How a spiral approach transforms 765 kV transmission line design

Check out today’s news from Switchgear Magazine: EU pledges $638 M for Africa’s clean energy The EU has announced $638 M (€545 M) to support clean energy projects in nine African countries, targeting power infrastructure and rural access. #switchgear #substations #transmission ---- Entergy New Orleans strengthens transmission network Entergy New Orleans has completed transmission upgrades in New Orleans East, replacing aging poles with steel structures and adding a new switch. ---- Massive blackout hits Belgorod after strikes Power outages have been reported in Belgorod and nearby towns after reported strikes on a power plant and substation, local officials said. ---- Top issues that worry substation designers Rapid technology change is reshaping substations, with designers facing challenges of obsolescence, integration, maintenance, and new skill requirements. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dK8Wv7vF Check the check the links to the news in the comments!

Let’s go step by step and make this super simple — because LILO (Line-In Line-Out) is one of the most common but confusing terms in transmission line design. ⚡️ 1. What is LILO (Line-In Line-Out)? LILO = Line In – Line Out It is a method used to connect a new substation (or power plant) to an existing high-voltage transmission line without building an entirely new line from far away. 🔹 Example to Imagine: Let’s say we already have a 380 kV line running between Substation A and Substation B like this: A ------------------------------ B (existing 380 kV line) Now, the power company wants to build a new substation C in between A and B to supply a new city or a solar plant. Instead of building a new long line from A to C or from B to C, they do this: 1. Cut the existing A–B line at a suitable point. 2. Connect that cut point into substation C. So the new arrangement becomes: A-------- C -------- B Now, substation C is looped in and looped out from the existing A–B line. That’s why it’s called a “Loop-In Loop-Out (LILO)” connection. ⚙️ 2. Why LILO is Used Because it’s: ✅ Cost-effective: No need to build a new line from scratch. ✅ Faster: Only a short connection is made. ✅ Reliable: Maintains power flow even during maintenance — if one side trips, the other can supply. 🏗️ 3. How It Works Technically The existing transmission line (say 380 kV) is cut near the new substation site. Two new short transmission line segments (called LILO sections) are built: One from the old line to the new substation (incoming) One from the substation back to the old line (outgoing) Inside the new substation, busbars and breakers allow switching and protection.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗥, 𝗫, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗭 – 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 ⚡ A transformer is more than just a voltage converter – understanding its resistance (R), reactance (X), and impedance (Z) is crucial for: 1.System design 2.Loss estimation 3.Fault analysis 4.Reliable power distribution These parameters are derived from load loss and short-circuit test data. Accurate evaluation of R, X, and Z ensures efficient system modeling, improves stability studies, and supports grid reliability. 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀. Sivakumar Chellamuthu PRADEEP R Jegeesh V J Meera A Power Projects #PowerSystems #ElectricalEngineering #Transformer #GridReliability #Energy

⚡ Precision in Power & Monitoring ⚡ In high-voltage projects, success is not only about transmitting power — it’s also about ensuring safety, reliability, and continuous monitoring. This photo captures the installation of Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) cables being pulled in parallel with 380kV underground power cables. 🔹 Why DTS cables matter: They enable real-time monitoring of cable temperature along the entire route. Detect potential hotspots before failure occurs. Enhance system reliability and asset protection. Provide data for predictive maintenance and improved operational efficiency. By integrating DTS with underground transmission, utilities gain a powerful tool to balance load, prevent outages, and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure. 💡 Projects like this demonstrate how technology and engineering discipline come together to deliver not just energy, but confidence in continuity. #PowerTransmission #EnergyInfrastructure #HighVoltage #DTS #CableSystems #ElectricalEngineering #SmartGrid

#100days100BESSLearnings Day 91: Choosing the Transformer for a BESS Project The transformer is the critical link between the Power Conversion System (PCS) and the grid. Choosing it requires balancing efficiency, protection, and grid compliance. Key Integration Considerations: #1. Power Rating & Sizing (kVA/MVA) Matching Capacity: The kVA rating must match or slightly exceed the PCS's maximum continuous power output to prevent the transformer from becoming a bottleneck during peak discharge. Dynamic Duty Cycle: Unlike steady loads, BESS transformers handle dynamic, bidirectional power flow (charging/discharging). Ensure the design respects thermal limits under the project's specific load profile. #2. Winding Configuration & Grounding Galvanic Isolation: The transformer is essential for providing galvanic isolation between the low-voltage PCS/battery side and the high-voltage grid, crucial for safety and fault isolation. Harmonic Mitigation: Since the PCS is a non-linear load, a specific configuration (e.g., Delta-Wye) is often required to manage and contain harmonic currents (e.g., 3rd harmonics) and ensure a stable, grounded connection to the utility. #3. Voltage Regulation & Compliance Voltage Matching: It must precisely step-up the PCS AC output voltage to the grid's interconnection voltage. Tap Changer: An adequate tap range (OLTC or NLTC) is necessary for effective voltage regulation, ensuring the BESS meets the utility's requirements for voltage stability at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). #4. BESS-Specific Design Bidirectional Design: Must be engineered for efficient power flow in both the charging and discharging directions. K-Factor: Specify a transformer with an appropriate K-Factor rating (often K4, K13, or K20) to handle the extra heating caused by harmonic distortion from the PCS without premature failure. High Efficiency: High-efficiency models are critical to minimize parasitic losses and maximize the overall system Round-Trip Efficiency (RTE) over the project's lifetime. #5. Integration and Interconnection Compliance The transformer selection must ultimately satisfy the local grid operator's requirements. Grid Codes: Transformer specifications must comply with all relevant Interconnection Agreements and Grid Codes (e.g., impedance limits, short-circuit withstand). Physical Layout: The transformer's size, weight, and cooling requirements (clearance) must be coordinated with the BESS Medium-Voltage (MV) Skid design and overall site layout to ensure efficient installation and maintenance access. Choosing a transformer that is correctly sized, robustly designed for harmonic content, and aligned with system grounding requirements is paramount to a stable, reliable, and compliant BESS integration. #BESS #BatteryEnergyStorage #Transformer #ElectricalEngineering #GridIntegration #PowerSystems #EnergyTransition #100days100BESSLearnings

An Interesting discussion in a meeting today lead to a unique image and way to describe a common problem facing many commercial projects and clients. Low power factor is a problem for both utilities and consumers. 1. Inefficient Use of System Capacity: · The utility's generators, transformers, wires, and switches must be large enough to handle the Apparent Power (kVA), not just the Real Power (kW). · If your power factor is low, you are using up the system's capacity with non-working (reactive) power. This is like a delivery truck being half-full of empty boxes—it's a waste of space and resources. 2. Increased Energy Losses: · The current flowing through the wires is higher for a given amount of real power when the power factor is low. Higher current means higher losses due to the resistance of the wires (I²R losses), leading to wasted energy and voltage drops. #Electrical #Engineering #Power ⚡🧑🔧 Neil MacRae James MacDougall Michael Macleod Gregor Campbell Jonathan Aston

⚡ Why Do Engineers Use Transposition Towers in Power Systems? In high-voltage transmission lines, conductors are not always perfectly balanced. This imbalance causes unequal inductance and capacitance among the phases, leading to problems like: • Power losses • Communication interference • Voltage instability To solve this, engineers use transposition towers. By systematically rotating the position of each conductor along the line, we equalize electrical parameters. The result: ✔ Improved system stability ✔ Reduced interference ✔ Better efficiency in long-distance transmission This is one of those subtle but powerful engineering solutions that keeps our modern power grids reliable. #PowerEngineering #ElectricalEngineering #TransmissionLines #RenewableEnergy #EngineeringSolutions

I came across an article this morning about a new design paradigm for extra high-voltage (EHV) transmission lines, and it really got me thinking. Traditionally, transmission line projects have followed a straight path: plan → design → build → energize. But at 500 kV and especially 765 kV, that model starts to fall apart. The article highlighted how these projects demand a cyclical, iterative approach, where every decision feeds back into the next loop of design. Conductor sizing impacts tower height, hardware design affects performance, procurement shapes constructability… it’s all interconnected. Some key takeaways I found interesting: 🔄 Design in loops, not lines — refining assumptions at each stage 🛠️ Hardware matters — from insulator arrangements to corona rings 🌪️ Structures must adapt — balancing FAA restrictions, weather loads & efficiency 🤝 Collaboration is critical — contractors, engineers, and procurement teams need to be involved early 📊 Benchmarking is key — checking progress against global 765 kV experience keeps projects on track What struck me most is how this mindset shift requires more flexibility in budgets, timelines, and team structures, but the payoff is fewer delays, less rework, and a stronger, future-ready grid. With the UK (and the world) pushing for more renewables, electrification, and resilience, it feels like embracing cyclical design thinking isn’t optional anymore, it’s essential. 👉 Curious to hear from others: Do you think the industry is ready to let go of linear models for EHV projects? Or will the comfort of the way we’ve always done it hold us back? #highVoltage #transmission #energyinfrastructure #engineering #astute

When evaluating potential project sites, what are the critical factors to consider? Power availability and proximity to substantial power sources are key. The discussion highlights the importance of electrical nodes versus substations, considering both capacity and the costs associated with infrastructure upgrades. Finding a location near an electrical node can significantly reduce overall demand and electrical rates, making it a financially sound decision. #poweravailability #projectplanning #infrastructure #electricalnodes #substations