OUR SERVICIES

We are experienced in overhead transmission lines, both alternating and direct current, worldwide. We have wide experience in structural design of latticed and pole steel structures and foundations for OHTL, substations (gantries and equipment’s supports), microwaves and telecommunication towers.

We assist Authorities in all steps of OHTL project, with focus on technical/economical optimization, updated technology, environmental limitimpact, implementation quality control.

We prepare for the Contractors all the design, shop and construction documents.

FEASIBILITY STUDY

  • Data collection
    • Local standard, regulation and technical specifications
    • Environmental socio/economic and cultural heritage constraints
    • Ambient conditions
  • Identification of preferredline route and possible alternative
  • Technical and economical project optimization
  • Support to the Client in public consultation and authorization

BASIC DESIGN AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

  • Basic design
    • Data collection
      • Ambient data
      • Local regulations
      • Environmental constraints
      • Electrical data of existing networks
      • Cost evaluation data
      • Line performance required (reliability level, failure rates, etc.)
    • Line route proposal with possible alternatives
    • Conductor and OPGW selection (based on optimization of investment and operation costs)
    • Insulation coordination and design
    • Structural design criteria definition
      • Design Loads
      • Load Assumptions
    • Tower configuration and rating
    • Foundation and earthing design criteria
    • Environmental impact
      • Electrical and magnetic field
      • Surface gradient  and corona effect
      • Radio interference and audible noise
      • Right of way
    • Line electrical parameters
      • Resistance, inductive reactance, capacitive reactance per unit length
      • Joule,corona and shunt losses
      • Current capacity
      • Phase transposition
    • Lightning Performance
      • Shielding failure
      • Back Flashover
  • Technical specifications:
    • Document list required from bidder and contractor
    • Detailed criteria for line component design and type testing
    • Detailed specification for component manufacturing and acceptance testing (including quality plans)
    • Detailed specification for geotechnical investigation
    • Detailed specification for construction (including quality plans)
    • Data sheet for design, supply and inspection
    • Arrangement drawings
    • Price schedule format for tender

TRAINING

We provide training to the personnel involved in overhead lines, who need to have the knowledge, skills and competencies to undertake a range of tasks associated with the design, erection and maintenance of overhead power lines. We also provide technical training in order to develop design skills using specific software. Our training includes instructions, presentations, slides and documents.

SPECIAL STUDIES

We provide specific studies concerning VOLTAGE UPGRADING and CURRENT UPRATING of OHTL. All the studies are performed in order to reach the optimal economic solution developing technical and economic analysis, taking into account the overall costs (investment and capitalized costs of losses) compared with revenue increase for higher transmitted power. For this purpose, we are keeping up with the new technologies in OHTL field, like innovative conductor types and compact tower configurations.

LINE DESIGN

  • OHTL detailed configuration
    • Tower outlines and rating
    • Conducor (single or bundle)
    • Shieldwire (conventional or OPGW)
    • Insulator arrangements
    • Earthing
  • Design loads and load assumptions
    • Ambient conditions
    • Type of loads, wind, ice and temperature
    • Loading condition (normal, security, safety)
    • Conductor and shieldwire sag/tension calculation
    • Load cases
  • Plan and profile activities
    • Plan and profile
    • Tower spotting
    • Preliminary stacking chart
    • Tower pegging and diagonal section survey
    • Final stacking chart and material list
    • Stringing chart
    • Sagging chart

TOWER AND COMPONENTS DESIGN

  • Towers
    • Detailed geometry definition
    • Stress analysis
    • Members and connections design
    • Type test
    • Shop drawings
    • Bill of materials
  • Insulato sets and fittings
    • AC or DC insulators
    • Insulator sets
    • Shieldwire supporting sets
    • Conductor and shieldwire accessories
  • Damping System
    • Aeolian vibration analysis
    • Bundle oscillation analysis
    • Damping system design
    • Calculation of the line lifetime
    • Assistance in vibration measurements
  • Foundations
    • Soil investigations
    • Soil characteristics
    • Foundation types
    • Foundations design
    • Foundations construction DWG
    • Foundation type tests
  • Earthing

SOFTWARES

All activities are implemented with advanced softwares assistance, either home-made or commercial, covering all aspects. Particular reference is made to:

  • PLS-TOWER software to perform structural analysis of OHTL towers. All types of tower can be modeled and different types of analysis, can be performed according to International Standards.

  • PLS-CADD software to perform the line design activities including all the terrain, sag-tension, loads, clearances and drafting functions.