving underground cables in a 10 kV distribution system in 1887, and was eventually named after him.

The ferranti effect normally occurs on an energized long line (more than 80 km) with very light or worst, no load. However, it can also happen with shorter lines composed of underground cables.

Looking at the power quality perspective, long transmission lines and underground cable installations may require protection for overvoltage such as surge arresters when loads are suddenly disconnected.

Parameters

Ferranti effect is mainly due to the charging current, which is associated with the line capacitance. In addition, these basic points must be noted:

1. Capacitance is dependent on

1. Composition – Cables have more capacitance than bare conductors per unit length.
2. Line length (l) – Long lines have higher capacitance than short lines.

2. Charging current

1. Becomes more significant as load current decreases.
2. Increases with system voltage given the same capacitance value.

Accordingly, ferranti effect occurs only for long lightly loaded or open-circuited energized lines. In addition, the phenomenon becomes more evident with higher applied voltage and underground cables.

Ferranti Voltage Rise Factor

Using π -model, the voltage equation for a transmission line is:

V_S = (1 + YZ/2)V_R + ZI_L

where: I_L = load current, Y = line admittance and Z = line impedance

At very light or no load, I_L can be neglected leaving,

V_R = V_S /(1 + YZ/2)

With resistance neglected, the above equation can then be detailed into:

V_R = V_S / (1 – ω²l²LC/2); where: ω = 2πf

The ferranti effect voltage rise factor is the reciprocal of the term (1 – ω²l²LC/2), which should be greater than one. For example, this factor could be as high as 1.16 for a 500 km line. As a result, the receiving-end voltage becomes higher than the sending-end (i.e. V_R > V_S). Moreover, it is clear from the equation that the voltage rise factor is proportional to the square of the line length, and consequently the inductance and capacitance.