Surge Impedance Loading

Surge impedance loading, abbreviated as SIL, is a concept in power transmission that represents the maximum power that a transmission line can carry without experiencing reactive power losses.  It refers to the point at which the reactive power generated by the transmission line (due to its capacitance) equals the reactive power consumed by it (due to its inductance), creating a condition where the transmission line is naturally balanced, and no reactive power flows in or out of the line.  SIL is used in determining the voltage stability and reactive power balance in long-distance high-voltage power transmission lines.  Here's a more detailed explanation:

Surge Impedance  -  It is the characteristic impedance of the transmission line, represented by ​\(Z_s = \sqrt{L / C }\), where \(L\) is the inductance per unit length, and \(C\) is the capacitance per unit length of the line.

Operating Conditions

• At SIL  -  The line is perfectly loaded with no net reactive power exchanged, leading to stable voltage and efficient power transfer.
• Below SIL  -  The line is under-loaded, and it generates more reactive power than it consumes, which may cause voltage rise at the receiving end.
• Above SIL  -  The line is over-loaded, consuming more reactive power than it generates, potentially leading to voltage drop issues.