Upgradation of Exisiting 66 kv Transmission Line with Suitable HTLS Conductor Technology in Nepal

Utilities in almost all parts of the world face a common obstacle in the construction of new overhead transmission line-obtaining land for their clearway (ROW). Moreover, due to the ever increasing power demand and pressing needs of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, increasing the power transfer capacity of existing transmission line, seems to be the one of the viable solution. The present condition of the existing transmission corridor may be completely different from the one designed years ago. Hence, the selection of suitable HTLS conductor technology considering ruling span and existing tower loadings may not meet the ground clearance requirements. So, evaluating with respect to present conditions like actual ground clearance of the complete transmission corridor, current tower loadings, spotting and weather conditions is more important and would bring cost effective and reliable solution. This paper elaborates the advantages of selecting technology, considering the present conditions of the transmission corridor over the ruling span methodology, in one such case in Nepal (Baneshwar S/S to Bhaktapur S/S). The surveyed data of the existing line has been used in PLS CADD for the selection of suitable HTLS conductor technology to double the power evacuation capacity considering optimum cost and reliability.