Transmission Tower Top Upgrade With Exoskeleton Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric utility grid faces challenges due to aging infrastructure, insufficient transmission capacity, and complex regulatory issues, which hinder the efficient transfer of power across regions and the integration of clean energy sources.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves upgrading existing electrical transmission towers by adding a structural exoskeleton and a new tower top, allowing for increased phase-to-tower spacing, additional subconductors per phase, and improved phase-to-ground clearance, thereby enhancing the current carrying capacity and voltage transmission capabilities of the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing transmission towers are upgraded with additional conductors and phases, then transmission capacity increases, but structural loading and foundation requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The upgrade system divides the tower structure into modular components including a base structure, intermediate section, and top section. Each segment can be independently designed and installed to accommodate additional conductors and phases while distributing structural loads across multiple attachment points on the existing tower.
Solution Approach 2:
The upgrade utilizes the vertical dimension by adding height to the tower structure through stacked modular sections. This vertical expansion provides increased phase-to-ground clearance and creates additional spatial capacity for bundled conductors without requiring new horizontal right-of-way.
2Length of stationary object
If tower height is increased for phase-to-ground clearance, then safety and capacity improve, but structural complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The tower height extension is achieved through modular stacked sections that can be incrementally added. Each module includes standardized components for crossarms, insulators, and bracing, reducing design complexity while achieving the required clearance heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular tower sections serve multiple functions: they provide structural height for clearance, support additional conductors and phases, and maintain electrical insulation through integrated crossarm designs. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If additional subconductors per phase are added to increase current capacity, then transmission capability improves, but phase-to-tower spacing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal conductor arrangement to vertical stacking of bundled conductors. Multiple subconductors are arranged in vertical bundles suspended from elevated crossarms, increasing current capacity while maintaining adequate spacing from the tower structure through the vertical dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossarm structures are pre-designed with integrated insulation and spacing features that automatically maintain required phase-to-tower clearances. This preliminary design approach ensures spacing requirements are met without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical utility upgrade system and method 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 new tower top that is secure to the tower frame and includes a portion that extends above the existing tower cross arm. Forces acting on the new tower top are transmitted through the exoskeleton structure. The method includes adding the new tower top section and removing the existing tower cross arm and securing the existing or new conductors to the new tower top. 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.