ACSS Conductor Study

Completed

Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
Scottish and Southern Energy plc

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 March 2018

01 March 2019

ENA months

£53,000

Power

Scotland

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, Scottish and Southern Energy plc

Technology Review Carry out a technology review which would examine SSENs preferredconductor type and size and also research equivalent and similar (ACSS) conductors fromalternative suppliers. The review will include analysis of the mischmetal based corrosion protection available on some ACSS conductors.Comparative Studies Previous conductor studies will be used as a basis for the comparative assessments. Each comparative study will assess the electrical performance (in span clearance and rating), mechanical performance of the conductor system and the structural response. Existing PLS CADD and Tower models will be used and a representative model will be prepared for each route.Three scenarios with be studied;• Single circuit 132kV wood pole , new build • Double circuit 132kV lattice steel reutilisation • Double circuit 272kV lattice steel reutilisation Technology review of the conductor systems which would incorporate the ACSS typeconductor. • Comparative study against the following pre-existing studies undertaken by Energyline: o Single circuit 132kV wood pole , new build o Double circuit 132kV lattice steel reutilisation o Double circuit 275kV lattice steel reutilisation• Report on the above activities. Quantify any benefits available from ACSS.CompareACSS H285 to other conductor options in the modelled scenarios.

Overhead line conductors both in England and Scotland are predominately Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR). Many of these will require replacement in the RIIO-ED2 price control period. Many of these replacement schemes require increased current carrying ability. Presently to achieve the increase in current High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors are being utilised. Composite cored HLTS conductors have been trialled and, while effective, have exhibited higher installation risks than those associated with steel core conductors. Horizon scanning activity has revealed another potential HTLS solution which utilises Aluminium Conductor Steel Supported (ACSS) conductor technology. This may offer a different cost performance option and may offer lower installation risk than the composite core conductor solution.

09/11/22