# transmission lines voltage drop

When trying to explain the need for high voltage in transmission lines, I came across a formula in one of my old courses: A transmission line is considered, and between the generator end and the load there is a resistor $R_k$ and inductor with an impedance $X_k$ modelizing the transmission line. The voltage drop across it became this:

$\Delta U\;=\; U_1 \;-\;U_2 \; = \; \frac{1}{U_L}\big( PR_k+QX_k \big)$

I'd like to know where this formula comes from, I might not have searched enough but I have not found it so far... Also, would it be correct to write the following:

$P=RI^2= \frac{U^2_1-U^2_2}{R}= \; \frac{1}{R\cdot U_L}\big( PR_k+QX_k \big)(U_1+U_2)$
==> "To reduce transmission losses, current can be decreased, or the line voltage increased".

• What is P, Q an U$_L$? Why isn't current factored in? – Andy aka Sep 1 '15 at 9:38
• P active power, Q reactive power $U_L$ line voltage... – alexanzi Sep 1 '15 at 10:20
• I have seen the "V_drop = PR + QX" calculation before in Serious Engineering Work. I think it is a simplified equation that is true under certain constraints on power factor etc. – Li-aung Yip Sep 1 '15 at 10:53

$$\Delta V \approx P R + Q X \textrm{ [per unit]}$$
(This was found on the third page of a search for voltage drop pr qx - apparently pr qx is a fairly unique "phrase".)