Long run from ground mout array to house

[So solar]

I must be miisinformed
I thought history showed that the transmission of dc was shorter. This is why AC was chosen as our source of electricity.

[Sunking]

I must be miisinformed
I thought history showed that the transmission of dc was shorter. This is why AC was chosen as our source of electricity.

No infact up until just a few short years ago just abou tall of Manhattan Island was DC on the original old Edison system. Edison was outsmarted by Tesla and Westinghouse, they used AC. Tesla unfortunately did not have a clue about buisiness because he never patented anything and died a poor man, but he is the Father of modern electricity and transmission. Westinghouse took his ideas and made a empire.

DC is more efficient but extremely difficult and expensive to regulate. With AC all you need is transformers to regulate and control voltage. Like I said just about all utilities use DC for long haul transmission, then invert to AC for distribution.

[So solar]

Thank you for the well detailed lesson...I can no longer use ignorance as an excuse.

[Mike90250]

With all things being equal. Same wire, same voltage, same amps. ( Even though AC fluctuates between positive and negative). Who would win in the long distance race with more strength?

DC. No impedance, capacitive problems, radiation effects/ transformer coupling....

[So solar]

One other quick question. I know impedance, but never heard it describes as a seperate "function" of resistance. They're unfortunately almost one in the same when dealing with AC. My question is: is impedance a cause and effect of AC signal's signaure sin wave? because of the fluctuating amplitude. I guess it would have to be. Otherwise I see no other way.

[So solar]

Ehh..I missed the higher hertz which causes higher impedance you mentioned earlier.

[Sunking]

Ehh..I missed the higher hertz which causes higher impedance you mentioned earlier.

Hertz is only a AC component and measured in frequency.

[So solar]

I realize that. My question was does amplitude effect impedence or is it a function of hertz(frequency) only.

[Sunking]

I realize that. My question was does amplitude effect impedence or is it a function of hertz(frequency) only.

Amplitude no, just frequency.

[So solar]

Impedance is not something I need to deal with on a usual basis. Its usually characterized as the "other sister." Whenever I've looked into . Maybe because everything I deal with runs on a normal 60 or 50 hz. Normally I just use voltage drop calculators. But thanks for the information. I hope it will come in handy.

[Sunking]

Maybe because everything I deal with runs on a normal 60 or 50 hz. Normally I just use voltage drop calculators.

Well most of the online voltage drop calculators take impedence into consideration. If they ask you to check AC or DC, conduit type, and number of conductors, they are calculating the impedance. If you would like to prove it to yourself try one with both AC and DB, then play with conduit. I bet you get different answers and DC will always be the lowest voltage drop.

[So solar]

Not necessary. I knew they factored in impedence. Was just looking for some more knowledge. I've been a thermal guy for 8 years. Past few years PV. I hate to be uneducated and am always searching to be smarter. I was greatly misinformed about DC voltage in comparison to ac voltage transmission distance. It wouldn't of effected any of my installs. I do a professional job. But hate to sound ignorant. I find electricity facinating and if I had a choice to go back to college. Id become an EE, and not have a business degree. Ugh

[Sunking]

Was just looking for some more knowledge. I've been a thermal guy for 8 years. Past few years PV. I hate to be uneducated and am always searching to be smarter.

That is a very good thing, keep it up.

I find electricity facinating and if I had a choice to go back to college. Id become an EE, and not have a business degree. Ugh

Nothing wrong with a Business degree. You should have the math skills so you can at least understand the principles. My partner has a a Master Science degree in Business Administration, and Architectural Engineering. Me I am just a dumb ole Master of Science Electrical Engineering. So as you can guess my partner takes care of the business end of our company which works for me because I throw him to the Lions (bankers and finance vampires).

[So solar]

Math skills I definitely have. Principles I can get. Mentors, I don't have. Other then many books and publications.