Transmission Tower Exoskeleton Upgrade for Live Capacity Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The electric utility grid faces challenges due to aging infrastructure, insufficient transmission capacity, and complex regulatory issues, which hinder the decarbonization of electricity systems and require significant investment and regulatory evolution.
Innovation Solution
The EXOGRID™ system upgrades existing transmission towers by adding an exoskeleton superstructure to increase strength, capacity, and reliability, allowing for re-classification to higher capacity configurations without de-energizing existing circuits, using existing structures and foundations, and accommodating new design codes and safety requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If new transmission lines are built using existing technology, then transmission capacity is increased, but construction time and costs increase significantly due to regulatory and right of way issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies exoskeleton structures that add transmission capacity in a vertical dimension by attaching support frameworks to existing towers, allowing additional circuits to be added without requiring new horizontal transmission line corridors, thereby avoiding lengthy right of way permitting processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary reinforcement of existing tower structures with exoskeletons and structural upgrades before adding new circuits, ensuring that the existing infrastructure is prepared in advance to support increased loading capacities, which accelerates the overall upgrade process
2Quantity of substance
If existing transmission towers are upgraded to higher capacity configurations, then transmission capacity is increased, but structural strength and reliability requirements become more demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests exoskeleton structures within and around existing tower frameworks, where the exoskeletons are integrated into the existing structural geometry, allowing the new support structures to leverage the existing tower footprint while providing additional load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structural solutions combining existing tower materials with new exoskeleton materials, creating hybrid structures that leverage the strengths of both old and new components to achieve higher load capacities while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure
3Ease of manufacture
If existing transmission infrastructure is reused, then construction costs are reduced, but the infrastructure must meet new design codes and safety requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key structural parameters of existing towers through exoskeleton additions, including increasing load-bearing capacities, adjusting geometric configurations, and enhancing structural redundancy to meet contemporary design codes while preserving the existing tower foundations and footprints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces exoskeleton structures as intermediary elements between the existing tower infrastructure and the new transmission circuits, where the exoskeletons serve as mediating components that transfer and distribute loads while isolating the existing structure from direct exposure to new loading requirements
4Productivity
If transmission capacity is increased without de-energizing existing circuits, then power supply continuity is maintained, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the upgrade process into distinct phases where exoskeleton structures are installed and secured to existing towers first, creating independent support frameworks that can then accommodate new circuits without requiring interruption of service to existing lines, thereby managing installation complexity through systematic division of tasks
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical utility upgrade system for an existing transmission tower having a foundation, a tower structure and an electrical circuit. The upgrade system includes an exoskeleton structure coupled to the bridge bypass frame and secured to the foundation. The system also includes a bridge bypass frame positioned above the existing electrical circuit and coupled to the exoskeleton structure. The system further includes a tower top circuit positioned above the existing electrical circuit and coupled to the bridge bypass frame and transmission line hardware coupled to the tower top circuit. The system is design to transfer forces exerted on the tower top circuit through the bridge bypass frame to the exoskeleton structure and to the foundation to reduce forces acting on the tower structure.