TLI begin work on Killonan – Knockraha 220kV Line
TLI to work hand in hand with ESB, on the installation of a new type conductor.
High Temperature Low Sag Conductor (HTLS) or Gap Conductor will be used on the refurbishment of the Killonan – Knockraha 220kV line starting in July 2010.
The gap conductor, which has a steel core surrounded by aluminum alloy strands, differs from traditional conductors in that the steel core is loose. This enables TLI – using special tools, clamps, and techniques to apply the full weight of the line to the steel core. Because the coefficient of thermal expansion is lower for steel than aluminum, gap conductors sag less under load than traditional conductors, allowing utilities to push more power through them.
This type of installation is complicated, requiring more care than that needed for standard cable. However, with training and practice, TLI predict it will only take 50% longer to install gap conductor than standard steel-cored aluminum conductor.
Although the gap-type conductor is more expensive, and requires more complicated erection methods it provides significant cost savings, both in keeping transmission constraint costs down, and in deferring – or even eliminating – the need for new transmission routes.
There will be a large element of training required and TLI have already carried out additional tower rescue and MEWP training to be ready for the project start date in July.
