Electricity Pylons Research Articles

Reduction of Magnetic Flux Density of Parallel Overhead Power Lines by Optimization of Phase Wires Hanging Order

Overhead power lines are one of the largest sources of the low-frequency magnetic fields. Such magnetic fields occur the harmful effects on human health and other biological objects. The current size of the security zones doesn’t provide a safe level of the magnetic flux density outside them. Therefore, the task of reducing the magnetic flux density value of the overhead power lines outside the security zone is urgent. Some overhead power lines have sections where two lines pass parallel to each other at a short distance. For such lines the method of phase wires hanging order optimization can be applied. For efficiency comparison of different hanging orders was chose two types of electricity pylons: portal (PB330-7) and triangular (P330-3). The cases both lines done by the same pylons were investigated. Analyze of different hanging orders efficiency was performed by mathematical simulation using MATLAB software. The magnetic flux density computation inside the security zone and outside it was done by a specialized simplified methodology of power lines electric and magnetic fields calculation. It is shown that in case of identical phase wires hanging order and the same currents direction of two parallel lines there is a significant increasing of magnetic flux density value at the border of the security zone and outside it for both types of the electricity pylons. It is determined that with a certain hanging order it is possible to achieve a significant reduction of the magnetic flux density value. For lines with electricity pylons of a portal type (PB330-7) the most efficient is the mirror order. It allows to obtain a decreasing of magnetic flux density more than 30 percent at the security zone border and more than 50 percent outside it. For pylons of a triangle type (P330-3) the most efficient is the nonsymmetrical order. It provides the decreasing of magnetic flux density up to 20 percent. In case of opposite currents direction, the most efficient is the same hanging order for both types of electricity pylons. It is shown that optimal phase wires hanging order allows to decrease the magnetic flux density value outside the security zone border, to reduce the distance to border of the area with safe level of the magnetic flux density, to increase the phase current value at which the magnetic flux density value reaches the safe level within the security zone.

Population Status and Roost Site Selection of Endangered Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus) in Poonch River Mahasheer National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus; Accipitridae) is a medium-sized scavenger distributed throughout most of the Indo-Pak subcontinent. Although the species has been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2007 due to rapid population decline, scientific data about the species' population trends and ecology in Pakistan are sparse. The present study was conducted in and around Poonch River Mahasheer National Park (PRMNP) in the northeastern part of Pakistan, covering an area of approximately 146 km2. To monitor populations, we used the line transect method to survey 11 sites once per year from May 2013 to May 2019. Based on monitoring data at all 11 sites, the total number of vultures observed averaged 84 birds annually (n ¼ 7 yr, range ¼ 64–131), with the greatest number observed in 2019. Congregation sites of the vultures were closer to settlements (mean ¼ 239 m) and rivers (mean ¼ 1119 m) than to dump sites (mean ¼ 2975 m), though some roost sites were very near (,200 m) dump sites and roads. Roost sites included large pine (Pinus roxburghii) trees, electric pylons, rocks, and cliffs. To better understand population status and dynamics, we recommend studies extending across a larger area and including surveys of the nesting population.

Small things are important: the value of singular point elements for birds in agricultural landscapes.

Farmland birds belong to the most endangered group of vertebrates in Europe. They are an important component of farmland biodiversity considering the numerous functions they perform (e.g. seed dispersal, improving germination, increasing gene flow, nutrient recycling, and pest control). Therefore, their decline imposes substantial risks on agricultural ecosystems. In general, farmland bird conservation includes land-use and management alterations leading to less-intensive farming and land-sparing for breeding habitats (e.g. agri-environment-climate schemes, and organic farming). However, theoretical concepts describing farmland biodiversity maintenance and applied conservation measures usually ignore the role of singular, often very small, natural or man-made elements in an agricultural landscape. These elements play a role in the populations of certain species, their biology and in the general species richness of farmland. Furthermore, the importance of these elements has never been empirically tested, which means that conservationists and practitioners are not aware of their measurable value for birds. Herein, we define and identify singular point elements in the agricultural landscape (SPELs) which are potentially important for breeding farmland birds. We also describe each SPEL and evaluate its importance for birds in farmland based on a systematic review of the available literature. Using a horizon-scanning technique, we then polled field ornithologists about their personal observations of birds in relation to SPELs and the evaluation of the potential roles of such structures for birds. We identified 17 SPELs that vary in naturalness and age: singular trees, singular shrubs, erratic boulders, puddles, electricity pylons, wind turbines, spiritual sites, hunting platforms, fence and border posts, wells, road signs, scarecrows, piles of manure, piles of brushwood/branches, piles of stones/debris, piles of lime, and haystacks. Analysis of the literature revealed knowledge gaps, because some SPELs are frequently mentioned in ecological studies (e.g. trees, shrubs, pylons), but others such as spiritual sites, stones, hunting platforms, wells, road signs, or piles of lime are ignored. Despite the fact that some authors incorporate the effects of some SPELs in their studies, little research to date has aimed to assess the impact of various SPELs on farmland bird species numbers and distribution. Horizon scanning revealed that ornithologists often observe birds on various SPELs and thus, attribute to SPELs many functions that are important for maintaining bird populations. Horizon scanning also highlighted the importance of SPELs for many declining bird species and suggested possible mitigation of negative changes in the agricultural landscape by retaining SPELs within fields. We suggest that a better understanding of the role of SPELs for farmland birds is required. We also recommend that SPELs are considered as a potential tool for the conservation of birds, and existing conservation programs such as agri-environment-climate schemes and organic farming should be updated accordingly. Finally, we suggest that SPELs are included in predictive models that evaluate habitat suitability for farmland biodiversity.

Communal roosting of Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus in Uttar Pradesh, India

The behaviour of birds to settle or rest at a place at specific times of day and night is called roosting. Some birds prefer solitary roosting while others roost communally. The Communal roosting behaviour of Egyptian vulture was studied in five districts (Sambhal, Lakhimpur Kheri, Aligarh, Bareilly and Faizabad) of Uttar Pradesh, India from January 2014- December 2017. Total count was conducted at roosting sites in all the seasons (summer, winter and monsoon). The maximum number of individuals counted at the roost site was in Sambhal followed by Lakhimpur Kheri, Aligarh, Bareilly, Faizabad. Four different roost substrates were identified: Ground, tree, building, and electric pylon. A maximum (63%) of Egyptian vultures were observed roosting on the ground, followed by electric pylon (19%), tree (10%) and minimum on building (8%). The present study confirmed that Egyptian vultures are communal roosters and a number of roosting individuals most probably depended on the availability of food of the area. Egyptian vultures are globally endangered species and so far no work has been done on their roosting behaviour in India; therefore the present study will prove beneficial to plan for their conservation strategies.

Rainfall thresholds of shallow landslides in Wuyuan County of Jiangxi Province, China

Abstract Rainfall is a critical factor inducing landslides, and thus the study of rainfall thresholds is of great significance for the prediction and prevention of landslides. In June 2017, infrastructures such as electric power pylons and roads were threatened by group-occurring landslides due to continuous heavy rainfall in Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province of China. Based on the analysis of the rainfall data from March to September in this region, the lower (92.4 mm/d) and the upper (217.1 mm/d) empirical rainfall thresholds were determined. The soil water characteristic parameters of a typical landslide were determined by laboratory tests and back-analysis. Then, the factor of safety (FOS) versus time and the mechanical response of failure process with rainfall infiltration were examined. The results showed that during rainfall infiltration, the pore-water pressure increased, while the matrix suction and the stability decreased gradually. After the rain, the FOS increased slowly to a constant value, which was smaller than the initial. The physical rainfall threshold (200 mm/d), determined using 18 numerical simulation tests considering different rainfall intensities and amounts, was consistent with the empirical rainfall threshold. The methods developed in this work provide a useful tool for the prediction of landslides under extreme rainfall conditions.

Failure Mechanisms and Mitigation Measures of the G1006 Electricity Pylon Landslide in the Dam Area of the Jinping I Hydropower Station

On the 29th and 30th of August 2012, more than 100 geological disasters occurred near the dam area of Jinping I Hydropower Station, Xichang, China due to local intense rainstorm. The upper part of the left valley slope, which is 500 m upstream of the dam, failed and slid, exposing the C-pile of the G1006 electricity pylon and threatening the entire power transmission lines. Therefore, ensuring the stability of the residual rock masses in the rear of the main scarp and the safety of the G1006 electricity pylon became a primary emergency task. Field geological survey, topographic mapping, and the instability mechanism study of the G1006 electricity pylon landslide were conducted. Results revealed that the G1006 electricity pylon landslide (here after represented as the G1006 EPL) occurred in the middle block cut by two faults, and the rock masses had inferior mechanical properties. Intense unloading effects and frequent microseism events during the dam construction relaxed the rock mass structural planes and reduced the geotechnical parameters. Under the influence of intense rainfall, the failure mechanisms of the slope were a combination of slope surface effect from rainfall and lateral erosion and undercutting of the slope toe by high flooding. The residual rock masses and landslide deposits around the pylon foundation were unstable under natural conditions and during the rainstorm. To prevent the continuous damage and exposure of C-pile foundation and ensure the stability of pylon foundation, the mitigation measure of “retaining piles + platform + retaining wall” was arranged. Moreover, a check dam was added to stabilize the slope toe and prevent the landslide deposits, which are the starting material source of debris flow that threatens the safety of the arch dam.

Mapping Climate Change, Natural Hazards and Tokyo’s Built Heritage

Although climate change is well recognised as an important issue in Japan, there has been little interest from scientists or the public on the potential threat it poses to heritage. The present study maps the impact of emerging pressures on museums and historic buildings in the Tokyo Area. We examine a context to the threat in terms of fluctuating levels of visitors as a response to environmental issues, from SARS and COVID-19, through to earthquakes. GIS mapping allows a range of natural and human-induced hazards to be expressed as the spatial spread of risk. Temperature is increasing and Tokyo has a heat island which makes the city hotter than its surroundings. This adds to the effects of climate change. Temperature increases and a decline in relative humidity alter the potential for mould growth and change insect life cycles. The region is vulnerable to sea level rise, but flooding is also a likely outcome of increasingly intense falls of rain, especially during typhoons. Reclamation has raised the risk of liquefaction during earthquakes that are relatively frequent in Japan. Earthquakes cause structural damage and fires after the rupture of gas pipelines and collapse of electricity pylons. Fires from lightning strikes might also increase in a future Tokyo. These are especially relevant, as many Japanese heritage sites use wood for building materials. In parallel, more natural landscapes of the region are also affected by a changing climate. The shifting seasons already mean the earlier arrival of the cherry blossom and a later arrival of autumn colours and a lack of winter snow. The mapping exercise should highlight the spatial distribution of risk and the way it is likely to change, so it can contribute to longer term heritage management plans.

Deep Learning Based Electric Pylon Detection in Remote Sensing Images

The working condition of power network can significantly influence urban development. Among all the power facilities, electric pylon has an important effect on the normal operation of electricity supply. Therefore, the work status of electric pylons requires continuous and real-time monitoring. Considering the low efficiency of manual detection, we propose to utilize deep learning methods for electric pylon detection in high-resolution remote sensing images in this paper. To verify the effectiveness of electric pylon detection methods based on deep learning, we tested and compared the comprehensive performance of 10 state-of-the-art deep-learning-based detectors with different characteristics. Extensive experiments were carried out on a self-made dataset containing 1500 images. Moreover, 50 relatively complicated images were selected from the dataset to test and evaluate the adaptability to actual complex situations and resolution variations. Experimental results show the feasibility of applying deep learning methods to electric pylon detection. The comparative analysis can provide reference for the selection of specific deep learning model in actual electric pylon detection task.

“Risky transitions?” Risk perceptions, public concerns, and energy infrastructure in Germany

Citizen protests against large-scale energy infrastructure technologies underline the vital role of public acceptance for energy planning. Research has found risk and benefit perceptions to affect energy technology acceptance considerably. Comparing risk and benefit perceptions of wind turbines, electricity pylons, and mobile phone masts, an empirical study was undertaken in Germany. The study examined whether there are types of risks perceived as particularly relevant, regardless of the technology, or whether each technology (wind, electricity transmission, mobile technology) has a specific “risk pattern.” Benefit perceptions and trust did not differ between energy infrastructure technologies (wind turbines and electricity pylons), though perceived risks were significantly higher in the pylon context compared to wind turbines. Energy infrastructure was perceived as significantly less hazardous than mobile phone infrastructure.Beyond the impact of different mast types, also person-specific effects influenced risk perceptions: The higher the perceived knowledge about large-scale infrastructure technologies, the lower was the overall risk perception associated with the respective technology. Persons with less perceived knowledge showed lower levels of technical self-efficacy and, in case of wind turbines, a lower environmental awareness. Findings can be used for tailoring future information and public communication concepts to the user-specific requirements regarding energy infrastructure planning.

Design for Visual Quality Enhancement of Artificial Infrastructure Facilities: An Application to Electricity Pylons

(1) Background: The visual impact of artificial infrastructures on natural landscapes generates a common negative perception in public opinion. However, as in the case of electrical energy, the increasing demand for power supply and its need for capillary distribution require the installation of new lines, commonly overhead lines with tall tower-like pylons. In most countries, this situation is faced with many attempts of solutions, as participatory workshops and design contests. Nevertheless, the solutions are usually not further developed into real structures due to many limitations (e.g., regulatory, safety, lack of feasibility). (2) Methods: This paper presents a systematic method for the design of tower-like pylons (e.g., electric ones) able to improve the visual quality on the landscape areas in which they will be installed. The method identifies a design strategy that advantageously exploits the inevitable visual impact of pylons on the landscape by integrating the symbolic morphology and the topologically optimized pylon structure from the earliest design phases. (3) Results: The resulting structure is designed in three steps. First, a concept is morphologically developed by integrating symbolic references to the landscape, environment, or cultural society. Second, the concept is topologically optimized, by reducing the structural weight and its visual impact, and respecting regulatory requirements. Third, the resulting structure is engineered and embodied into an industrially feasible layout. (4) Conclusions: The method is able to develop an original, brand new tower-like pylon integrating all the types of requirements, such as regulatory, industrial feasibility, and social components’ needs. The resulting electricity pylon presents an enhanced visual quality according to the citizens’ feedback.

Failure Mechanism and Mitigation Measures of the G1002 Electricity Pylon Landslide at the Jinping I Hydropower Station

On August 29 and 30, 2012, local extreme rainfalls struck the construction area of the Jinping I Hydropower Station, Xichang, China, and triggered many geohazards. The upper region of the left valley slope 200 m downstream of the dam failed and slid, exposing the D‐pile of the G1002 electricity pylon and threatening the entire power transmission line. Therefore, guaranteeing the stability of the residual soil masses in the rear area of the main scarp and the safety of the G1002 electricity pylon became a primary emergency task. Geological field surveys, topographical mapping, study of the failure mechanisms, and stability evaluations were carried out from October 12, 2012, to November 7, 2013. It is revealed that the failure mechanism of the G1002 electricity pylon landslide is flood‐induced tractive sliding along the interlayer between the colluvium and the bedrock, significantly influenced by heavy precipitation and frequent blasting activities during the dam construction. The residual soil masses around the G1002 electricity pylon foundation are unstable under rainfall conditions. In order to ensure the stability of the residual soil masses and pylon foundation, a mitigation measure of the anchor cables combined with lattice frame beams was proposed and applied in practice. This paper provides insights into the problems associated with the selection of the locations of electricity pylons in ravine regions as well as mitigation strategies for similar landslides.

Population Status and Roost Site Selection of Endangered Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus) in Poonch River Mahasheer National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus; Accipitridae) is a medium-sized scavenger distributed throughout most of the Indo-Pak subcontinent. Although the species has been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2007 due to rapid population decline, scientific data about the species' population trends and ecology in Pakistan are sparse. The present study was conducted in and around Poonch River Mahasheer National Park (PRMNP) in the northeastern part of Pakistan, covering an area of approximately 146 km2. To monitor populations, we used the line transect method to survey 11 sites once per year from May 2013 to May 2019. Based on monitoring data at all 11 sites, the total number of vultures observed averaged 84 birds annually (n ¼ 7 yr, range ¼ 64–131), with the greatest number observed in 2019. Congregation sites of the vultures were closer to settlements (mean ¼ 239 m) and rivers (mean ¼ 1119 m) than to dump sites (mean ¼ 2975 m), though some roost sites were very near (,200 m) dump sites and roads. Roost sites included large pine (Pinus roxburghii) trees, electric pylons, rocks, and cliffs. To better understand population status and dynamics, we recommend studies extending across a larger area and including surveys of the nesting population.

Dynamics of number, success of reproduction and territorial distribution of White Stork in the central part of Belarus

The results of White Stork Ciconia ciconia study on monitoring plot (area of 100 km2, Volozhin district, Minsk Region) in 2004–2018 are analyzed: numbers, spatial distribution, breeding success and location of nests on different supports. Decrease of numbers, significant reduction of breeding success and grow the rate of using electric pylons for nesting are allowed to make an unfavourable prognosis for population.

Development of hot rolled weathering angle steel for transmission towers

In this study, Q355 grade hot-rolled weathering angle steel (WAS) was successfully developed and produced for transmission towers (also known as electricity pylons) by chemical composition and process design. The microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated using optical microscopy, a universal material tester, and an impact tester. Cyclic immersion experiments were performed to study the corrosion behaviour of WAS and Q355 grade hot-rolled conventional angle steel (CAS) when exposed to a simulated industrial atmospheric environment. The characteristics of the rust layers on the tested samples were observed by scanning electron microscope, analysed by x-ray diffraction, and studied by polarisation measurements. The results indicated that WAS has good comprehensive mechanical properties. The weight loss showed that the corrosion resistance performance of WAS is superior to that of CAS. The components of the rust layers consisted primarily of α-FeOOH, γ-FeOOH and Fe3O4. However, the content of α-FeOOH in WAS was more than that in CAS and increased as corrosion progressed. The rust layer on WAS, comprised an α-FeOOH phase, and was more dense and adherent to the substrate than on CAS, providing better protection and lower corrosion weight loss than CAS. The electrochemical parameters show that the WAS has better corrosion resistance.

Modeling and Diagnosis of Joints in High Voltage Electrical Transmission Lines

In this paper a new method is developed and described, aimed at the modeling and diagnosis of the joints connecting the ends of two cables on a high voltage electricity pylon. Identifying the anomalous joint behaviour through the line frequency response analysis is the first objective of the work. For this reason, it is necessary to model the whole overhead line with a lumped circuit and studying the joint electrical parameter variation. The problem is approached in multiple steps: modelling, testability analysis of the model, optimal frequency selection, identification of the possible failures. Some simulated cases are included in order to show the potentialities of the method.

The reuse of load-bearing components

Load-bearing systems of buildings are poorly valued when they reach functional obsolescence. Still, they contribute the most to the material weight and embodied impacts of buildings and infrastructures. The reuse of structural components therefore offers great potential to save materials, energy and resources. While historic and contemporary projects highlight the environmental, time or cost benefits of building with reclaimed elements, many technological challenges remain. This paper gives an overview of buildings that efficiently reuse structural components as well as a review of current research efforts addressing structural reuse. The first case study is the design process of an elastic gridshell made from reclaimed skis. This project demonstrates the potential of ensuring structural performance while working with uncharacterized and heterogeneous materials. In general, designing structures from a stock of reclaimed elements entails reversing the conventional structural design process. The synthesis of structures has to follow the availability of elements and their mechanical and geometric properties. Developed tools that facilitate such design from reused elements while minimizing embodied environmental impacts are presented in this paper. A second case study demonstrates the relevance of such tools through a conceptual train station roof made from electric pylon elements. Lastly, some key challenges related to the design of structural systems from reused elements are presented. These research initiatives constitute a first step to understand and support the design of load-bearing systems from reused elements and hence to bring the construction industry closer to circular economy.

Onset of natal dispersal in Peregrine Falcon from Mediterranean islands (Italy)

Abstract Basic information on natal dispersal of Peregrine Falcons is virtually lacking in Europe, despite increased attention on this species, and the sensitivity of this stage in the Peregrines’ life history. In this study, we collected satellite telemetry data during the onset of natal dispersal of 19 Peregrine Falcons tagged in Sicily and the Aeolian archipelago (Italy). We divided the onset of dispersal into the following 3 periods: post-fledging dependence period (PFDP), wandering, and wintering. PFDP lasted on average 47±16 days, during which young peregrines moved very little (0.167 km), and explored small areas (0.226 km2) far from the nest cliff, and showed no sex differences. The wandering phase was highly individualistic, with median net displacements of 23.97 km. Both PFDP and wandering bearings were oriented towards NNE-ESE. Only five individuals went sporadically outside the island borders. During their first winter, Peregrines had a mean home range of 135.65±82.31 km2 spatially scattered across Sicily and mainly composed of open habitats, like cereal steppes, arboreal crops and agri-mosaics. Individuals had a dissimilar assortment in habitat composition, however the urban habitat was the most selected and the woodland the least. At night, during both wandering and wintering phases Peregrines used rocks, cliffs and electricity pylons in frequencies not statistically different between sex, phase and type of roost. Only two individuals had significant use of pylons and one of rocks. The multifaceted framework of Peregrine Falcon’s natal dispersal was described here for the first time in a Mediterranean population.

Design of Truss Structures Through Reuse

This paper presents structural optimization techniques to design truss structures that make best use of a given stock of structural components. Still little explored, the reuse of structural components over multiple service lives has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of building structures. Structural design and construction based on reuse avoids sourcing new material, it reduces superfluous waste, and requires little energy. However, designing a structure from a stock of reclaimed elements entails a change of design paradigm: in contrast to conventional design practice, the structural geometry and topology depends on element stock characteristics, e.g. available cross sections and lengths. This paper presents discrete structural optimization formulations to design truss systems from stock elements. The approach taken in this work is iterative: 1) element assignment and topology optimization are carried out, and 2) geometry optimization follows thereafter to best-fit the system geometry to the length of assigned stock elements, for instance to reduce cut-off waste. Two case studies are presented: a) a cantilever of simple layout used to explain the details of the design methodology, and b) a train station roof structure of complex layout made from elements reused from disassembled electric pylons. For these case studies, Life Cycle Assessment confirms that an up to 63% environmental impact reduction is possible when comparing structures obtained with the proposed method against weight-optimized solutions made of new elements.

Thermally Driven Transport and Relaxation Switching Self-Powered Electromagnetic Energy Conversion.

Electromagnetic energy radiation is becoming a "health-killer" of living bodies, especially around industrial transformer substation and electricity pylon. Harvesting, converting, and storing waste energy for recycling are considered the ideal ways to control electromagnetic radiation. However, heat-generation and temperature-rising with performance degradation remain big problems. Herein, graphene-silica xerogel is dissected hierarchically from functions to "genes," thermally driven relaxation and charge transport, experimentally and theoretically, demonstrating a competitive synergy on energy conversion. A generic approach of "material genes sequencing" is proposed, tactfully transforming the negative effects of heat energy to superiority for switching self-powered and self-circulated electromagnetic devices, beneficial for waste energy harvesting, conversion, and storage. Graphene networks with "well-sequencing genes" (w = Pc /Pp > 0.2) can serve as nanogenerators, thermally promoting electromagnetic wave absorption by 250%, with broadened bandwidth covering the whole investigated frequency. This finding of nonionic energy conversion opens up an unexpected horizon for converting, storing, and reusing waste electromagnetic energy, providing the most promising way for governing electromagnetic pollution with self-powered and self-circulated electromagnetic devices.

Response of Electricity Pylon to External Loading

Response of Electricity Pylon to External Loading