Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

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 Chapter 3: Capacitance of
Transmission Lines
Problem-Solving Procedures & Detailed Solutions
Wadhwa – Electrical Power Systems

Study Notes

Contents
1 Master Formulae & Key Concepts 3

2 Problem-Solving Procedures 6

3 Solved Examples (Topic-wise) 8

3.1 Topic 1: Simple 3-ϕ Line Capacitance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.1.1 Example 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 Topic 2: Double Circuit Line Capacitance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2.1 Example 3.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3 Topic 3: Bundled Conductor Line Capacitance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.3.1 Example 3.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4 End-of-Chapter Problems — Detailed Solutions 10

4.1 Theory Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.1.1 Problem 3.1 (Theory) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.1.2 Problem 3.2 (Theory) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.1.3 Problem 3.3 (Theory) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.2 Numerical Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.2.1 Problem 3.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.2.2 Problem 3.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.2.3 Problem 3.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2.4 Problem 3.7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

5 Quick Reference: Difficulty Levels 15

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

1 Master Formulae & Key Concepts

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

Key Formulae You Must Memorize

1. Single-phase line capacitance (line-to-line):
πε0
C= F/m , ε0 = 8.854 × 10−12 F/m
ln(D/r)

2. Single-phase line capacitance (line-to-neutral / per conductor):

2πε0
Cn = F/m
ln(D/r)

3. 3-phase transposed line (capacitance to neutral, per phase):

2πε0
C= F/m/phase
ln(Deq /r)

where Deq = (Dab · Dbc · Dca )1/3

4. Practical formula (quick calculation):

10−6
C= µF/km/phase
18 ln(Deq /r)

5. Double circuit line (same GMD procedure as inductance but use r, NOT
r′ ):
2πε0
C= F/m/phase
ln(Dm /Ds )
6. Bundled conductors: Use actual radius r (NOT 0.7788r) in GMR:

1/2
(r · d)
 n=2
bundle 2 1/3
Ds = (r · d ) n=3
 3 1/4
1.09(r · d ) n=4


7. Effect of earth (method of images, 1-ϕ):

πε0
C= F/m
D Dab′
ln − ln
r Daa′
p
where Daa′ = 2ha , Dab′ = D2 + (2h)2 (for equal heights).

8. Charging current:

V V
Ic = √ · ωC = √ · 2πf · C A/km
3 3

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

Exam Tip
CRITICAL difference from inductance:

ˆ For capacitance: use actual radius r. Do NOT use r′ = 0.7788r.

ˆ For inductance: use r′ = 0.7788r.

ˆ Reason: The electric charge resides on the surface of the conductor. There is
no “internal” capacitance equivalent to internal inductance. Hence no 0.7788
factor.

ˆ There is no constant term in capacitance (unlike µ0 /8π for inductance).

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

2 Problem-Solving Procedures
Procedure 1: Capacitance of a Simple 3-ϕ Line
Given: Conductor radius r, spacings Dab , Dbc , Dca , voltage V , frequency f .
Find: Capacitance per phase per km, charging current.

1. Convert conductor radius to metres: r (m). Do NOT multiply by 0.7788.

2. Compute equivalent spacing: Deq = (Dab × Dbc × Dca )1/3 .

3. Capacitance:
10−6
C= µF/km
18 ln(Deq /r)

4. Charging current:
VLL
Ic = √ × ωC A/km
3
where ω = 2πf and C is in F/km.

Procedure 2: Capacitance of Double Circuit 3-ϕ Line

Given: Conductor positions for both circuits, conductor radius r, voltage V .
Find: Capacitance per phase per km, charging current.
Same procedure as inductance (Chapter 2, Procedure 3) but with two
changes:

1. Use actual radius r instead of r′ = 0.7788r throughout.

2. Everything else (GMD between phases, self-GMD of phase groups, transpo-

sition averaging) is identical.
√
1. Self-GMD for each position: Ds,pos = r · Daa′ (note: r, not r′ ).

2. Average: Ds = (Ds1 · Ds2 · Ds3 )1/3 .

3. Mutual GMD: same as inductance calculation.

4. Capacitance:
10−6
C= µF/km/phase
18 ln(Dm /Ds )
VLL
5. Charging current: Ic = √ × ωC.
3

Procedure 3: Capacitance of Bundled Conductor Line

Given: n sub-conductors per phase, bundle spacing d, phase spacing, conductor
radius r.
Find: Capacitance per phase per km.

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

1. Compute bundle equivalent radius (for capacitance):

√
ˆ 2-bundle: Dsb = r · d (NOT r′ !)
ˆ 3-bundle: Dsb = (r · d2 )1/3
ˆ 4-bundle: Dsb = 1.09 (r · d3 )1/4

2. Compute Deq from centre-to-centre phase distances.

10−6
3. C = µF/km/phase.
18 ln(Deq /Dsb )

Procedure 4: Effect of Earth on Capacitance (Method of

Images)
Given: Conductor height h above ground, conductor spacing D, radius r.
Find: Capacitance with earth effect.

1. Place an image conductor for each real conductor at depth h below ground
with opposite charge.

2. For 1-ϕ line: p

Daa′ = 2h,Dab′ = D2 + (2h)2
πε0
C= F/m
ln(D/r) − ln(Dab′ /Daa′ )
3. For 3-ϕ line: similar approach with all image distances.

4. Effect: Earth increases capacitance (denominator decreases since

ln(Dab′ /Daa′ ) > 0).

5. For OHL with typical heights, effect is < 5% and usually neglected.

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

3 Solved Examples (Topic-wise)

3.1 Topic 1: Simple 3-ϕ Line Capacitance
Level: Easy ⋆

3.1.1 Example 3.1

Problem: Determine the capacitance and charging current per km for the 3-phase line
of Example 2.2 operating at 132 kV. (Recap: conductor radius = 0.4 cm, mutual GMD
= 2.015 m.)

Solution
Step 1: r = 0.4 cm = 0.004 m. (No 0.7788 factor for capacitance!)
Step 2: Deq = 2.015 m (already computed in Example 2.2).
Step 3: Capacitance per km:

10−6 10−6 10−6

C= = =
2.015 18 × ln(503.75) 18 × 6.222
18 × ln
0.004
10−6
= = 8.928 × 10−9 F/km = 8.928 pF/m
112.0
Step 4: Charging current per km:

132 × 103
Ic = √ × 314 × 8.928 × 10−9
3

= 76, 210 × 2.803 × 10−6 = 0.2136 A/km

3.2 Topic 2: Double Circuit Line Capacitance

Level: Hard ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

3.2.1 Example 3.2

Problem: Determine capacitance and charging current per km for the double circuit
line of Example 2.5 at 220 kV, conductor dia = 2.5 cm.

Solution
From Example 2.5, the mutual GMD = 6.61 m (same for both inductance and
capacitance).
Key change from inductance: Use r = 1.25 × 10−2 m (NOT r′ = 0.7788 × r).
Self-GMD for capacitance (position-by-position):
√
Ds1 = 1.25 × 10−2 × 10.965 = 0.3702 m = Ds3
√
Ds2 = 1.25 × 10−2 × 9.0 = 0.3354 m

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

(Compare with inductance where we used r′ = 0.00986 m and got Ds1 = 0.3288 m
— the capacitance self-GMD is larger!)

Ds = (0.3702 × 0.3354 × 0.3702)1/3 = 0.3582 m

Capacitance:
10−6 10−6 10−6
C= = =
6.61 18 × 2.916 52.49
18 × ln
0.3582
= 0.01906 µF/km
Charging current:

220 × 103
Ic = √ × 314 × 0.01906 × 10−6 = 0.76 A/km
3

3.3 Topic 3: Bundled Conductor Line Capacitance

Level: Medium ⋆⋆

3.3.1 Example 3.3

Problem: Determine capacitance and charging current per km for the bundled conductor
line of Example 2.7 at 220 kV, conductor dia = 4.5 cm, bundle spacing = 0.4 m, phase
spacing = equilateral at 6.5 m.

Solution
Mutual GMD = 8.19 m (same as Example 2.7).
Bundle GMR for capacitance (use r, not r′ ):
√ √ √
Ds = r × d = 0.0225 × 0.4 = 0.009 = 0.09487 m
√
(Compare with inductance: Ds = r′ × d = 0.08825 m — capacitance GMR is
larger.)
Capacitance:
10−6 10−6 10−6
C= = =
8.19 18 × 4.458 80.24
18 × ln
0.09487
= 0.01246 µF/km
Charging current:

220 × 103
Ic = √ × 314 × 0.01246 × 10−6 = 0.497 A/km
3

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

4 End-of-Chapter Problems — Detailed Solutions

4.1 Theory Questions
4.1.1 Problem 3.1 (Theory)
Q: Do you get a constant term in the expression for capacitance as in case of inductance?
Give reasons.

Explanation
No. In inductance, the constant term µ0 /8π = 0.5×10−7 H/m arises from internal
flux linkages — flux that links inside the conductor body.
For capacitance, there is no analogous internal term because:

1. Electric charge resides on the surface of a conductor (not inside it).

2. Inside a conductor, the electric field E = 0 (perfect conductor assumption).

3. Therefore, there are no “internal” electric field lines to contribute a constant

capacitance term.

This is also why:

ˆ For inductance: we use r′ = 0.7788 r (the factor e−1/4 accounts for internal
flux).

ˆ For capacitance: we use the actual radius r (no internal contribution exists).

4.1.2 Problem 3.2 (Theory)

Q: Derive an expression for capacitance per km of a single-phase line taking into account
the effect of ground.

Derivation
Consider two conductors a and b at height h above ground, separated by distance D.
Using the method of images, we replace the ground plane with image conductors
a′ and b′ at depth h below ground, carrying charges −ρa and −ρb respectively.
Distances:
p
Daa′ = Dbb′ = 2h, Dab′ = Dba′ = D2 + (2h)2

Potential of conductor a:
 
1 1 1 1 1
Va = ρa ln + ρb ln + (−ρa ) ln + (−ρb ) ln
2πε0 r D 2h Dab′

Since ρb = −ρa for a single-phase line:

 
ρa D Dab′
Va = ln − ln
2πε0 r 2h

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

Similarly for Vb , and Vab = Va − Vb :

 
ρa D Dab′
Vab = ln − ln
πε0 r 2h

πε0
C= F/m (line-to-line)
ln(D/r) − ln(Dab′ /2h)
p
Effect: Since Dab′ > 2h always (because Dab′ = D2 + (2h)2 > 2h), the ln term
in the denominator is positive, making the denominator smaller than ln(D/r).
Therefore, earth increases capacitance.
When h ≫ D: Dab′ /2h → 1, so ln(Dab′ /2h) → 0, and we recover the formula
without earth effect.

4.1.3 Problem 3.3 (Theory)

Q: What is the method of images? Derive capacitance for a transposed 3-phase line.
What is the effect of earth?

Explanation
Method of Images (Kelvin): To account for the effect of an infinite conducting
plane (earth), we replace it with fictitious “image” conductors:
ˆ Each image is placed at the same distance below the ground plane as the real
conductor is above it.

ˆ Each image carries a charge equal and opposite to the real conductor.

ˆ The ground plane is then removed — the field above ground is exactly repro-
duced by the image system.
Why it works: The image system satisfies the boundary condition that the ground
plane is an equipotential surface (V = 0). By uniqueness theorem, this is the only
solution.
3-phase transposed line (without earth): For a completely transposed line,
each conductor occupies each position for 1/3 of the length. The average capaci-
tance to neutral:
2πε0
C= F/m/phase
ln(Deq /r)
With earth effect (3-ϕ line, all conductors at height h):
2πε0
C=  1/3 F/m/phase
Dab′ Dbc′ Dca′
ln(Deq /r) − ln
Daa′ Dbb′ Dcc′
Effect of earth: The second logarithmic term is positive, reducing the denomi-
nator, thereby increasing capacitance. However, for typical OHL heights (15–
25 m) with conductor spacings of a few metres, this effect is < 5% and is usually
neglected.

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

4.2 Numerical Problems

4.2.1 Problem 3.4
Q: Determine capacitance and charging current per km. 3-phase line, equilateral spacing
3 m, conductor dia = 20 mm, operating at 132 kV.

Solution
Step 1: r = 10 mm = 0.01 m. (No 0.7788 factor!)
Step 2: Equilateral spacing: Deq = 3 m.
Step 3: Capacitance:

10−6 10−6 10−6

C= = =
3 18 × ln(300) 18 × 5.704
18 × ln
0.01
10−6
= = 9.74 × 10−9 F/km = 9.74 nF/km
102.67
Step 4: Charging current:

132 × 103
Ic = √ × 314 × 9.74 × 10−9
3

= 76, 210 × 3.058 × 10−6 = 0.233 A/km

4.2.2 Problem 3.5

Q: 3-phase bundled conductor line, 2 sub-conductors per phase. Bundle spacing = 0.4 m,
phase spacing = 5 m + 5 m = 10 m (horizontal), conductor dia = 15 mm, operating at
220 kV. Find capacitance and charging current per km.

Solution
Step 1: r = 7.5 mm = 0.0075 m.
Step 2: Bundle GMR (for capacitance — use r, not r′ ):
√ √ √
Ds = r × d = 0.0075 × 0.4 = 0.003 = 0.05477 m

Step 3: Phase spacing: Deq = (5 × 5 × 10)1/3 = (250)1/3 = 6.3 m

Step 4: Capacitance:
10−6 10−6 10−6
C= = =
6.3 18 × ln(115.0) 18 × 4.745
18 × ln
0.05477
10−6
= = 0.01171 µF/km
85.41
Step 5: Charging current:
220 × 103
Ic = √ × 314 × 0.01171 × 10−6 = 0.467 A/km
3

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

4.2.3 Problem 3.6

Q: Double circuit 3-ϕ line (transposed). Vertical spacing 2.2 m between conductors on
each side, horizontal spacing 5 m. Conductor dia = 2 cm, voltage 220 kV. Configuration:
a, b, c on left (top to bottom), c′ , b′ , a′ on right (top to bottom, diagonal arrangement).

Solution
Step 1: r = 1 cm = 0.01 m.
Step 2: Key distances (using coordinates: left column at x = 0, right at x = 5):

Dab = Dbc = 2.2 m Dac = 4.4 m

√ √
Daa′ = 52 + 4.42 = 44.36 = 6.66 m
Dbb′ = 5.0 m
√ √
Dab′ = 52 + 2.22 = 29.84 = 5.463 m

Step 3: Mutual GMD (for each transposition position):

Dm1 = (2.2 × 4.4 × 5.0 × 5.463)1/4 = (264.5)1/4 = 4.033 m = Dm3

Dm2 = (2.2 × 2.2 × 5.463 × 5.463)1/4 = (144.3)1/4 = 3.467 m

Dm = (4.033 × 3.467 × 4.033)1/3 = 3.84 m

Step 4: Self-GMD (using r = 0.01 m):
√
Ds1 = 0.01 × 6.66 = 0.258 m = Ds3
√
Ds2 = 0.01 × 5.0 = 0.2236 m

Ds = (0.258 × 0.2236 × 0.258)1/3 = 0.246 m

Step 5: Capacitance:

10−6 10−6 10−6

C= = =
3.84 18 × 2.749 49.48
18 × ln
0.246

= 0.02021 µF/km
Step 6: Charging current:

220 × 103
Ic = √ × 314 × 0.02021 × 10−6 = 0.807 A/km
3

4.2.4 Problem 3.7

Q: Double circuit 3-ϕ line (same configuration as Problem 2.8). Horizontal spacing 5 m,
vertical spacing 3 m, overall height 7.5 m. Conductor dia = 15 mm, voltage = 220 kV.
Diagonal placement: a, b, c left; c′ , b′ , a′ right.

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

Solution
From Problem 2.8, we use the same geometry but replace r′ with r:
Step 1: r = 7.5 mm = 0.0075 m (not r′ = 0.005841).
Step 2: Key distances (same as P 2.8):
√
Dab = Dbc = 32 + 02 = 3 m
√
Daa′ = 52 + 62 = 7.81 m
Dbb′ = 5 m
Dcc′ = 7.81 m

Step 3: Mutual GMD: Same as inductance: Dm ≈ 4.94 m.

Step 4: Self-GMD (with r instead of r′ ):
√
Ds1 = 0.0075 × 7.81 = 0.242 m = Ds3
√
Ds2 = 0.0075 × 5 = 0.1936 m

Ds = (0.242 × 0.1936 × 0.242)1/3 = 0.225 m

Step 5: Capacitance:

10−6 10−6 10−6

C= = =
4.94 18 × 3.088 55.58
18 × ln
0.225

= 0.01799 µF/km
Step 6: Charging current:

220 × 103
Ic = √ × 314 × 0.01799 × 10−6 = 0.718 A/km
3

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Chapter 3: Capacitance Problems Wadhwa – Power Systems

5 Quick Reference: Difficulty Levels

Level Type Problems Topic
⋆ Easy Numerical Ex 3.1, P 3.4 Simple 3-ϕ capacitance
⋆⋆ Medium Numerical Ex 3.3, P 3.5 Bundled conductor capacitance
⋆⋆ Medium Theory P 3.1 No constant term in capacitance
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ Hard Theory P 3.2, P 3.3 Method of images, earth effect
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ Hard Numerical Ex 3.2, P 3.6, P 3.7 Double circuit capacitance

Exam Tip
Exam Quick-Check for Capacitance Problems:

1. Did you use r (not r′ = 0.7788r)? ←− Most common mistake!

2. Capacitance should be larger than what you’d get using r′ (since r > r′ ,
denominator is smaller).

3. Charging current is typically 0.2–1.0 A/km for 132–220 kV lines.

4. Double circuit capacitance is more than twice single circuit (since Ds in-
creases more than Dm ).

5. Earth effect increases capacitance but is usually < 5% — only include if

explicitly asked.

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