Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_SHET_0016 | |
| Title | Alternative to Wood Poles - Feasibility Study | |
| 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 | PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 40%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 40%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 20%; |
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| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc (SHEPD) |
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| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 July 2015 | |
| End Date | 01 June 2016 | |
| Duration | 11 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £40,000 | |
| 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_0016 |
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| Objectives | Produce a literature review of available products Create technical specifications for assessing 132kV alternative poles Identify all the costs and benefits of available composite, laminated and modular pole alternatives Develop a more accurate cost benefit analysis tool Define an appropriate testing methodology for products Estimate and schedule requirements for future testing and development The project will seek to improve the variability of currently understood costs and benefits of available composite, laminated and modular pole alternatives. To identify the appropriate applications for available composite, laminated and modular pole alternatives in the UK. To identify the costs and benefits of available composite, laminated and modular pole alternatives and develop a detailed cost benefit analysis case which will give a clear recommendation for their deployment across the SHETL area. | |
| Abstract | Within the UK Distribution and Transmission networks there are large numbers of wood poles coming to the end of their operational life. With an ageing network we will see an increase in the demand for wood poles ranging in size for which the supply may be limited in some cases for the larger poles. These ageing structures can suffer from both pole top and ground level rot, and during severe weather periods run the risk of collapse due to wind damage and ice loading. A shortage of poles may require the user having to procure wood poles made from fast growing trees which do not have the strength of the traditional woods. These faster growing types of wood are also more likely to suffer rot in a shorter period of time. Wood pole failure leads to a number of customer interruptions across the UK each year and replacing the older equipment, reduces short term maintenance and refurbishment costs and improves customer service. Although wooden pole alternatives have been used elsewhere in the world their application in the UK has not been measured and there is a degree of uncertainty as to the potential benefits they may provide whilst ensuring that they meet the required technical and safety standards. The project will attempt to improve on that degree of uncertainty and look to better understand the business case and application. This project seeks to investigate structures which could be used, in some instances, as suitable alternatives to wood poles. From these investigations the project will lead to us having chosen those suitable and having a conclusive cost benefit analysis tool.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 26/04/18 | |
