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National grid UK effectively increases capacity by 90% – GZTACSR conductor
The latest generation of GAP conductors are now here, offering radical new improvements.
SITUATION
National Grid – Gap conductor
Over recent decades Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and distributors of electricity (DSOs) have been faced with an increasing power demand, changing energy flows, emerging renewable power producers, and increasing regulation and restrictions on construction of new overhead lines.
National Grid UK faced such challenges when looking to increase the transmission capacity between, the 400kV substations Deeside and Daines, Heysham B (Power Station) and Stannah-Penwortham and Quernmore Tee-Penwortham.
Replacing the existing conductors with high performance conductors (HTLS) is a cost-effective, quick and reliable solution to deal with this challenge. With a broad range of options, Lamifil can propose the optimal technology for your particular project requirements.
SUMMARY
Project Goal: Increase capacity while fulfilling operating conditions
Type of Conductor: GZTACSR Matthew
Conductor Length: over 3500km
Voltage: 400 kV
Energized: between 2003 and 2015
ALTERNATIVES
Whilst National Grid has increasingly moved away from conventional Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR), to All-Aluminum Alloy Conductor (AAAC), the advantages of High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors are hard to ignore. Aluminum Conductor Steel Supported (ACSS) was eliminated due to sag and special suspension clamps, dead ends, and splices to avoid conductor damage. Gap conductors with trapezoidal, heat-resistant, Aluminium Zirconium alloy wires, around a steel core the best technical solution. This 50-year old technology has now been upgraded by Lamifil, making present day GAP conductors a cost-efficient high performance solution.
THE SOLUTION – LAMIFIL GZTACSR MATTHEW
For National Grid UK, Lamifil supplied the GZTACSR Matthew as a cost effective and reliable solution offering substantial benefits:
Load transfer capacity increases by over 50%, matching the capacity of a triple AAAC with a twin GZTACSR operating at 170°C
Operating temperatures can go up to 210°C
No major modification required to the existing towers
Lamifil’s patented installation method reduces installation time
Our manufacturing expertise allowed specialised, high temperature Aluminium Zirconium alloys to be tailored to the conditions
CONCLUSION
National Grid UK has implemented over 3500 km of GAP conductor in the UK, with each installation increasing line capacity by over 90%. Lamifil has now further improved GAP conductors with the development of additional highly conductive high-temperature alloys, by using Mega high strength steel that allows us to maximise aluminium sections within a given weight and finally and by offering an emissivity of the surface of 0.6 or higher from Day 1.
Combine these advantages with the new patent pending installation technique that reduces extra installation time by 60% and TSOs now have one of the highest performing, most cost effective and reliable solutions ever.
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