Lattice Tower GIS Layout for Compact HV Grid Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for connecting high-voltage users, including electric vehicle charging stations, to the HV grid are inefficient due to large land occupation, lengthy authorization and construction times, and lack of flexibility in maintenance, leading to potential power interruptions and grid instability.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a compact Gas-Insulated Substation (GIS) within a 'delta-shaped' lattice tower for the HV electric switching substation, featuring loop-in loop-out feeder connections and a protection, command, and control system, allowing for reduced land use, faster authorization, and flexible maintenance without power interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional HV electric switching substation is used for loop-in loop-out connection, then reliable grid connection is achieved, but large land occupation (90m×60m≈5400m2 for double bus bar, or 70m×45m≈3200m2 for single bus bar) occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the HV electric switching substation directly into the lattice tower structure, nesting the switching equipment within the tower's vertical space. This eliminates the need for separate ground-level substation facilities, reducing land occupation from thousands of square meters to merely the tower's base area, while maintaining all switching and connection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a horizontal, ground-level substation layout to a vertical, tower-integrated configuration. By utilizing the vertical dimension of the lattice tower to house switching equipment and conductors, the solution compresses the spatial footprint from a large horizontal area to a compact vertical structure, achieving both reliability and space efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional HV electric switching substation is constructed, then connection capability is provided, but lengthy authorization and construction times (up to 38 months total) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lattice tower and HV switching substation into a single integrated structure. This merging of functions allows the tower to serve dual purposes: supporting overhead conductors and housing switching equipment. Consequently, authorization procedures and construction activities can be consolidated, significantly reducing the total time required from application to operational status.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice tower is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical support structure for transmission lines and as a housing for the HV switching substation. This universal design enables a single structure to fulfill multiple roles, eliminating the need for separate substation land acquisition and construction, thereby accelerating deployment.
3Ease of repair
If maintenance is performed on one feeder line, then line repair is enabled, but power interruption to the user occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a segmented architecture where the HV switching substation creates electrically independent zones within the tower. Each feeder connection can be isolated and maintained separately while other feeders remain operational. This segmentation enables maintenance on one line without affecting power supply to users through alternative feeders.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching equipment within the tower acts as an intermediary that can reroute power flow between different feeders. During maintenance of one feeder, the switching system mediates by redirecting load through alternative feeders, ensuring continuous power supply to users while enabling repair work on the maintenance line.
4Ease of operation
If separate feeder lines are used for loop-in loop-out connection, then maintenance flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple feeder connections and switching functions into a single integrated tower structure. Instead of requiring separate ground-level substations and extensive external cabling, all feeders are consolidated within the tower's vertical space, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining maintenance flexibility through internal switching capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A lattice tower for high-voltage overhead transmission lines having a lattice structure is provided that includes: a base anchored to the ground; a top portion designed for anchoring first and second conductors of a high-voltage overhead transmission line; and a body which extends between the base and the top portion. The lattice tower includes a grid high-voltage electric switching substation that includes: GIS-technology-based switchgear equipment arranged within the base of the lattice structure; a first loop-in loop-out feeder connection configured to connect the first conductors of the high-voltage overhead transmission line to the GIS-technology-based switchgear equipment; a second loop-in loop-out feeder connection configured to connect the second conductors of the high-voltage overhead transmission line to the GIS-technology-based switchgear equipment; and a protection, command and control system arranged within the lattice structure, or in proximity to the base of said lattice structure.