is including:

Towers with isolating heads

(IH-towers) based on RStandardтм

FRP modules

Perspectives of application

in grids of 6-500 kВ

It is offered a brand new structure of transmission towers, where the

isolative element is tower head, е.g., pole arm and/or bole elements,

depending on tower structure, instead of traditional insulator strings.

Possibility of technical implementation of such idea appeared due to

appearance of modern composite on the market – three-dimensional

cross-linked polymer, reinforced with fiber based on silica (FRP),

which has not only necessary essential dielectric, but also sufficient

mechanic properties in order to be simultaneously used as insulator

as well as load-bearing element of tower structure.

Опоры с изолирующей головкой (ИГ-опоры) на базе

стеклопластиковых модулей RStandardтм

Перспективы применения в сетях ВЛ 6-500 кВ.

Towers With Dielectric Head (DH-Towers) with FRP

modules of RStandardтм

Perspectives of using on power grids for 6 - 500 kV OHL

There was conducted a whole complex of trials of electric, mechanic,

chemical and climatic material properties according to IEC norms in

specialized laboratories of the USA and Canada.

Accurate partitioning of tower layout drawing into isolative head (IH)

and tower body opens up great possibilities for structure

aesthetization.

There was examined tower schemes for various stress types and was

reckoned a lightning-surge proofness on such towers.

Опоры с изолирующей головкой (ИГ-опоры) на базе

стеклопластиковых модулей RStandardтм

Перспективы применения в сетях ВЛ 6-500 кВ.

Towers With Dielectric Head (DH-Towers) with FRP

modules of RStandardтм

Perspectives of using on power grids for 6 - 500 kV OHL

Modern requirements and development perspectives of power lines (PL)

The installation of modern compact high-tech towers which allow quickly, but

with low costs to make assembly of power lines, is required for construction,

modernization and conduct of recovery works on power lines in straitened

conditions. Herewith, the important factors are reduction of towers transportation

weight, ease of assembly and installation, high specific strength of towers,

resistance to impact of climatic factors, durability, ecological compatibility,

heightened operational characteristics and ease of maintenance. These factors are

especially important in areas where overall dimensions of towers, PL passage

length matter and thoroughfare of heavy haulers becomes problematic, and

delivery of ferroconcrete or steel towers is conjugated with substantial difficulties,

or impossible at all.

Качановская Л. И. Оценка состояния разработки стальных многогранных и решетчатых опор, прогрессивных фунда-

ментов и современных технологий проектирования и строительства для массового внедрения в ЕНЭС. –

Доклад на совещании в ОАО «ФСК ЕЭС». Москва, 2010

Дубинич Л. А., Каверина Р. С., [Яковлев Л. В.]. Комплекс работ и предложений по повышению надежности ВЛ на ста-

дии проектирования и эксплуатации. - Доклад на III Российской с международным участием научно-

практической кон-ференции «ЛЭП». Новосибирск, 2008.

Reliability index of PL elements

According to data of the USSR Minenergo in the period from 1976 to 1983, quantitative

distribution of PL intentional cutoffs of 500 kW into PL elements (repair, substitution,

maintenance etc.) was as following:

Эдельман В. И. Надежность воздушных линий электропередачи 35 – 750 кВ. Обзорная информация. - Информэнерго,

Москва, 1983.

PL element of 500 kW On metal towers On ferroconcrete towers

insulator 80,0 % 91,3 %

Lines and cables (including reinforcement) 8,8 % 0,0 %

Towers (including basement) 2,8 % 4,0 %

Other works on PL 8,4 % 4,7 %

insulators on PL of 330 kW 77,4 % 70,2 %

insulators on PL of 220 kW 70,4 % 60,9 %

From presented tables we can see that on average each 7-8 of 10 intentional cutoffs of PL

for repair and/or maintenance, fall on repair or substitution of isolation.

If we refer to data of the USSR Minerego concerning statistics of forced steady cutoffs of PL, which lead to damage of their elements, then the total flow of cutoffs of 500 kB PL in the period from 1976 to 1983 distributes into PL elements in the following way:

Эдельман В. И. Надежность воздушных линий электропередачи 35 – 750 кВ. Обзорная информация. - Информэнерго,

Москва, 1983.

“ … great amount of PL cutoffs occurs due to insulator damages, and their percentage in this case mainly falls on PL with stress of 220 – 500 kB. Increasing of isolation level, caused by wood towers, apparently determines the fact that the number of automatic PL cutoffs on wood towers while insulators damages is rather fewer.»

Damage of PL element of 500 kW On metal towers On ferroconcrete towers

insulator 49,3 % 55,5 %

Lines and cables (including reinforcement) 39,7 % 33,4 %

Towers (including basement) 11,0 % 11,1 %

insulators damages on PL of 330 kW 63,4 % 51,3 %

insulators damages on PL of 220 kW 55,4 % 50,0 %

Approximately analogous picture of distribution of cutoffs number between PL elements according to data of Power Lines Engineering Centre “ORGRES” company” in the period from 1996 to 2003:

Эдельман В. И. Надежность воздушных линий электропередачи 35 – 750 кВ. Обзорная информация. - Информэнерго,

Москва, 1983.

“First of all it worth noticing that the biggest part of all PL damages falls on insulators strings, and their number is increasing with the raise of PL stress. Most disadvantages occur with suspension insulators of plate form.”

PL element % from total number of cutoffs

insulators 51,0 %

Lines and cables (including reinforcement) 40,0 %

Towers (including basement) 9,0 %

Дубинич Л. А., Каверина Р. С., [Яковлев Л. В.]. Комплекс работ и предложений по повышению надежности ВЛ на ста-

дии проектирования и эксплуатации. - Доклад на III Российской с международным участием научно-

практической кон-ференции «ЛЭП». Новосибирск, 2008.

Hence, on average each 6 or 7 of 10 disconnections or intentional PL cutoffs for repair and maintenance fall on repair or substitution of insulation. These data can be checked by analyzing of documentation of PL repair and maintenance contests, conducted during last few years.

Application of new progressive polymer materials

At the present time FRP towers made of fiberglass reinforced three-dimensional cross-linked polymers are widely used.

Technical advantages of new materials High specific strength: Application of FRP-technologies allows to achieve the highest correlation “strength / structural weight” among materials which are nowadays well-known on the market.

High elasticity: The material is able to endure higher subcritical stress while puffs, storm icing or snowstorm, than the steel.

Protection from UV light and other typyes of environmental impactt: The material is not exposed to corrosion and putrefaction. Hydrophobin is not hygroscopic, and almost passive to all chemical materials. Application of aliphatic polyurethane resins in modules external layers ensures UV protection for the period of more than 80 years.

Minimal impact on the environment: As opposed to wood towers, the material is passive and doesn’t emit any dangerous substances into soil and water. Possibility of beforehand setting of the needed color of material during production process, allows to avoid towers painting throughout the whole period of exploiting and ideally fits to the environment.

Resistance to high temperatures and inflammation: According to the requirements of Ministry of Forestry and California Fire Standards concerning quickly spreading wood fires, the material leveled as not sustaining combustion (self-extinctioned).

Wide range of operating temperatures: Composites endure low and high temperatures. A range of operating temperatures varies from – 60оС to +75оС. The material has a low coefficient of heat expansion.

Perfect insulator: According to the results of the whole testing complex of standards for ceramic insulators was noticed that the material has characteristics as good as analogues ones of new ceramic insulators. Herewith, in the process of long-term operation, in opposition to ceramic insulators, insulating characteristics of the material (due to its hydrophobicity) doesn’t deteriorate. Specific disruptive stress of the material is not worse than 30 kB/mm.

Опоры RStandardтм towers are produced in form of special module bar. In disassembled condition towers provide maximal transportation and storage efficiency, the earliest terms of assembly and installation, minimize storage expenditures. The freedom of rigging construction and its addition in future are preserved, and expenditures for repair operation of tower are almost absent.

Z. Li, Senior Engineer, Transmission & Distribution Technologies Business. Selected electrical tests on FRP poles manufactured by RS

Technologies. - Kinectrics Report No.: K-012416-000-RC-0001-R00. Canada, 2005.

Suggested conceptual solutions

Examined tower structures correspond in full to all electric, mechanic, strengthening and other engineering requirements, exhibited to effective normative documents for PL towers, and at the same time preserving sufficient variability.

It is possible to vary traverses structure, broadening the boundaries of aesthetic perception of towers from distant observation point. The lower part of tower can have any architectural concept , аadapting it any architectural style at nearby viewports. При этом the structure remains compact, technologic in production, easily transported, framed and mounted on the picket.

It worth noticing that for class with 400 - 500 kW of stress, the length of electric leakage way increases in such a way that we almost approach to the mechanic ultimate stress of RS modules. Therefore, application of IH-towers in classes with 400 – 500 kB of stress can be limited by several parameter combinations which influence on mechanic stress.

Main advantages of IH-towers are the following: - Ease of assembly; - ease of installation; - Storage compactness; - high maintainability; - ease (light weight of structures); - transportability; - design aesthetics; - ecological compatibility.

Owing to modern polymer material, IH – towers have heightened operational

characteristics:

- electric – resistance to atmospheric overstresses, absence of capacitive currents,

uniformity of voltage drop, considerable longevity and mechanical insulating resistance;

- mechanical – preservation of specified mechanical characteristics in wide range of

temperatures (from – 60оС to +75оС), during continuous period of time, absence of residual

deformations;

- chemical – practically full chemical passiveness, exceptional resistance to all types of

corrosion;

- climatic – absence of residual deformations during excessive wind loads, high abrasive

resistance (blowing sand, rain with sand etc.), extremely low adhesion while rime,

inertness to jump in temperature and high temperature gradient on the surface,

incombustibility.

Pl lightning proofness on IH-towers

Проведя, согласно методике РД 153-34.3-35.125-99 «Руководство по защите электрических сетей 6 - 1150 кВ от перенапряжений», сравнительные расчеты предлагаемых нами опор с железобетонными

опорами серии ПБ (класс напряжения 110 - 220 кВ без троса), для 100 км ВЛ и 100 г.ч. в год получаем:

№ Item Designati

on

Scheme of towers

Proposed scheme

1 PL Stress type U, kB 110 150 220 110 150 220

2 Securing upper cable

height h 16,4 16,1 19,6 18,7 20,1 27,6

3 Vertical distance between

cables Lvert 3 4 5,5 5,3 8 13,5

4 Horizontal distance

between cables Lhor 1,5 1,5 2 2 3 4,5

5 Average depth of the

upper cable hav 11,5 12,4 14,9 13,8 16,4 22,9

6

The shortest distance

through the air between

the phases

Lsize,m 3,35 4,27 5,85 5,66 8,54 14,23

7 Number of lighting hours

per year Nl.h. 100 100 100 100 100 100

8 Number of direct blows to

the upper cable Nst. 49 52 60 56 64 79

№ Item Design

ation

Towers scheme PB U-

1

Corrected scheme

9 Maximum operating

stress

Us.,

kВ 126 172 252 126 172 252

10

The transition rate of

overlapping pulse in the

arc

η 0,54 0,58 0,63 0,30 0,26 0,22

11 50% discharge stress for

ldisch

Udisch,

МВ 1,7 2,1 2,9 2,8 4,3 7,1

12 Wave resistance with the

glance of crown

Zk,

Оm 325 325 341 347 365 371

13 The critical current of

lightning Icr, kА 10,5 13,2 17,1 16,3 23,4 38,3

14 Exceedance probability

of lightning current Iкр Рi' 0,67 0,60 0,52 0,53 0,41 0,23

15 Specific number of

storm outages n st 17,6 18,2 19,4 8,9 6,8 4,1

16

Expected specific

number of trips on a

typical tower with rope

n t. typ. 4,8 3,7 2,4 4,8 3,7 2,4

Thus, estimating the multiplicity ratio of specific number of lightning outages for IH-towers to the expected values for standard towers, we can say that towers with insulating heads, even with typical for towers dimensions, can be applied on line sections. Increasing disruptive distance on account of geometry change of IH-towers and taking into account increased for modern actuators, switching resource, it is possible to get acceptable meaning of lightning outage for substation equipment, so the wide application of PL on IH-towers without cable, and especially there where the major territory is located in zones Nl.h.< 60 – 80 l.h., as for example the territory of Russian Federation. In any case, lightning proofness of PL is defined by at least its three components: PL, start on PS and receiving PS equipment. Competent design with a glance of proper application of reduced lighting proofness towers on PL, lighting cables on PS starts and modern PC equipment always allows to get normative PL outages parameters for present type of stress.

Conclusions and recommendations

Proposed tower structures are not worse and even excel traditional tower structures made of traditional materials. Rather high cost of RS modules leads to increasing of tower cost but compensated by reduce of PL cost due to absence of lighting proofness cable and insulator. The problem of dispatch and technologic communication can be solved, leaning on the Ukrainian experience, where the communication is organized through line-of-sight channels, from towers on the substation territory. That is, even on the stage of construction, cost of PL on IH towers will be at least not higher in price than traditional PL.

Operational cost of PL on IH-towers will be considerably lower than the cost of

traditional PL on the account :

- increased endurance of IH-towers;

- reduce of amount of works for clean and substitution of insulation;

- reduce of amount of works for substitution of lighting cable.

New tower design with new composite materials is in a pre-project state and this may be a way to overcome objections. One idea is to erect an OHL using synthetic material as much as possible. At the moment only studies and ideas exist for 400kV synthetic towers and further investigations are ne-cessary. At distribution level composite towers have been in operation in North America for 30-40 years. North American manufacturers estimate composite material based towers’ life span to be 50-80 years. Costs of components are estimated for towers approx. 3 x conventional lattice tower prices, for composite material based conductors approx. 2.5-10 times the price of conventional ACSR conductor of the same cross section (how-ever increased loadability and reduction of losses must be considered), total line costs approx. 20-30 % increase in price per km of conventional overhe-ad line. Composite towers are intended and under development in Denmark for short sections of 400 kV overhead lines (beautification of selected over-head line sections)… From the Official Report of SC B2 „Overhead Lines‟, CIGRE, 2010

Новые конструкции опор из новых композиционных

материалов находятся пока в предпроектной стадии,

и это может дать возможность для преодоления их

неприятия. Одна из идей заключается в строитель-

стве как можно большего количества ЛЭП с использо-

ванием синтетических материалов. На данный мо-

мент есть только идеи и разработки для ВЛ 400 кВ на

композитных опорах, и необходимы дальнейшие ис-

следования. В распределительных сетях композит-

ные опоры были в эксплуатации в Северной Америке

в течение 30-40 лет. Североамериканские производи-

тели оценивают продолжительность жизни опор из

композиционных материалов в 50-80 лет. Стоимость

композитной опоры оценивается примерно в три сто-

имости обычной решетчатой опоры, а провод с ком-

позитным сердечником примерно в 2,5-10 раз дороже

обычного провода ACSR одного и того же сечения

(однако необходимо учитывать увеличившуюся наг-

рузочную способность и снижение потерь электро-

энергии), при этом общая стоимость такой ВЛ дает

приблизительно 20-30%-ное увеличение цены за 1 км

в сравнении со стоимостью обычной воздушной ли-

нии. Композитные опоры готовятся к применению на

коротких участках ВЛ 400 кВ в Дании (опытная экс-

плуатация на отдельных участках линий)…

PL on towers with insulating head is a modern realia. Nowadays they can be applied in circuits of all stress types, and not only as temporary towers of emergency reserve, but also as a full-value component of PL which need a heightened reliability and working in conditions which are extremely unfavorable for traditional towers. Конечно, дл full realization of all advantages and disadvantages of PL on IH-towers is necessary to spend some time for its operating, but today we can confidently say that IH-towers are not worse, and even better than traditional ones. And the future will prove it!

Спасибо за внимание!

Thank for your attention!