NARROWER TRANSMISSION CORRIDORS MADE POSSIBLE
WITH NEW COMPACTED CONDUCTOR SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR
EHV AND UHV LINES
(1980)Abstract
The increasing difficulty of obtaining new transmission corridors (TC) in the U.S. has led to intensive efforts to
reduce the width of these corridors or to utilize existing rights-of way more efficiently. One research program
sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy has concentrated on the development of new conductor support systems
which could transmit large blocks of power in a relatively small corridor.
This Paper describes the electrical and mechanical design criteria selected by the project team for this research
effort. It describes a number of interesting concepts which were developed, designed and cost evaluated. The principal
effort in these new developments \\US compaction of the circuit spacing, using designs suitable for installation on a
relatively naöw right-of way. Some of these are suitable for retrofitting existing structures for operation at higher
voltages. Other concepts included new designs suitable for future upgrading to higher voltage operation.
Several conductor support systems were developed making use of new insulator types (composite insulators).
These are needed to support the extreme mechanical loads imposed by the large bundle conductors needed for UHV
circuits. e Included in the Paper is relative cost data on new concepts as compared with more conventional designs. It also
includes information on electrical testing conducted to confirm or establish minimum insulation and air gap values.
All of the research data includes evaluation of electric fields, RI, TV! and AN. Information is furnished on new
designs of large diameter air-expanded conductors for control of Audible Noise.
