Transmission line reference book: 115--138 kV compact line design

Abstract

Efficient use of transmission rights-of-way with minimal environmental impact has become one of the primary objectives of transmission system planners in virtually all industrialized countries. The EPRI project on compaction of high-voltage transmission lines, including an experimental line at Saratoga, New York, directly addressed this objective. The Saratoga compact line project emphasized 115- and 138-kV-class lines. The compaction techniques developed and documented in the project illustrate the viability of reducing phase-to-phase spacings in this voltage range from the conventional 10- to 14-foot range to as little as 3 feet. However, most of the concepts and procedures developed are applicable at lower system voltages, and many are applicable at least through 230 kV. The compaction project is reported in this design manual for 115- to 138-kV compact lines, drawing on experimental results from the Saratoga compact line project, on supplementary calculations made as a part of this project, and on a summary of previously published information germane to compact line design. It is directed to line design engineers who have a general understanding of line design methods. The Appendix gives the detailed results of the experimental work undertaken at Saratoga and is intended to serve as a further technical reference tomore » users of the manual. The Appendix provides permanent documentation of the experimental work on the Saratoga compact line project to aid researchers who may wish to expand on this effort.« less