Ultra High Voltage Transmission Lines Research Articles

Influence of fast switching fault current limiter on electromagnetic transient of extra-high voltage transmission line

Abstract The rapid advancement of power systems has led to an increase in short-circuit currents. The short-circuit current can be effectively limited by adding a fast-switching fault current limiter. However, incorporating a current-limiting reactor into ultra-high voltage lines may impact electromagnetic transients. This study utilizes PSCAD/EMTDC electromagnetic transient simulation software to develop a typical 330kV transmission line model for simulation analysis. The paper aims to study whether the current limiting reactor will affect the switching overvoltage in the automatic reclosing overvoltage. The results show that the input of the current-restricting transformer efficiently constrains the magnitude of short-circuit currents and exerts minimal influence on the automatic reclosing overvoltage in ultra-high voltage transmission lines.

Study of direct and indirect risk assessment of landslide impacts on ultrahigh-voltage electricity transmission lines

Ultrahigh-voltage electricity systems are a vital part of energy networks, often across wide regions passing through mountainous terrains. The instability of slopes forming tower foundations along transmission lines poses a large risk to the entire energy network. Moreover, the tower foundations along extra-high-voltage electricity transmission lines are a very special type of element that are also highly vulnerable to landslides. In this study, an integrative risk assessment framework, including a hazard assessment, vulnerability analysis for the specified element at risk, and consequence estimation, is proposed to quantify the direct and indirect risks of landslides to power transmission lines. The Yanzi landslide, where a tower of the major ultrahigh-voltage transmission line from Sichuan (western China) to Shanghai (eastern China) has just been constructed, is taken as a case study. The correlation between landslide displacement and tower structure tilting is studied. In terms of the precipitation return period, factors of safety, failure probability, and deformation are simulated. A physical vulnerability curve is fitted by assuming a Weibull relationship between the horizontal deformation (hazard intensity) of the landslide and the tower inclination ratio. The total risk is calculated as the sum of the direct and indirect losses, among which the potential indirect risk due to tower damage is much greater than the direct risk. This work demonstrates the importance of landslide treatment strategies along electricity transmission lines by considering the potential indirect risks. The risk assessment model of landslides affecting ultrahigh-voltage electricity transmission lines proposed in this study could be useful for other types of indirect landslide risk evaluations.

Numerička analiza titrajnog odziva dalekovoda velikog raspona prijenosnih vodova izazvanog vjetrom

Based on the engineering background related to ±800 kV ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission lines spanning the Yellow River, finite element models were developed for single-tower and transmission tower-line systems, with their wind-induced responses under wind loads were simulated and analysed. In addition, the coupling effect in a large-span transmission tower line system was investigated. The results showed that the natural vibration frequency of the tower-line system was slightly lower than that of a single tower and that the torsional natural frequency was the most significantly reduced. The transmission tower-line system has a maximum displacement of 1.92 times that of a single tower when the wind angle is 0°. The maximum axial force and stress in the tower-line system are 1.6 times and 1.37 times higher than those in a single tower. The interaction between the tower and wires significantly affects the wind-induced response of the tower body. Hence, considering the dynamic coupling effect of the tower-line transmission system is important when designing a tower.

Observation and analysis of positive leader re-illumination in a 10 m ultra-high voltage transmission line gap under switching impulse voltages

The leader propagation is one of the most important stages in long air gap discharge. The mechanism behind leader re-illumination remains unclear. In high humidity conditions (20.0–30.1 g/m³), we have conducted experiments of long sparks in a 10 m ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission line gap under switching impulse voltages. The positive leaders predominantly propagate discontinuously, with almost no significantly continuous propagation occurring. The leader channels are intensely luminous and each elongation segment is straight, with streamers resembling the “branch type” which differs from the “diffuse type” streamers at the front of continuous propagation leaders. The distribution of the propagation velocities is highly random (3.7–18.4 cm/μs), and the average velocity (9.2 cm/μs) significantly exceeds that of continuous propagation (1.5–2.0 cm/μs). Analysis suggests that the current-velocity models suitable for continuous leader propagation do not align well with the experimental data in re-illumination mode. Based on the discharge current waveforms and optical images, it is speculated that the newly elongated leader in re-illumination mode does not evolve gradually from the stem (about 1 cm) but rather evolves overall from a thermal channel much longer than stem.

Optimal wind and solar sizing in a novel hybrid power system incorporating concentrating solar power and considering ultra-high voltage transmission

The coordinated operation of concentrating solar power (CSP) and traditional thermal power can facilitate the integration of variable wind and solar renewable energy (VRE) into the grid supported by ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission line, forming a novel HRES. The optimal sizing of VRE in this novel HRES has been rarely investigated. This paper thus proposed a framework serving the capacity configuration optimization for VRE in aforementioned HRES. The lifecycle economic and technical performance of the HRES was evaluated to guide capacity planning. The operational characteristics of the thermal power and CSP were investigated via short-term scheduling optimization. The methodology was applied to a HRES base located in Qinghai Province, China. Results indicate a maximum capacity ratio of VRE to flexible power of 1.74:1 without power curtailments. Further expansion of VRE leads to an escalation in power curtailments. The optimal VRE sizing is determined as a combination of 4000 MW solar power and 1000 MW wind power, which achieves a levelized cost of energy as low as 0.363 CNY/kWh, corresponding to a capacity factor of 0.32. The role of CSP in mitigating VRE fluctuations in HRES is more significant than that of thermal power due to its superior flexibility and low operating costs. The inter-day heat transfer of CSP can further facilitate the stability of the HRES output between consecutive days. These findings provide valuable insights for capacity configuration and operation of the new HRES, which will promote the utilization of renewable energy and cleaner production of the power system.

Research on the Protection Scheme of a High-Speed Railway Crossing 1000 KV Ultra-High Voltage Transmission Line

The high-speed railway project and the ultra-high-voltage transmission project represent two crucial components of China’s “new infrastructure”. As the construction of these two projects progresses rapidly, it is inevitable that instances of intersections will occur. Extreme conditions may cause damage to ultra-high voltage transmission cables. When a high-speed train passes by an ultra-high voltage transmission line, it poses a serious safety hazard. To address this issue, engineering examples were utilized to examine the protection structure scheme, protection distance, protection load, and construction procedures when a high-speed railway intersects a 1000 KV ultra-high voltage transmission line. A shed structure form and construction method for the electric power protection were proposed to ensure the safe operation of the high-speed railway while also achieving the safe and rapid construction of the high-speed railway protection structure in the safety zone of the approaching 1000 kV ultra-high voltage transmission line. The results indicated that the protection of high-speed railway crossings and 1000 kV ultra-high voltage transmission lines primarily focuses on line-break protection. The concrete shed structure with a straight wall and a flat roof was designed to meet the requirements of high-speed railway crossings. The line-break protection method enables the construction of an automatic warning protection corridor and a complete movable trolley quickly and safely within the safety zone near the transmission line. The implementation effect is, therefore, positive. It can be used as a reference point for other projects of a similar nature.

INCREASING THE ACCURACY OF THE POWER LINES MODELING BASED ON PMU

The article discusses the modeling of power lines based on PMU data to assess the state of overhead lines. Current approaches to solving the problem are analyzed. The advantages and disadvantages of these approaches are presented. It has been established that when modeling power lines are traditionally represented in the form of a - circuits scheme, which leads to methodological modeling errors. To reduce the methodological error of modeling, overhead lines (OHLs) can be presented in the form of equations with distributed parameters, which allows for maximum accuracy. However, distributed line equations contain hyperbolic functions and reduce performance in real-time simulations. Based on this, it is noted that the selection of an adequate mathematical model of overhead lines with the appropriate accuracy of synchronized vector measurements in real time when assessing the state of power lines is an important stage of modeling. The article discusses overhead line models using equations with distributed parameters, a -circuits, an equivalent - circuits and chain -circuits depending on the number of links. The results of calculating the mode based on the modeling accuracy using the example of a 500 kV overhead line are presented, as well as the results of comparing various equivalent circuits. It is shown that when modeling overhead line modes based on the results of PMU measurements, representing power lines as chain circuits with links 50 km or less in length is appropriate, since it makes it possible to obtain a model accuracy that is adequate to the PMU measurements. Methodological errors in modeling ultra-high voltage transmission lines using the equations of long lines have been studied. The obtained results can be used for monitoring, analysis and operational management of the electric power system

Simulation of breakdown voltage associated with phase-to-phase air gap for ultra high voltage transmission lines under switching impulse voltage

Abstract Knowledge of the breakdown voltage of air gaps when subjected to positive switching impulse voltage is fundamental to the design of insulation coordination for power transmission systems. However, the length of phase-to-phase air gaps in ultra-high voltage power transmission lines has reached more than 30 m. It is very difficult, costly, and impossible to conduct full-scale test experiments to obtain the breakdown voltage of these gaps. Here, the numerical simulation method based on the self-consistent leader inception and propagation model was first used to simulate the air gap discharge process at four different scales and to obtain the gap breakdown voltage. The simulated data was compared with the measured data to verify the validity of the model. Then, the numerical simulation method was used to simulate the discharge process of phase-to-phase air gap for ultra-high voltage transmission lines with 30.3 m in length. The current and the development trajectory of the leader tip were obtained for the discharge process. More importantly, the breakdown voltage, which could not be obtained by full-scale testing, was obtained by simulation.

Simulation Analysis of Corona Pulse Propagation along the Line Based on an Actual Transmission Line

Abstract In the partial discharge test of the shunt reactor of the ultra-high voltage transmission line, the corona discharge caused by high voltage interferes with the test. To further study the propagation rules of the corona pulse on the line side in the transmission line during the ultra-high voltage partial discharge test, based on the parameters of an actual transmission line, the ATP-EMTP electromagnetic simulation software was used for modeling. The propagation rules of corona pulses in the transmission line were analyzed in detail through the simulation model. As the propagation distance increases, different frequency components show different degrees of attenuation. The higher the frequency is, the faster it attenuates.

Meteorological Characteristics of a Continuous Ice-Covered Event on Ultra-High Voltage Transmission Lines in Yunnan Region in 2021

Yunnan plays a pivotal role in transmitting electricity from west to east within China’s Southern Power Grid. During 7–13 January 2021, a large-scale continuous ice-covering event of ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission lines occurred in the Qujing area of eastern Yunnan Province. Based on ERA5 reanalysis data and meteorological observation data of UHV transmission line icing in China’s Southern Power Grid, the synoptic causes of the icing are comprehensively analyzed from various perspectives, including weather situations, vertical stratification of temperature and humidity, local meteorological elements, and atmospheric circulation indices. The results indicate a strong East Asian trough and a blocking high directing northern airflow southward ahead of the ridge. Cold air enters the Qujing area and combines with warm and moist air from the subtropical high pressure of 50–110° E. As warm and cold air masses form a quasi-stationary front over the northern mountainous area of Qujing due to topographic uplift, the mechanism of “supercooling and warm rain” caused by the “warm–cold” temperature profile structure leads to freezing rain events. Large-scale circulation indices in the Siberian High, East Asian Trough, and 50–110° E Subtropical High regions provided clear precursor signals within 0–2 days before the icing events.

Research on resistance detection robot for UHV tension insulator string

Insulator inspection robots can realize automatic and rapid inspection of insulators of ultra-high voltage transmission lines, which is an important guarantee equipment for the continuous safe operation of the national power grid. Aiming at the needs of ultra-high voltage insulator string inspection, an insulator robot is designed to realize efficient and stable insulator string motion and insulator detection, and the main work includes proposing a new insulator string motion robot configuration and realizing its string motion and inspection functions in the form of a physical prototype. It has been proved that the robot has a large motion load and strong motion performance, and can be adapted to the complex working conditions consisting of a variety of insulators within a certain size range.

Nonlinear Performance of Steel Tube Tower in Ultra-High Voltage Transmission Lines under Wind Loads

As complex, statically indeterminate structures, transmission towers are subject to complex forces and are usually simplified into truss structures that only consider the effects of axial force. When the load and deformation of a tower are small, it is reasonable to carry out analysis according to the linear elasticity theory. However, the height of an ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission tower is significantly large, meaning that the calculation result according to the current elastic analysis method often has a large deviation from the actual stress of the structure. With the influence of the bending moment at the end of the member, a numerical model is established considering the influence of geometric nonlinearity and material nonlinearity in this paper. The stress distribution characteristics and development law of UHV transmission towers in linear and nonlinear stress states are analyzed and studied. The real tower test and elastoplastic ultimate bearing capacity analysis show that the elastoplastic analysis is closer to the actual tower. The UHV steel pipe tower designed according to the linear elasticity and small deformation theory has a large safety margin under the design load, resulting in a significant waste of materials. Under the action of heavy load, the tower exhibits strong nonlinearity, and the influence of geometric and material nonlinear factors should be fully considered when designing the structural components in UHV transmission towers.

Detection of decomposed gases in SF6 surge arrester contaminated conditions in ultra-high voltage transmission lines based on Ta-doped defective h-BN nanosheet: A DFT study

SF6 surge arrester on ultra-high voltage transmission lines plays a critical role in the entire power transmission system. They not only protect electrical equipment from the dangers of high transient over voltages, but also bear the responsibility of maintaining the safety and stability of the transmission lines. Detecting the decomposed gases under polluted conditions inside SF6 surge arresters is of paramount importance. In this paper, based on extensive investigations and the application of density functional theory and 2D materials, we conducted a study on the detection of decomposed gases (HF, H2S, SOF2) in SF6 surge arresters for ultra-high voltage transmission lines under polluted conditions using Ta-doped defective h-BN nanosheets gas sensor. Revealing the adsorption and sensing mechanisms of these target gases on h-BN sensors through band structure, density of states, projected density of states, and differential charge density analysis. The results showed that Ta metal particle modification significantly improves the electronic activity of defective h-BN, substantially reducing the band gap values from 4.560 eV to 0.153 eV and 0.912 eV in the B atom and N atom defective oping systems. Meanwhile, Ta-doped defective h-BN exhibits strong selectivity and sensitivity to three decomposition components, with the adsorption capability ranking as SOF2 > H2S > HF, all of which are physical chemisorption types. Furthermore, in terms of various adsorption parameters, defective h-BN’s adsorption ability far surpasses other materials, offering broad prospects for practical applications. The results of this work contribute to the development and application of Ta-doped defective h-BN sensors for the detection of decomposed gases inside SF6 surge arresters under polluted conditions.

Including Shield Wires in the Analysis of Transient Processes Occurring in HVAC Transmission Lines

The article presents an analysis of electromagnetic transient processes in long ultra-high voltage transmission lines, taking into account shield wires. It was shown that EMTP and Matlab/Simulink software are currently widely used in the study of transient processes in power lines. The EMTP software package uses the finite element method when integrating the equation that mathematically models the distributed parameter transmission line. The Matlab/Simulink software uses the d’Alembert method. In both cases, it is not known how the boundary conditions for the partial differential equation that mathematically models the transmission line are determined. The power line is analyzed as a distributed parameter system, described by a second-order partial differential equation. The advantage of the proposed method of calculating the boundary conditions for the abovementioned equation is the use of boundary conditions of the second and third types of Neumann and Poincaré, which allowed us to take into account the mutual influence of shield wires and phase conductors of the line in one power system. On this basis, the methodology for obtaining time domain graphs, spatial distributions, and traveling wave distributions of voltages and currents for phase conductors and line shielding wires is presented. The results of a computer simulation of transient processes when switching on the power line, taking into account controlled phase commutation and under single-phase earth fault conditions, are presented. All calculation results of transient processes presented in the article were obtained exclusively using numerical methods.

Can inter-provincial transmission reduce regional carbon emissions? Evidence from China

Plagued by worsening pollution in load centers along the eastern coastal regions such as Beijing-Tianjin -Hebei, China is reducing local coal-fired power plants in those regions and relying more on inter-regional power transmission. In recent years, China has accelerated the construction of the West-East Electricity Transmission Project and planned and constructed a number of Ultra-high Voltage (UHV) transmission lines. However, how the impact of inter-regional transmission on carbon emissions needs empirical verification. This paper aims to study the carbon emission reduction effect of inter-regional transmission under nested models of the spatial econometric model for panel data. The empirical results show that although the non-dynamic spatial econometric analysis can find the carbon emission reduction effect of inter-provincial transmission, the long-term effect obtained by the dynamic spatial econometric analysis indicates that the inter-provincial transmission can bring about a slight increase in carbon emissions. The inter-provincial power transmission needs to be supported by sustainable share growth of renewable energy to achieve the targeted mitigation of carbon emissions.

Study on the Effect of Anti-galloping Device with Cubic Stiffness and Particle Damping

The galloping of iced conductors is a common disaster of overhead conductors. Most traditional anti-galloping devices lack a nonlinear dynamic vibration absorber; hence, they have a limited anti-galloping effect. In this study, we designed, optimized, and tested an electric power fitting and an anti-galloping device with cubic stiffness and particle damping for ultra-high-voltage (UHV) transmission lines. We built a nonlinear dynamic model of the coupling galloping system comprising split conductors and anti-galloping devices. The harmonic balance method obtained the steady-state analytical solutions and corresponding averaged equations. The test spans in the laboratory were used to design the test program and equipment. We verified the accuracy of the nonlinear dynamic model and the harvesting effect of the anti-galloping device with cubic stiffness and particle damping. The theoretical and experimental results were highly consistent, and in the range of (0, 2] Hz, the anti-galloping device reduced the galloping amplitude. Therefore, cubic stiffness and particle damping can effectively improve the anti-galloping ability of UHV transmission lines, prolonging their service period.

Effects of Common In-Service Defects of Different Insulators on Radio Frequency Interference Emission from 765 kV Insulators String

Worldwide utilities are preferring Ultra-High Voltage (UHV) transmission lines for transmitting electric power from generating stations to load centres. This long-distance UHV transmission line uses porcelain, glass and composite insulators. Fault-free operation of these insulators is vital to provide reliable service to consumers. Any defects on these insulators may lead to outages and affect the reliability of the supply system. To ensure reliability, utilities are continuously monitoring the condition of transmission line insulators. Nowadays in addition to providing reliable and quality power to the consumers, the utilities are keen on measuring and reducing The Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) from transmission lines. Under normal operating conditions, the RFI of the insulator string may be less than the specified limit. However, evolving inservice defects and deposition of pollutants on the surface of the insulator may increase the RFI level, sometimes it may exceed the specified limit also. This higher emission may affect the operation of nearby other electronic equipment. In this present work, an attempt is made to measure and compare RFI from healthy and defective 765 kV single I suspension string in the shielded indoor laboratory. It was observed that defects and pollutants deposited on insulators have induced corona/spark or gap discharges at the operating voltage level, which in turn increases the intensity of RFI.

The impact of ultra-high voltage projects on carbon emissions in China.

The inter-regional ultra-high voltage (UHV) projects are crucial for power systems. Carbon emissions associated with the power sector cannot be ignored. In this paper, based on the panel data of 198 prefecture-level cities in China from 2009 to 2019, a multi-period difference-in-difference model is developed for the first time to examine the impact of UHV projects on carbon emissions. Empirical results show that UHV projects increase overall carbon emissions. This impact can also be achieved through the mechanisms of the scale of power generation and the level of economic development. Heterogeneity research demonstrates that the carbon emissions issue of UHV projects is more significant in cities with low levels of economic development and a large proportion of secondary industries. Extensibility research shows that UHV projects have a more significant impact on carbon emissions in power-sending cities than that in power-receiving cities. The more clean power the UHV transmission lines transmit, the less impact on carbon emissions. This study not only enhances our understanding about the impact of UHV projects on carbon emissions, but also provides inspiration for the low-carbon pathway transition.

Hazards and Treatment of Collapsible Loess Foundation on Ultrahigh Voltage Transmission Lines

With the development of ultrahigh voltage transmission line construction in northwest China, an increasing number of overhead transmission lines are crossing the loess regions. Ensuring the stability of electricity transmission towers and mitigating the risk of collapse are crucial prerequisites for the construction of transmission lines. Taking the 750 kV demonstration electricity transmission line in Guanting–Lanzhou East as an example, representative loess samples were selected for compression and collapsing sensitivity tests. Four foundation treatment schemes were designed, and the wetting deformation characteristics were investigated through numerical simulation of the rainfall infiltration process. Corresponding optimisation schemes were proposed. The collapsing process was divided into four stages through laboratory collapsing tests. The relationship function between saturation and the Duncan–Chang model parameters of loess was established, which was introduced into the finite element model to consider the rainfall infiltration process. The analysis of the displacement field, and loess saturation field with time after rainfall infiltration for the four schemes showed that adding a lime-stabilised soil cushion layer and waterproof layer to the inclined column foundation had the best effect. Given that the design scheme needs to consider safety and economy, the thickness of the cushion layer was optimised, thereby reducing the use of lime-stabilised soil by 20%. Research findings provide meaningful guidance for the design of transmission tower foundations in loess areas.

Amplitude Based Pilot Protection for Transmission Line

Abstract: Distance protection and differential protection schemes are the two primary types of protection schemes employed in gearbox line protection today. However, industrial practice has shown that commonly used gap prevention techniques are limited in tripping speed and selectivity. The timing of the samples in each of the two relays located at the gearbox line terminals also affects the differential protection mechanism. On the other hand, pilot safety schemes using only the communication link to exchange local decision-making about fault conditions are not affected. These method include protection of Extra High Voltage (EHV) and Ultra High Voltage (UHV) transmission lines. Synchronization of time. The problem of creating a fast and accurate fault detection system for the safety of EHV/UHV transmission lines, which is crucial in present power systems, is the subject of this master's thesis. The protection method described in this thesis is the foundation for the detection and analysis of waves travelling wave along transmission at fault initiation. This method compares the arrival of the first traveling waves at both ends of the protected line with respect to direction. This will establish whether the fault is located in the safe zone or not. Based on high voltage transmission network safety requirements a suitable phase sequence algorithm is developed to control single phase tripping. Finally, through simulations conducted in the MATLAB environment, practical design concerns for incorporating the newly proposed protection algorithm into a numerical relay unit are investigated.