Composite conductor cuts transmission connection time
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has utilised an innovative composite conductor to cut the grid connection time for Beinneun wind farm by two months.
17th February 2017 by Networks
SSEN, under its transmission licence, offered the accelerated grid connection date to ensure the farm qualifies for the Renewables Obligation scheme before the scheme closes.
It used an innovative Aluminium Conductor Composite Core (ACCC) Monte Carlo conductor to provide the connection for the first time on its overhead transmission network.
Blue Energy, the developer of the 109MW wind farm, was offered an accelerated grid connection date of 31 March, allowing it to see an earlier than expected return on investment.
The technology allowed SSEN to reduce costs, timescales and the visual and environmental impact as the connection has been provided by reconductoring and strengthening the existing 132kV steel towers instead of erecting new additional trident wood poles.
SSEN said this type of conductor can carry up to twice the amount of conventional conductors due to its high temperature capability.
SSEN’s lead project manager Archie Munro said: “It is the first time that we have used these types of conductor on steel towers and we had to develop and adapt our usual installation techniques.
“We are using the same technology to connect the nearby Bhlaraidh wind farm to the network which we are now in the final stages of delivering.
“We are working closely with the developer to ensure that the close interfaces are properly managed to enable a smooth conclusion to the works.”
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