Transmission Tower Exoskeleton Upgrade for Added Circuit Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electric utility grid faces challenges due to aging infrastructure, insufficient transmission capacity, and complex regulatory issues, which hinder the efficient transition to a clean energy future.
Innovation Solution
The EXOGRID™ system involves upgrading existing transmission tower structures by adding an external exoskeleton superstructure, allowing for reclassification and conversion of existing high-voltage transmission lines into multiple circuit configurations, thereby increasing strength, capacity, and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If new transmission lines are built to increase transmission capacity, then transmission capacity is improved, but land acquisition costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton structure enables existing transmission towers to serve multiple functions: maintaining original transmission lines while supporting additional circuits, thereby increasing transmission capacity without requiring new right-of-ways or additional land acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from horizontal expansion (building new lines across land) to vertical expansion (adding circuits to existing towers), utilizing the vertical dimension to increase capacity while preserving the existing footprint and minimizing environmental impact
2Quantity of substance
If existing transmission towers are strengthened to support additional circuits, then transmission capacity is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strengthening system is divided into modular exoskeleton components that can be independently designed, manufactured, and installed on existing towers, reducing the complexity of the overall strengthening process while achieving the required structural capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton structure is nested around the existing tower structure, with the new structural elements containing and reinforcing the old ones, thereby increasing capacity while maintaining a organized and manageable structural configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If transmission infrastructure is upgraded to support decarbonization, then energy transition is improved, but investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton strengthening approach is implemented as a preliminary action that prepares existing infrastructure for future renewable energy integration, allowing utilities to progressively upgrade capacity as needed rather than making large upfront investments in completely new infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the structural parameters of existing towers through the exoskeleton system, enabling them to support higher voltages and additional circuits required for renewable energy integration, thereby achieving adaptability through parameter modification rather than complete replacement
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 the existing tower structure and secured to the foundation. The system also includes a mid-section structure positioned below the existing electrical circuit and coupled to the exoskeleton structure. The system further includes a mid-section circuit positioned below the existing electrical circuit and coupled to the mid-section structure and transmission line hardware coupled to the mid-section circuit. The system is design to transfer forces exerted on the tower through the exoskeleton structure and to the foundation to reduce forces acting on the tower structure.