Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
||
| Reference Number | NIA_SHET_0010 | |
| Title | New Suite of Transmission Structures | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Applied Research and Development 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 50%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 50%; |
|
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc (SHEPD) |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 December 2013 | |
| End Date | 01 October 2015 | |
| Duration | 22 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £650,000 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Power | |
| Region | Scotland | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc (SHEPD) (100.000%) |
| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_SHET_0010 |
|
| Objectives | The objective is to design a suite of new 275kV transmission structures, incorporating a range of innovations, that are smaller, cheaper and quicker to build, and easier to maintain. Safety and environmental impacts are also to be actively considered so that benefits from the new design can be maximized. Success criteria would be to provide a new developed design of a suite of 275kV transmission structures and produce scaled models of the new design. At the end of this project, there should be sufficient understanding and confidence to decide whether to deploy the new structure designs as an alternative to the traditional designs. At this point, the decision should be made whether to go for full scale construction and testing. | |
| Abstract | The UK transmission system faces a series of changing demands to meet the challenges of a low carbon future, and this is driving significant network investments to build new transmission circuits and provide additional capacity in existing circuits. This will involve building a significant number of new transmission structures over the coming years. Transmission structure design in the UK has not changed significantly over past 40 years (i.e. Based on steel-lattice tower with single earth wire and hanging insulators), despite a number of innovations which could reduce the size, height, cost, foundations and construction of towers. These innovations include: low-sag conductors, Insulated Cross Arms (ICAs), twin earth lines, and the use of other construction materials (e.g. concrete, tubular steel). Furthermore, the success of many of these new build projects relies on securing the appropriate consents and permissions at an early stage. Failure to secure the relevant consents can lead to delays and increase the overall cost of the project. Many of the issues raised are related to the increased visual impact of the towers and the associated civil works. Reducing the size, cost and civil works for the transmission towers required for 275kV would not only reduce the visual impact, and therefore ease the planning process but would potentially reduce the time and resources required to build them. If smaller towers are employed they will require smaller foundations with associated cost savings in civil and access works (and reduced carbon footprint). This project will focus on developing the design of a suite of new transmission structures for 275kV. A staged approach to design and option studies is proposed: Stage 1 - Gather and review emerging technologies, with innovations such as ICAs and low sag conductors, and other national/international innovations. Stage 2 - Confirm applicable standards, design approach and criteria for the new structure design. Stage 3 - Develop a range of conceptual designs and evaluate against criteria (and select preferred design). Stage 4 - Develop selected designs, suitable for trialling and construction (minor component builds may be built at this time if this is required to confirm constructability). Stage 5 - Construct scale models. Stage 6 - Collate and report on outcomes.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above | |
| Publications | (none) |
|
| Final Report | (none) |
|
| Added to Database | 14/09/18 | |
