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Trevor Robinson
Wellington
Tel 64-4-472 1755. Fax 64-4-472 1766. PO Box 8018 Wellington
trobinson@xtra.co.nz
Solicitor Acting:
H Rosemary Dixon
Contact Energy Limited
Telephone 64-4-462 1284. PO Box 10742, Wellington
rosemary.dixon@contact-energy.co.nz
BOARD OF INQUIRY
HAUURU M RAKI WIND FARM PROPOSAL
In the Matter of the Resource Management Act 1991
And
In the matter of resource consent applications by Contact Wind Limited in
respect of the Hauuru m raki Wind Farm Proposal
And
In the matter of notices of requirement and a resource consent application
by Contact Energy Limited for transmission infrastructure
related to the Hauuru m raki Wind Farm Proposal
BRIEF OF EVIDENCE IN CHIEF OF HENRY KENT
WGTN_DOCS\928374\v1 Page 2
Introduction
1. My name is Henry Kent. I am employed as an Engineering Consultant by
Energy Action Pty Ltd.
2. I have the following qualifications and experience relevant to the evidence I
shall give:
(a) Diploma in Electrical Engineering, NSW University of Technology;
(b) Accepted to Institution of Engineers, Australia;
(c) Convener of CIGRE Australian Panel AP 21 & member of CIGRE
international Study Committee SC 21 HV Insulated Cables - 1984 to
1990 (representing Australian and New Zealand cable industry);
(d) Current member of CIGRE Australian Panel B1 Insulated Cables;
(e) Past member ESAA (Energy Supply Association of Australia) Technical
Advisory Committee Electro-Magnetic Fields;
(f) Extensive experience in cable design, installation & maintenance with
Electricity Commission of NSW - now TransGrid (NSW transmission
company) and later with Integral Energy (NSW distribution company);
(g) Engaged by the Inquiry into the Auckland CBD Power Supply Failure
as chief technical consultant to determine the cause of failure of the
110kV oil filled & gas filled power cables in 1998;
(h) 2000 onwards, with Energy Action Pty Ltd: Provide consulting services
to Utilities & Industry (Cable Design; Condition Assessment &
Monitoring; Project Management and Training);
(i) Currently engaged by ElectraNet (South Australia) as team
leader/cables to assist with technical specification, tender analysis &
installation of 275kV underground cable; and
(j) Currently engaged by Snowy Hydro (NSW Australia) to prepare
technical specification and assist in tender analysis for the removal of
existing 330kV underground cables and installation of replacement
330kV cables at Tumut 1 power station.
3. I confirm that I have read the Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses
contained in the Environment Court Consolidated Practice Note 2006. My
WGTN_DOCS\928374\v1 Page 3
evidence has been prepared in compliance with that Code in the same way
as I would if giving evidence in the Environment Court. In particular, unless
I state otherwise, this evidence is within my sphere of expertise and I have
not omitted to consider material facts known to me that might alter or
detract from the opinions I express.
Scope of Evidence
4. The purpose of my evidence is to assess the costs and practicability of
connecting the proposed Hauuru m raki (HMR) wind farm to the New
Zealand National Grid by means of underground cabling. I and my
colleague George Bucea prepared a detailed report investigating the
feasibility of an underground transmission solution for the HMR wind farm.
Our analysis considered two underground options:
Option 1 - Cross country, taking the shortest route between the exit
point from the wind farm at Limestone Downs and the proposed
switchyard site at Orton;
Option 2 - a more circuitous route using existing public roadways.
5. In addition, we also assessed a partial underground option at the eastern
end of the proposed transmission route, in the vicinity of Orton.
6. We also considered the potential for insertion of sections of single or double
circuit underground cabling into the proposed overhead line, but discounted
that possibility on account of the lack of access for installation and
maintenance, as well as protection co-ordination difficulties between
multiple overhead and underground sections of line.
7. Our report was written in conjunction with a separate report prepared by
Electrix costing the overhead line route for comparison purposes and Mr
Bucea and I prepared a cover report drawing key comparisons between the
underground and overhead line options to enable an overall assessment of
the competing merits of the various options to be made. Our terms of
reference were annexed to our report. It was emphasised to us both in our
terms of reference and in verbal discussions with Contact Energy (Mr Mills)
that the company was open minded as to the option ultimately adopted and
therefore needed a full and fair comparison of their competing merits.
8. Ms Yorke comments in her evidence on the matters canvassed in the
Electrix report.
WGTN_DOCS\928374\v1 Page 4
9. Rather than repeat the detailed analysis contained in our reports, I have
attached them as Appendix 2 to this evidence and will merely set out the
main conclusions that we came to.
Discussion of Report Conclusions
10. The cross country route (Option 1) is totally unsuited to installing
underground extra high voltage cables except at exorbitant cost and
questionable system security. In essence the civil works involved will be
equivalent to creating a new roadway along the entire route plus the
associated cost for the supply and installation of the 220kV cable circuit.
11. The majority of roadways that would be utilised in the public roadway route
(Option 2) considered are on steep slopes with a multitude of sharp bends
and are too narrow for installation of a 220kV cable circuit without major
road upgrades.
12. Even if the necessary upgrades were undertaken, the Baker,
Wairamarama, Onewhero and Matakitaki Roads would still be subject to
lengthy road closures or severe traffic restrictions during cable installation
with no alternative roads (within reasonable distance) available to the
public. The road terrain is subject to landslides, and native soils exhibit the
characteristics of poor thermal resistivity. Such conditions would require
large quantities of imported special cable bedding and back filling at cable
installation to provide for reliable cable operation.
13. Excavated trench material (1.3 to 2 cubic metres per metre length of trench)
followed by importation of an equal quantity of special cable bedding and
backfill and road restoration materials would lead to a construction time for
an underground transmission route in excess of 30 months even by utilising
two simultaneous construction teams for a single cable circuit.
14. To underground a single circuit connection for the total of 38.3km route, had
an assessed cost $278 million. This level of cost for a transmission
connection across uneven rural land seems to me to be totally unusual by
any industry standard that I am aware of. Certainly there is nothing
comparable in Australasia.
15. Since preparation of the original report I have received additional
information (competitive pricing from underground cabling of a shorter
length of similar voltage cable in an urbanised setting) that suggests
WGTN_DOCS\928374\v1 Page 5
undergrounding the HMR wind farm transmission connection along local
roads could be more in the vicinity of $220 million. Even so, this remains
significantly higher than the overhead option.
16. These estimates exclude provision for necessary road upgrades which
would need a separate civil engineering assessment to quantify with any
precision. In my opinion, however, the cost of such upgrades could be in
the vicinity of half the initial capital cost, that is to say approximately another
$100 million.
17. A double circuit overhead transmission line as proposed, provides a
redundancy level of n -1. That is to say one circuit remains capable of
transmitting the full load from the HMR wind farm with the other circuit out
of service, which is a basic requirement for a significant generation plant.
To provide an equivalent level of redundancy by underground cable, a
double circuit would be required. Such an option would lead to further
substantial increases in cost and construction time. The cost increase from
single circuit to double circuit would take initial costs up to $367 million
without provision for road upgrading costs.
18. Lack of data associated with civil works costs that would be necessary to
enable underground cable installation over the terrain involved made a
budget estimate for the greenfields (option 1) undeterminable. However, in
my opinion, the cost would certainly be significantly greater than for option 2
utilising existing local roads. Further, system security is likely to be
compromised through cable faults or damage by interference inadvertedly
caused by others over the life time of the circuit when excavating in what
are isolated areas not likely to contain assets that are not visible. By
comparison, Electrix estimated the additional capital cost of an overhead
double circuit line as being $33 million. In her evidence, Ms Yorke concurs
with the Electrix estimate.
19. The cost difference between underground and overhead circuits is voltage
dependant. That is to say the higher the voltage the higher the incremental
cost of undergrounding. This is why distribution voltage cables up to 33kV
are more likely to be undergrounded than transmission voltage cables.
20. There are also differences between installing cables and other underground
assets. Explanations for this are given in Appendix 5 of our consolidated
report. That Appendix is titled Comparisons between installing 220kV
underground transmission cables and installing other longitudinal
WGTN_DOCS\928374\v1 Page 6
infrastructure for example, high pressure gas or water pipe lines;
underground distribution cables and communication cables.
21. An overhead line would result in least cost and least construction time.
Fault incidents with an overhead line would have short repair times.
22. By comparison, an underground cable would incur a much higher initial
cost, longer construction time and would have major impact on the
community during construction. Fault incidents with an underground cable
would be low but repair times would be long.
23. In our report, we noted that visual impacts, property easement issues and
matters related to electric and magnetic fields could raise some community
concerns, even in a sparsely populated area. I note there are some
submissions on these issues. By comparison, visual impact of underground
cables would be low, but contrary to public perception, underground cables
also generate magnetic fields. Directly above cables magnetic fields are
higher than those directly beneath equivalent overhead lines when
measured at the conventional reference level, that is to say one metre
above ground directly over a cable.
24. Lastly, the easement required for underground high voltage cables is much
narrower than for overhead lines (6 metres as opposed to 42-60 metres).
However, easement restrictions on uses within the corridor above the
underground cable will be more severe than those for overhead lines. This
is to allow immediate and unhindered ability to re-excavate the cable in the
event of a fault, for example and to protect cables from being damaged by
agricultural and other machinery.
25. The partial undergrounding option consisted of undergrounding the last 8
kilometres into the Orton switchyard site at the eastern end of the proposed
line. We assessed an estimated cost for this option of $58 million for a
single circuit and $76 million for a double circuit. These compare to the
estimated cost for that section of the route installed as overhead line of $6
million.
26. Our report contained a summary comparison table of overhead line options
versus underground cable. I produce a copy of that table separately for
convenience as Appendix 1.
27. In summary, the various comparison points indicate to me that a double
circuit overhead transmission line option is by far the preferred option.
WGTN_DOCS\928374\v1 Page 7
28. As part of our report, we commented on the use of underground cabling in
Europe where there is also local community pressure towards installing
underground cables for high voltage transmission networks. We noted that
notwithstanding that pressure, the latest available literature, which
admittedly reflected the position in 2003, suggested that is still only a very
small percentage of high voltage underground cables.
H Kent
Appendix 1
Summary of Comparison Table of Overhead line option vs. Underground Cable
Rating of Options
Overhead Line Underground Cable
Item Criterion Description
Rating Discussion Rating Discussion
Economic cost A measure of the economic
attractiveness of the solution
Initial Capital
Cost
Sum of the total upfront
investment amount
$33 M
(+++)
Based on 25km route $220 M
single
cct.
$367M
double
cct.
(- - -)
Based on 38.3km route, excluding
necessary road upgrades and based
on 600MVA circuit capacity.
1
Life Cycle Cost Effective cost of the
investment brought back to
2008 costs
$66 M
(++)
Life cycle cost including initial
capital cost; cost of losses,
maintenance, refurbishment
and, faults expressed as a Net
Present Value is still lower
than the cable option
$298 M
single
cct.
$387 M
double
cct
(- -)
Life cycle cost including initial capital
cost; cost of losses, maintenance and,
faults expressed as a Net Present
Value is far higher than the overhead
line option
0
0
0
0
0
1
Asset Reliability
and Availability
A measure of how reliable
the system is based upon its
availability
Failure rates Based upon current failure
rates of existing equipment
forced outage per 100km.yr
(-)
Forced
outage
rate
of.34
per
100km/
yr
This figure is based upon the
current Transpower recorded
results of 220kV transmission
lines in New Zealand over the
past 10 years. Auto recloses
for transient faults are not
included in this analysis.
(+)
Forced
outage
rate
0.072
failures
per
100km/yr
Since 220kV failure rates are not
available for New Zealand, this figure
is based upon the Commission of
European communities Background
Paper Undergrounding of Electricity
Lines in Europe- Brussels, December
2003. Cables
Repair times A measure of the time taken
to restore the circuit to
service under fault conditions
(++) Based upon Transpower
records of forced outage repair
time of 1.808 hrs and planned
outage repair time of 17.45
hrs. Overhead lines can be
maintained using live line
techniques which further
reduces the repair times
(- -) Based upon research by MERITEC
on 220kV cable repair times ranging
from 200hrs to 300 hrs.
2
Availability This is based upon the
measure of the circuits
availability and is influenced
by the circuit failure rate and
repair times
(+)
0.996
(p.u.)
Based upon P B Power
analysis on historical 220kV
data as presented in
Transpower Report -2005-
Comparison of Reliability of a
400kV Underground cable with
an Overhead Transmission
Line
(-)
.988
(p.u.)
Based upon P B Power analysis on
probable availability presented in
Transpower Report -2005-
Comparison of Reliability of a 400kV
Underground cable with an Overhead
Transmission Line. The figures
indicate a slightly better availability
associated with the overhead line
configuration.
0
0
0
0
0
2
Environmental
Impact
A measure of the impact the
which each option has on the
environment
During
Construction
Each option has a different
impact on the environment
and local community during
the construction phase
(+ +) Overhead line construction
requires the excavation of
approx 25 m3 of soil per
tower- total of 2100m3.
Construction impact on local
traffic is minimal
(- -) Under ground cable requires the
excavation of approx 500,000 m3
(single circuit of route length 38.3 km)
which has to be disposed with severe
community impact.
An equal quantity of special fill is
required to backfill trenches
Project Duration The length of time taken to
complete the site works
(+) The overhead line can be
constructed over a 12 month
period
(- -) Underground Cable is expected to
take more than 30 months to
complete a 38.3km route
3
Final condition The final condition of each
option reflects the relative
impact on the environment
(- -) Overhead lines are imposing
structures on the landscape
and have a negative visual
impact. Land use is restricted
within the easement which is
much wider than the cable
easement
(+ +) Cable systems pose a minimal visual
impact. Land use within the cable
corridor is subject to easement
restrictions.
0
0
0
0
0
3
Operational A measure by which the
operation and maintenance
of the options affects the
community
Magnetic and
Electric Fields
Overhead lines generate
electric fields whereas
underground cables do not.
When measured at reference
level (one metre above
ground line) magnetic field
generated by underground
cable is higher than that
produced by an overhead
line.
(-) There have been concerns
expressed regarding electric
and magnetic fields and at this
point research is inconclusive.
The overhead transmission
line complies with the ICNIRP
& EU recommendation 1999 -
100T
(-) While there are some shielding
options to minimise magnetic field
generated by underground cables the
reduction factor is modest
4
Noise Noise emission from the
transmission system
(-) Overhead transmission lines
emit noise especially when
there is a high moisture
content in the air. The design
specification for the Franklin
district is 42dbA
(+) Underground cables have no noise
emission
Climatic
Influence
Weather impacts on the
system
(-) Overhead lines are affected by
lightening, winds, snow and
ice
(+) Underground cables are not
influenced by weather
Total Rating 11 (+)
6 (-)
5 (+)
13 (-)
Net Result 5 (+) 8 (-)
0
0
0
0
0
4
Appendix 2
Hauuru m raki Waikato Wind Farm
Connection to 220kV Main Grid
Undergrounding Study
Energy Action Pty Ltd and
Electrix
March 2008 Report
000005
Report
Hauuru m raki
Waikato Wind Farm
Connection to 220kV Main Grid
Undergrounding Study
Prepared for
Contact Energy Ltd
By
Energy Action Pty Ltd and
Electrix
March 2008
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Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The scope called for an in-depth feasibility study of the benefits and
disbenefits of undergrounding a double circuit overhead transmission line,
each circuit of 600MVA.
The undergrounding study is based on a 600MVA single cable circuit;
however, the study also evaluates a double cable circuit (each 400MVA) for
grid security purposes.
The ratio of initial direct cost for single circuit underground cable versus
double circuit overhead line is 8.4 while for a double circuit cable the ratio Is
11.
The resulting conclusions, based on a single cable circuit, are conservative in
comparison to a double circuit underground cable option which would
exacerbate the economic, environmental and logistic issues during
construction.
CONSOLIDATED
REPORT
(This document)
Attachment No. 2
REPORT BY ELECTRIX
Focus:
Overhead Lines
REPORT STRUCTURE
Attachment No. 1
REPORT BY ENERGY
ACTION
Focus:
Underground Cables
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Site inspections were undertaken during January, 2008.
BECA and Wind Farm Group were represented and provided required
assistance during site investigations.
Two undergrounding options were evaluated:
Option 1: Cross country (green field) route and,
Option 2: Using existing public roadways
In addition to the abovementioned total undergrounding options between
Limestone Downs & Orton, a partial undergrounding option at the Eastern
end, in the vicinity of Orton, was also evaluated.
Insertion of sections of single or double circuit underground cable into the
overhead line at intermediate points along the route was also considered but
disregarded on account of lack of access for installation and maintenance as
well as protection coordination difficulties between multiple O/H and U/G
sections.
An overhead line design option prepared earlier for Contact Energy by BECA
was also reviewed.
By all accounts the cross country route is totally unsuited to installing
underground (extra high voltage) cables except at exorbitant cost and
questionable system security. In essence the civil works involved would be
equivalent to creating a new roadway along the entire route plus the
associated cost for the supply and installation of the 220kV cable circuit.
The majority of roadways (Option 2) are on steep slopes with a multitude of
sharp bends and are too narrow for installation of a 220kV cable circuit
without major road upgrades.
Even if the necessary upgrades were undertaken, the Baker, Wairamarama
Onewhero and Matakitaki roads would still be subject to lengthy road closures
or severe traffic restrictions during cable installation with no alternative roads
available to the public.
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Terrain is subject to landslides and native soils exhibit characteristics of poor
thermal resistivity. Such conditions would require large quantities of imported
special cable bedding & backfilling at cable installation to provide for reliable
cable operation.
Excavated trench material (1.3 to 2 cubic metres per metre length of trench)
followed by importation of an equal quantity of special cable bedding and
backfill and road restoration materials would lead to a construction time in
excess of 30 months even by utilising two simultaneous construction teams
for a single cable circuit.
To underground the total 38.3km route at any cost seems totally unusual by
any industry practice.
A double circuit O/H line provides a redundancy level of N-1. (One circuit
capable of transmitting full load with the other out of service).
To provide an equivalent level of redundancy by U/G cable, a double circuit
would be required. Such an option would lead to further substantial increases
in cost and construction time.
A cost comparison summary for a single & double circuit underground cable
installation and for a double circuit overhead line is given in Table 1.
An overhead line would result in least cost and least construction time. While
fault incidence with an overhead line would be relatively high repair times
would be short.
Visual impact, property easement issues and matters related to EMF could
raise some community concern even in a sparsely populated area.
An underground cable would incur much higher initial cost, longer construction
time and have major impact on community during construction.
Fault incidence would be low but repair times long.
Visual impact would be low, but contrary to public perception magnetic field is
higher than for an equivalent overhead line when measured at conventional
reference level; i.e. one metre above ground directly over a cable.
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Table 1: Cost comparison between overhead (O/H) transmission line and
(U/G) underground cable
Route description
Initial Capex
(M$NZ)
Capex plus
O&M (NPV)
(M$NZ)
O/H Line Double
Circuit (25km)
33 66
U/G Single Cct
(25km)
N/A (see Note) N/A (see Note)
Limestone Downs to
Orton: Cross country
(green field) route
U/G Double Cct
(25km)
N/A (see Note) N/A (see Note)
O/H Line Double
Circuit (25km)
33 66
U/G Single Cct
(38.3km)
278 298
Limestone Downs to
Orton:
O/H line
(cross country)
U/G cable
(in existing roads) U/G Double Cct
(38.3km)
367 387
O/H Line Double
Circuit (5km)
6 12
U/G Single Cct
(8.7km)
58 62
Eastern end only:
O/H line
(cross country)
U/G cable
(in existing roads)
U/G Double Cct
(8.7km)
76 81
Note:
Cross country route is totally unsuited to installing underground (extra high
voltage) cables except at exorbitant cost and questionable system security.
Whilst in many European countries there is local community pressure towards
installing underground cables for high voltage transmission networks, there is
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5
still only a very small percentage of high voltage underground cable. Table 2
shows the relative percentages.
1
.
Table 2: Installed Underground Cable European Countries
Extra High Voltage Networks
220kV to 275 kV Country
Km of Network Km of
U/ground
%
Netherlands 648 6 0.9%
UK 3 029 71 2.3%
Germany 21 545 35 0.2%
Denmark 5 578 375 6.5%
Belgium 267 - 0%
Norway 6 049 64 1.1%
Italy 13 641 387 2.8%
France 27 890 813 2.9%
Portugal 4 409 - 0%
Switzerland 5 822 22 0.4%
Despite significant developments in installation practices and wider
introduction of polymeric insulated cables it is evident that even in Europe,
which is densely populated, urban and extremely well developed from an
infrastructure point of view, underground cables still account for only a small
percentage of total networks.
1
Commission of European Communities- Background Paper- Under grounding of Electricity
Lines in Europe Brussels 10 December 2003
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................. 7
2. COMPARISON BETWEEN 220KV OVERHEAD LINES &
UNDERGROUND CABLES.................................................................................. 7
2.1. Cost Comparisons ................................................................................ 8
2.2. Environmental issues..........................................................................10
2.3. Reliability...............................................................................................10
2.4 Repair times ..........................................................................................12
2.5 Efficiency ...............................................................................................13
2.6 Maintenance..........................................................................................13
2.7 Timing and Constructability ..............................................................13
2.8 Comparative Summary .......................................................................14
3 CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................ 19
4 APPENDIX - Scope for Undergrounding Study .................................... 22
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Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
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1. INTRODUCTION
Contact Energy (CEN) plans to construct a purpose-built transmission line to
transport electricity output from a new windfarm on the west coast of the
Waikato region to the main grid connection. The detail of this project is
contained in the final Project Description document prepared for the purposes
of applying for Resource Consents under the Resource Management Act.
The main transmission link to the Grid is proposed to be 220 kV. Current
plans are for the link to be a double circuit overhead transmission line on
tower construction.
CEN has received comments from some landowners whose properties will be
traversed by the proposed transmission line. Several landowners are opposed
to overhead cabling and want the company to instead install underground
cabling.
CEN is open-minded on this issue and has engaged Energy Action Pty Ltd
and Electrix to provide expert advice on the practicability of undergrounding
and comparisons (including benefits and disbenefits) between the two
alternatives refer to APPENDIX Scope for Undergrounding Study.
The undergrounding study is based on a 600MVA single cable circuit;
however, the study also evaluates a double cable circuit (each 400MVA) for
grid security purposes.
2. COMPARISON BETWEEN 220KV OVERHEAD LINES &
UNDERGROUND CABLES
When comparing an overhead transmission line with underground cables it is
important to consider all issues related to the design, construction, operation
and maintenance of both transmission systems including:
Design Criteria: number of circuits, route length, ratings, maximum
operating temperature, nominal voltage, conductor type, cable type,
earthing system, ground conditions, structure types, maximum electric field
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Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
8
strength, maximum magnetic flux density, audible noise level, radio
frequency interference and easement width etc.
Line security status
Reliability
Terrain conditions through which the route passes
Environmental impact during construction and final solution
Aesthetic and visual impact
Life cycle costs which include initial capital costs, cost of losses,
maintenance and refurbishment costs
Constructability and timing, including impact on local community during
construction
Current technology and future upgrading.
2.1. Cost Comparisons
CIGRE (International Council on Large Electric Systems) published a
guideline Comparison of High Voltage Overhead Lines and Underground
Cables [Attachment 1 Ref 7] where, for 220 kV UG/OH circuits, the cost
ratio varies between 5.1 and 21.1.
The guideline cautions that cost estimates should be based on actual site &
environmental conditions as opposed to ratios that can only be a guide at
best.
Accordingly the cost estimates presented in summary Table 1 (Executive
Summary) and in sub-sections (a) to (e) below are based on actual site &
environmental conditions as they apply to this project.
a) Initial capital cost of double circuit, lattice tower, overhead transmission
line, route length 25km: M$NZ 33.
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Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
9
b) Initial capital cost of underground cable circuits in existing roadways in
existing conditions between Limestone Downs and Orton 220kV Switching
Station, route length 38.3km :
Single circuit: M$NZ 278 (*)
Double circuit: M$NZ 367 (*)
(*) The cost estimates do not take into consideration the cost to upgrade the
roads to meet cable installation conditions.
c) Cost of single or double circuit underground cable through green field
sites.
Lack of data associated with costs of civil works (access roads, bridges,
directional drilled ducts, etc) that will be necessary to meet cable installation
conditions in this type of terrain makes a budget estimate impossible without a
prior detailed civil engineering assessment. However, the cost would certainly
be significantly greater than that for option (b) above.
In addition to the abovementioned total undergrounding options between
Limestone Downs & Orton, a partial undergrounding option at the Eastern
end, in the vicinity of Orton, was also evaluated - refer to estimated costs in
(d) & (e) below.
d) Initial capital cost of single circuit underground cable in predominantly
sealed roads (Orton 220kV Switching Station to required Orton Transition
Point, route length 8.7 km): M$NZ58.
i.e. an increase of approximately M$NZ52 above that of a double circuit
overhead line.
e) Initial capital cost of double circuit underground cable in predominantly
sealed roads (Orton 220kV Switching Station to required Orton Transition
Point, route length 8.7 km): M$NZ76
i.e. an increase of approximately M$NZ70 above that of a double circuit
overhead line.
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Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
10
2.2. Environmental issues
For the purposes of this study Visual and EMF (electromagnetic fields) issues
were considered in particular. Comparative observations are as follows:
Underground cables exhibit minimal visual impact.
Overhead transmission lines on the other hand are large structures
and create a visual impact. However, particular design solutions can be
adopted to minimise the visual impact by keeping structures below ridgelines
and out of sight where possible. In addition the route can be selected to
minimise the impact on any natural bush, areas of environmental, ecological
or archaeological significance.
Overhead lines generate electric fields whereas underground cables
do not exhibit any external electric field.
When measured at reference level (one metre above ground line)
magnetic field generated by underground cable is substantially higher than
that produced by an equivalent overhead line. While there are some shielding
options to minimise magnetic field generated by underground cables the
reduction factor is modest.
In respect of other environmental issues a review of environmental factors
(REF) study is recommended on approval of the selected system option.
2.3. Reliability
A measure of underground and overhead transmission line reliability is the
rate at which they fail or are subjected to outages. Outages can be forced
(due to a problem on the network), or planned. Overhead transmission lines
are often subjected to transient faults which are normally cleared via an
automatic reclose. These faults are not considered in this analysis as they are
normally cleared within a few seconds.
000016
Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
11
Outage rates are measured by considering the number of outages per 100
circuit kilometres. Transpower prepared a report which highlighted the outage
rates for forced and planned outages. Since these figures are a record of the
10 year period between July 1992 and June 2004, they are considered
appropriate for this analysis. The results are as follows:
Forced Outage Rate 0.34 per 100km per annum
Planned outage rate 0.92 per 100km per annum
When considering underground cable outage rates, there is no data for New
Zealand since there is little 220kV cable installed. For the purposes of this
analysis, figures from the report Commission of European Communities-
Background Paper- Undergrounding of Electricity Lines in Europe Brussels 10
December 2005 which indicate the following:
Average Failure Rate 0.072 per 100km per annum
Planned Failure Rate 2.5 per 100km per annum
This figure was confirmed by a DISCAB Group on figures over the past 12
years and was presented at the ICF Congress in Barcelona. Other reports
including CIGRE and various American studies show varying rates from 1.4 to
4.1 faults per circuit kilometre.
For this analysis the rate of .072 has been used which equates to the
following expected outages for a 25 km long overhead line and a 38.3 km long
underground cable.
O/H Line U/G Cable Ratio
Outage Rate-
forced
0.34 /100km 0.072/100km -4.7
No expected
outages/annum
0.085 per annum 0.027 per annum -3.1
Total no outages
40 years
3.4 outages 1.08 -3.1
Outage Rate-
Planned
0.92 /100km 2.5/100km 2.6
No expected
outages/annum
0.23 per annum 0.95 per annum 4.1
Total no outages
40 years
9.2 outages 38 outages 4.1
000017
Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
12
From the above it is evident that underground cables have a better reliability
rate based upon forced outages but require more planned outages. In
addition there are reported data which indicate the reverse, depending on the
sample size, type of cable analysed etc. However for the purposes of this
report and based upon recent developments in cable technology, the figures
used are believed to be representative.
Note: The abovementioned data is based on service experience related to
U/G cables installed in accessible and secure environments including
established roadways, parks and reserves.
A cross country route is more likely to be adversely affected by third party
damage and prevailing terrain conditions resulting in reduced system reliability
and security.
2.4 Repair times
Another important factor to be considered is the repair time and how that
affects the availability of the circuit. It is a well known fact that the repair time
of overhead lines is significantly shorter than that for underground cables. In
addition some repair activities for overhead lines can be performed live and
thus the outage rate can be reduced.
Results for the last 10 years from Transpowers records for overhead lines
show the following:
Average repair time for forced outages 1.808 hrs
Planned maintenance average 17.45 hrs
Studies conducted by consultants Meritec show the following repair times for
underground cables specific to New Zealand conditions:
Average Underground (XLPE) Cable repair time 200hrs to 300 hrs.
Based upon the failure rate and the repair times, availability per unit can be
calculated. This is based upon the outage rate and the total number of hours
000018
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13
per year. Using the figures above, the following availability per unit is
expected.
Overhead Line Underground Cable Ratio
Availability per unit . 9962 p.u. 9802 p.u. 1.01
This availability is based upon the fact that the underground cable option is a
single circuit system. Introduction of a dual circuit will significantly enhance
the system availability.
2.5 Efficiency
The efficiency of a transmission system is dependent upon the losses. In
general losses in overhead lines are due to Joule heating i.e. the resistive
losses; however, in underground cables in addition to Joule losses there are
dielectric losses and losses in cable metallic sheaths. Reference: Attachment
1 Appendix 2 & 6.
The losses for overhead line (4145kW) and for a single circuit underground
cable (4125kW) specific to this project are included in the NPV calculations in
Attachments 1 and 2.
2.6 Maintenance
Maintenance aspects related to underground cables are given in detail in
Attachment 1 Section 4.6 and for overhead lines in Attachment 2 Section 6.4.
2.7 Timing and Constructability
Construction of a transmission line through a type of terrain encountered
between Limestone Downs and Orton is restricted by access to the tower
sites. In some cases access will possibly only be by helicopter due to the
restrictions of native bush and the terrain.
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Construction of the overhead transmission line is dependent on the resources
allocated. With 4 foundation crews, 4 tower erection crews and 2 large
conductoring crews, the line could be constructed within 12 months. However
due to the nature of the terrain, winter work would be significantly more
difficult and hazardous, particularly in the Limestone Downs area. It is
therefore suggested that an 18month construction period be allocated to
ensure that optimum productivity is achieved during the summer months.
The estimated installation time for a 38.3km cable circuit in roadways is
approximately 62 months; however this period could be halved by utilising two
independent cable contractors.
2.8 Comparative Summary
Details of overhead line and the underground cable alternatives are discussed
in detail in the two attached reports focusing specifically on underground
cables (Attachment 1) and overhead lines (Attachment 2).
Since a number of attributes of both alternatives are quantifiable and others
are subjective, a comparison is given in Table 2 where each criteria is
weighted as either (+), (++), (+++) or (-), (- -), (- - -) depending on the scale of
the difference between the attributes.
000020
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Table 2
Summary of Comparison Table of Overhead line option vs. Underground Cable
Rating of Options
Overhead Line Underground Cable
Item Criterion Description
Rating Discussion Rating Discussion
Economic cost A measure of the
economic attractiveness of
the solution
Initial Capital
Cost
Sum of the total upfront
investment amount
$33 M
(+++)
Based on 25km route $278 M
single
cct.
$367M
double
cct.
(- - -)
Based on 38.3km route, excluding
necessary road upgrades.
1
Life Cycle Cost Effective cost of the
investment brought back to
2008 costs
$66 M
(++)
Life cycle cost including
initial capital cost; cost of
losses, maintenance,
refurbishment and, faults
expressed as a Net Present
Value is still lower than the
cable option
$298 M
single
cct.
$387 M
double
cct
(- -)
Life cycle cost including initial
capital cost; cost of losses,
maintenance and, faults expressed
as a Net Present Value is far
higher than the overhead line
option
0
0
0
0
2
1
Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
16
Asset
Reliability and
Availability
A measure of how reliable
the system is based upon
its availability
Failure rates Based upon current failure
rates of existing equipment
forced outage per
100km.yr
(-)
Forced
outage
rate
of.34
per
100km
/yr
This figure is based upon
the current Transpower
recorded results of 220kV
transmission lines in New
Zealand over the past 10
years. Auto recloses for
transient faults are not
included in this analysis.
(+)
Forced
outage
rate
0.072
failures
per
100km/y
r
Since 220kV failure rates are not
available for New Zealand, this
figure is based upon the
Commission of European
communities Background Paper
Undergrounding of Electricity Lines
in Europe- Brussels, December
2003. Cables
Repair times A measure of the time
taken to restore the circuit
to service under fault
conditions
(++) Based upon Transpower
records of forced outage
repair time of 1.808 hrs and
planned outage repair time
of 17.45 hrs. Overhead
lines can be maintained
using live line techniques
which further reduces the
repair times
(- -) Based upon research by MERITEC
on 220kV cable repair times
ranging from 200hrs to 300 hrs.
2
Availability This is based upon the
measure of the circuits
availability and is
influenced by the circuit
failure rate and repair
times
(+)
0.996
(p.u.)
Based upon P B Power
analysis on historical 220kV
data as presented in
Transpower Report -2005-
Comparison of Reliability of
a 400kV Underground cable
with an Overhead
Transmission Line
(-)
.988
(p.u.)
Based upon P B Power analysis on
probable availability presented in
Transpower Report -2005-
Comparison of Reliability of a
400kV Underground cable with an
Overhead Transmission Line. The
figures indicate a slightly better
availability associated with the
overhead line configuration.
0
0
0
0
2
2
Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
17
Environmental
Impact
A measure of the impact
the which each option has
on the environment
During
Construction
Each option has a different
impact on the environment
and local community
during the construction
phase
(+ +) Overhead line construction
requires the excavation of
approx 25 m3 of soil per
tower- total of 2100m3.
Construction impact on
local traffic is minimal
(- -) Under ground cable requires the
excavation of approx 500,000 m3
(single circuit of route length 38.3
km) which has to be disposed with
severe community impact.
An equal quantity of special fill is
required to backfill trenches
Project
Duration
The length of time taken to
complete the site works
(+) The overhead line can be
constructed over a 12
month period
(- -) Underground Cable is expected to
take more than 30 months to
complete a 38.3km route
3
Final condition The final condition of each
option reflects the relative
impact on the environment
(- -) Overhead lines are
imposing structures on the
landscape and have a
negative visual impact.
Land use is restricted within
the easement which is
much wider than the cable
easement
(+ +) Cable systems pose a minimal
visual impact. Land use within the
cable corridor is subject to
easement restrictions.
0
0
0
0
2
3
Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
18
Operational A measure by which the
operation and
maintenance of the options
affects the community
Magnetic and
Electric Fields
Overhead lines generate
electric fields whereas
underground cables do
not. When measured at
reference level (one metre
above ground line)
magnetic field generated
by underground cable is
higher than that produced
by an overhead line.
(-) There have been concerns
expressed regarding
electric and magnetic fields
and at this point research is
inconclusive. The overhead
transmission line complies
with the ICNIRP & EU
recommendation 1999 -
100T
(-) While there are some shielding
options to minimise magnetic field
generated by underground cables
the reduction factor is modest
4
Noise Noise emission from the
transmission system
(-) Overhead transmission
lines emit noise especially
when there is a high
moisture content in the air.
The design specification for
the Franklin district is
42dbA
(+) Underground cables have no noise
emission
Climatic
Influence
Weather impacts on the
system
(-) Overhead lines are affected
by lightening, winds, snow
and ice
(+) Underground cables are not
influenced by weather
Total Rating 11 (+)
6 (-)
5 (+)
13 (-)
Net Result 5 (+) 8 (-)
0
0
0
0
2
4
Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
19
3 CONCLUSIONS
a) Installation of a high capacity underground 220kV cable circuit cross
country (green field site) between Limestone Downs and Orton is not
practical in terms of installation techniques & system security and
would be at very high cost. However, an overhead transmission line is
feasible and is the recommended option.
b) Installation of an underground cable circuit in existing public
roadways using the most direct route (Baker Rd., Wairamarama
Onewhero Rd., Matakitaki Rd., Highway 22; and Otuiti Rd) is feasible.
However, Baker; Wairamarama Onewhero and, Matakitaki Roads
would require significant widening to accommodate construction of a
220kV single or double circuit cable installation. No alternative road
options were considered due to extensive distances involved.
c) Should the road widening option be adopted cable installation would
be feasible. However, even under this option significant traffic
disruption and public inconvenience would occur during cable
installation (trench excavation, cable laying, back-filling and cable
jointing and road restoration).
d) Installation of cables in ducts, which would have a lesser
inconvenience level, is not feasible due to the proliferation of road
bends and terrain profile. The only option would be a direct laid
installation involving a series of trench excavations (each 500 to 700
metres long) to accommodate sequential installation works in
accordance with industry practice.
e) Outages of overhead lines are caused primarily by the following
factors:
Flashovers due to lightning strikes
Accidental contacts either due to man/machine, vegetation or
birds
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Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
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Flashover due to insulator contamination
Most of the outages on overhead lines are caused by temporary
phenomena and the lines are usually restored to service by automatic
re-closure.
f) Outages of underground cables are generally caused by either a
failure of the cable insulation or third party damage eg. excavation /
directional drilling etc in the vicinity of the cable.
Outages to underground cables are usually extensive and require
significant repair time before they can be restored to service.
g) Under the proposal a double circuit overhead transmission line is
envisaged which would provide N-1 system reliability.
For an equivalent level of system reliability a double circuit
underground cable would be required - with its associated increased
installation time and cost.
h) In respect of environmental impacts the following comparisons apply:
Underground cables exhibit minimal visual impact.
Overhead transmission lines on the other hand are large structures
and create a visual impact. However, particular design solutions can
be adopted to minimise the visual impact by keeping structures
below ridgelines and out of sight where possible. In addition the
route can be selected to minimise the impact on natural bush, areas
of environmental, ecological or archaeological significance.
Overhead lines generate electric fields whereas underground
cables do not exhibit any external electric field.
When measured at reference level (one metre above ground line)
magnetic field level from an underground cable is substantially
higher than that from an overhead line. While there are some
shielding options to minimise magnetic field generated by
underground cables the reduction factor is modest and even so
remaining field is still high.
000026
Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
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Contrary to public perception high voltage underground cables also
require easements, 6 metres wide, along the entire cable route for
the safe operation and access for maintenance & repairs. Easement
restrictions are more severe than those for overhead lines.
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Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
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4 APPENDIX - Scope for Undergrounding Study
Background
Contact Energy (CEN) plans to construct a purpose-built transmission line to
transport electricity output from a new windfarm on the west coast of the
Waikato region to the main grid connection. The detail of this project is
contained in the final Project Description document prepared for the purposes
of applying for Resource Consents under the Resource Management Act. A
copy of this report is attached to this scope.
The transmission lines both for internal lines, interconnecting the substations
and for the main line are proposed to be 220 kV. Current plans are for the
internal lines to be single circuit on pole construction, and the external line will
be double circuit on tower construction.
CEN has received submissions from some landowners whose properties will
be traversed by the proposed transmission line. Several landowners are
opposed to overhead cabling and want the company to instead install
underground cabling.
CEN is open-minded on this issue and has undertaken to seek expert advice
on the practicability of undergrounding and comparisons between the two
alternatives.
The company is not an electricity lines business and is not therefore
constrained by any New Zealand statutory regulation governing the pricing
aspects of its transmission lines. Instead CEN operates in a competitive
market for the pricing of its daily offer of electricity generation. CEN does not
have any material existing investment in overhead transmission assets, nor an
inventory to support such infrastructure.
The company requires an in-depth study of the benefits and disbenefits of
underground transmission lines versus overhead lines. The study should
address the following matters.
000028
Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
23
Scope of Study
Analyse the preferred route in the context of terrain, geotechnical and
any other issues that would impact upon the practicability of
underground cabling of 220kV circuits;
Consider whether a more efficient and lower cost route could be
adopted for an undergrounding project such as, for example, burying
cable along existing roading networks;
Review overseas trends in underground cabling practices in developed
countries and assess any recent improvements in technology that
make undergrounding comparatively more practicable than in the past;
Prepare typical installation concept (e.g. typical installation cross
sections of key aspects of the cables and terminal stations).
Prepare an indicative route based on available contour data which
would provide at least the equivalent reliability, redundancy and
functionality of the alternative proposed overhead line.
Compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages including such
aspects as:
o reliability,
o efficiency,
o maintenance,
o environmental impacts of the installation and ongoing operations
e.g. trenching, radiation effects etc
o typical easement width required to install and then operate,
o any restriction on the land during operations,
o construction timeline,
o installation techniques,
o equipment transport issues of undergrounding concept versus
overhead line in the context of this specific project; and
Provide an estimate of the comparative costs of either methodology
assuming that most recent technology is adopted for undergrounding
000029
Waikato Wind Farm - Connection to 220kV Main Grid - Undergrounding Study March 2008
24
and the optimal corridor is chosen to implement such an alternative.
The assessment should include, if possible, an assessment of
comparative ongoing maintenance costs, and possible incremental
revenue arising from lower transmission losses that might arise from
the selection of one or other alternative.
000030
Report
Hauuru m raki
Waikato Wind Farm
Connection to 220kV Main Grid
Undergrounding Study
ATTACHMENT No. 1 OF THE CONSOLIDATED REPORT
Prepared for
Contact Energy Ltd
By
Energy Action Pty Ltd
Authors: Henry Kent and
George Bucea
March 2008
000031
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................ 2
2. UNERDGROUND CABLE ROUTE OPTIONS BASED ON SITE
INSPECTIONS...................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Option 1: Cross country (Green Field) route .........................................3
2.2 Option 2: Installing cables in existing roadways..................................5
3. REVIEW OF OVERSEAS TRENDS IN HIGH VOLTAGE UNDERGROUND
CABLING PRACTICES ........................................................................................ 7
4. COSTS AND CHARACTERISTICS PERTAINING TO 220KV
UNDERGROUND CABLE OPTIONS ................................................................... 9
4.1. Cost and basis for calculation..................................................................9
4.2. Cable losses ............................................................................................... 10
4.3. Availability................................................................................................... 12
4.4. Reliability and repair times...................................................................... 12
4.5. Efficiency..................................................................................................... 13
4.6. Maintenance XLPE insulated cables .................................................. 13
4.7. Electromagnetic field (EMF) .................................................................... 14
4.8. Easements................................................................................................... 15
4.9. Reactive power compensation Critical length of cable circuit ..... 16
5. CONSTRUCTION TIME FRAME CASE STUDIES................................... 16
5.1 Single circuit: Orton 220kV Switching Station (along Otuiti Rd) to
OH/UG transition point near Fleming Rd., 8.7 km route length................... 16
5.2 Double circuit: Orton 220kV Switching Station (along Otuiti Rd) to
OH/UG transition point near Fleming Rd., 8.7 km route length................... 17
5.3 Orton 220kV Switching Station Limestone Downs 33/220kV
Substation 38.3km route length...................................................................... 18
6. REFERENCES............................................................................................. 18
7. APPENDICES.............................................................................................. 19
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Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
2
1. INTRODUCTION
Contact Energy (CEN) plans to construct a purpose-built transmission line to
transport electricity output from a new wind farm on the west coast of the Waikato
region to the main grid connection. The detail of this project is contained in the
final draft Project Description document prepared for the purposes of applying for
Resource Consents under the Resource Management Act.
The main transmission link to the Grid is proposed to be 220 kV. Current plans
are for the link to be a double circuit overhead line on tower construction.
CEN has received submissions from some landowners whose properties will be
traversed by the proposed transmission line. Several landowners are opposed to
overhead cabling and want the company to instead install underground cabling.
CEN is open-minded on this issue and has engaged Energy Action Pty Ltd and
Electrix to provide expert advice on the practicability of undergrounding and
comparisons (including benefits and disbenefits) between the two alternatives.
2. UNERDGROUND CABLE ROUTE OPTIONS BASED ON SITE
INSPECTIONS
The high cost of underground cables determines that, at the initial planning stage,
the shortest possible route is considered. In this case this is a direct line, cross
country, between Limestone Downs and Orton.
Next it is necessary to examine practicalities imposed by the terrain for example,
access for plant & materials; geo-technical data (ground conditions including
ground stability and soil thermal resistivity); and, the requirement or otherwise of
special installation features such as cable bridges, micro-tunnels, flexible troughs
(in unstable ground); directional drilling options and the like.
More recently environmental considerations and community concerns have
played an increasing part in route selection often eliminating shortest route
options.
Included in this context are:
Impacts to flora & fauna during construction stages
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Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
3
Long term visual impacts by virtue of sterilising wooded areas by the
establishment of 6 metre wide easements for safe circuit operation and
maintenance access
Disruption to traffic during construction
EMF
It is recommended that on approval of the project a review of environmental
factors (REF) study be performed.
The sheer size and complexity of 220kV underground cable circuits pose greater
installation challenges in comparison to other longitudinal infrastructure projects
including gas and water pipelines. (refer to Appendix 5)
2.1 Option 1: Cross country (Green Field) route
The landscape between the proposed 33/220kV substation at Limestone Downs
and the point of connection of the proposed 220kV transmission link to the main
grid near Orton consists of undulating terrain, lightly wooded in places, with a
continuous interspersion of relatively deep gullies and ridges [Photo No. 1]
moderating somewhat toward Orton [Photo No. 2]. See also Contour Maps (Ref.
Appendix 4)
Photo No. 1
Photo No. 2
The countryside is essentially rural in nature with very few dwellings along the
38.3 km road route.
000034
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
4
Composition of the ground is an overburden (soil) which may contain volcanic
ash and weak alluvial deposits prone to landslides [Photo No. 3].
Photo No. 3
The overburden (soil) has a high thermal resistivity. This would present a barrier
to heat flow (from the cable to ambient air) and could lead to the cable becoming
overheated and fail unless the cable is bedded and back-filled with a thermally
stable mix such as a weak sand/cement mix or similar.
Such landscape presents many challenges to the installation of an underground
cable which, by virtue of the power it has to transmit from the wind farm complex,
would consist of three single-core cables for a single circuit and six single core
cables for a double circuit.
Note: Underground HV power cables of voltage above 132kV are only of single-core
construction.
Typical single-core HV cable Typical three-core HV cable
Land slides
000035
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
5
A single core 220kV cable, rated 600MVA, would have a diameter of
approximately 120mm and weigh approximately 25 kg per metre.
Normally this type of cable is installed in a trench one metre deep and one metre
wide (for a single circuit) or around 1.6 metre wide for double circuit.
Major challenges include:
Creating access from existing roadways for excavators and trucks to remove
approximately 1.2 to 1.7 m of spoil per lineal metre of cable trench.
Transporting to site(s) approximately 200 drums of cable (each around 20
tonnes)
Importing 1.2 to 1.7 m, per lineal metre, of suitable cable trench backfill
material (comprising a weak mix of sand & cement having proper thermal
quality), protective concrete covers and backfill
Re-vegetating & stabilising the route to original green field condition
Negotiating with various land owners a continuous, six meter wide, easement
along the entire cable route and vehicular access to it from existing roadways.
In essence the exercise would be equivalent to creating a new roadway between
Limestone Downs and Orton suitable to accommodate heavy vehicles,
excavators and cranes refer Section 5.2 below.
Contrary to existing roadways (which were constructed on ridge tops) the cable
corridor may require bridges, directional drilling, ducts & micro tunnels.
In summary, the green field sites are totally unsuited to installing underground
cables except at exorbitant cost.
2.2 Option 2: Installing cables in existing roadways
The shortest road route between Limestone Downs and Orton comprises
sections of Baker Rd., Wairamarama Onewhero Rd., Matakitaki Rd., Highway 22;
and Otuiti Rd.
Most roads are winding, unsealed and of insufficient width to accommodate
underground cables of the required capacity
000036
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
6
In particular, Baker Rd. [Photos 4 & 5], Wairamarama Onewhero Rd. and
Matakitaki Rd. are totally unsuitable for excavation of the required size cable
trench and installation of large capacity power cables without road upgrading.
Below are shown typical examples of roadways:
Photo No.4 Photo No.5
000037
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
7
There are issues with:
Extended road closures for many weeks or even months continuously, with no
alternative routes available for other road users, during excavating 700 meter
long sections of trench at a time, installing cables, back-filling & reinstating
the area.
Sections of road barely four metres wide requiring considerable upgrading to
accommodate conditions for cable installation refer Section 5.
The composition (high thermal resistivity) of the native ground (beneath the
gravel) requiring vast quantities of special cable bedding to be obtained and
transported to site (further road closures).
Installation of an underground cable in existing public roadways using the most
direct route (Baker Rd., Wairamarama Onewhero Rd., Matakitaki Rd., Highway
22; and Otuiti Rd) is feasible. However, Baker; Wairamarama Onewhero and,
Matakitaki Roads would require significant widening to accommodate
construction of a 220kV cable installation. No alternative road options were
considered due to extensive distances involved.
To underground the total 38.3km route without road widening is impractical
considering the size & weight of machinery involved for the project - refer Section
5.2.
Even if road widening was undertaken significant traffic disruption and public
inconvenience could still be expected during cable installation.
The situation is substantially improved closer to Orton where roads are wider and
generally sealed.
3. REVIEW OF OVERSEAS TRENDS IN HIGH VOLTAGE
UNDERGROUND CABLING PRACTICES
Recent developments in high voltage cable technology that make
undergrounding cable installation projects more practical and cost effective
include:
000038
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
8
a) Use of polymeric insulated cables, including polyethylene (PE) and cross-
liked polyethylene (XLPE) in lieu of paper insulated pressure assisted
cable types.
Significant savings in manpower and installation & maintenance times are
achieved through the use of polymeric cables.
The absence of impregnating fluid in paper insulated fluid-filled cable has
eliminated the possibility of potential environmental issues arising out of
fluid leaking from faulty or damaged cables.
b) Introduction of pre-fabricated joints and terminations specific to polymeric
cables - reducing complexity of installation and time.
Laborious application of taping insulated layers in jointing operations has
been replaced with assembling of pre-fabricated and pre-tested
component parts.
c) Use of mechanised systems for cable laying including motorised rollers,
hauling machines and winches all integrated via a computerised
monitoring system to control longitudinal & radial stresses during laying
operations.
d) Directional drilling and micro-tunneling
These methods eliminate expensive and time consuming deep trench
excavations to overcome natural and man-made obstacles
e) Special laying methods for use in unstable ground conditions for example
flexible troughing and bedding materials.
f) Modular, transportable jointing enclosures with associated facilities
including humidity, temperature & dust control and in-built facilities to
handle heavy components.
000039
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
9
4. COSTS AND CHARACTERISTICS PERTAINING TO 220KV
UNDERGROUND CABLE OPTIONS
4.1. Cost and basis for calculation
Prysmian provided cost estimates and technical data for supply and installation of
single and double circuit underground 220kV cables refer Appendices 2 and 3.
Recent projects tend to suggest that the cost of civil works equates to the cost of
cable and accessories especially in difficult environments.
The abovementioned data is used in the following cost estimates:
a) Cost of underground cable circuits in existing roadways in existing
conditions between Limestone Downs and Orton 220kV Switching Station, route
length 38.3km :
CABLE CIRCUIT TYPE INITIAL COST (M$NZ) WHOLE OF LIFE COST
(M$NZ)
SINGLE 278(*) 298
DOUBLE 367(*) 387
(*) The cost estimates do not take into consideration the cost of necessary road
upgrades to meet cable installation conditions. It is estimated that the cost of
such road upgrades could be in the vicinity of half the Initial Costs stated above
albeit that a separate civil engineering review of road upgrades is required.
b) Cost of single or double circuit underground cable through green field sites
was not undertaken due to lack of data associated with costs of civil works
(bridges, directional drilled ducts, etc) that will be necessary to meet cable
installation conditions.
In addition to the abovementioned total undergrounding options between
Limestone Downs & Orton a partial undergrounding option in the vicinity of Orton
was also evaluated refer cost estimated (c) & (d) below.
000040
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
10
c) Initial capital cost of single circuit underground cable in predominantly
sealed roads (Orton 220kV Switching Station to Orton Transition Point, route
length 8 km): M$NZ58
d) Initial capital cost of double circuit underground cable in predominantly
sealed roads (Orton 220kV Switching Station to Orton Transition Point, route
length 8 km): M$NZ76
4.2. Cable losses
Cable losses were calculated from information provided by Prysmian (refer
Appendix 2) and included in the NPV calculations below.
NET PRESENT VALUE UNDERGROUND CABLE
SINGLE CIRCUIT 600 MVA
Initial Investment for Underground Cable ($ NZ)
C
o.ug
1.137 10
6
:=
C
f.ug
20 10
3
:=
Operational costs for underground Cable including
losses and maintenance per annum ($ NZ)
Fault costs for underground Cable per annum ($
NZ)
i 5% :=
Capitalisation Index
Evaluation period 40 years -effective life of the
system
NPV
ug
C
i.ug
1
n
j
C
o.ug
C
f.ug
+
( )
1
1 i +
|
\
|
|
.
j
(
(
=
+ :=
n 40 :=
NPV
ug
297.853 10
6
=
C
i.ug
278 10
6
:=
000041
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
11
DOUBLE CIRCUIT 2 X 400 MVA
Initial Investment for Underground Cable ($
NZ)
C
i.ug
367 10
6
:=
C
o.ug
1.137 10
6
:= Operational costs for underground Cable
including losses and maintenance per annum
($ NZ)
C
f.ug
20 10
3
:=
Fault costs for underground Cable per annum
($ NZ)
Capitalisation Index
i 5 % :=
Evaluation period 40 years -effective life of
the system
n 40 :=
NPV
ug
C
i.ug
1
n
j
C
o.ug
C
f.ug
+
( )
1
1 i +
|
\
|
|
.
j
(
(
=
+ :=
NPV
ug
386.853 10
6
=
000042
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
12
4.3. Availability
Outages of underground cables are generally caused by third party damage, bad
workmanship during cable installation & jointing or manufacturing defects.
Outages to underground cables are usually extensive and require significant
repair time before they can be restored to service.
4.4. Reliability and repair times
Reliability is significantly affected by quality of materials, quality of workmanship
during installation & maintenance.
The incidence of underground cable faults is low, but outages are of long duration
due to repair times involved refer to example below:
Example:
Considering the most likely condition i.e. third party damage to one of three single
core cables in a cable circuit the following actions are involved:
o Fault location and site assessment
o Mobile plant & personnel, excavate fault location & assess damage,
cut & cap cable
o Excavate trench & two joint bays
o Concrete joint bay slabs and install joint bay cover
o Transport to site cable & joints
o Lay & joint cable
o Bedding, back-filling, mechanical protection of cable & joints
o Electrical tests
o Reinstate area
Total time to repair a single fault, assuming availability of spares and local 220kV
jointers is estimated at 200 to 300 hours.
000043
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
13
4.5. Efficiency
The efficiency of a transmission system is dependent on electrical losses.
For underground cables, in addition to Ohmic losses, there are other component
losses dependent on cable configuration (single-core cables) and type of
bonding system of cable metallic sheaths or/and screens.
The basic concept of management of cable losses is presented in Appendix 6
4.6. Maintenance XLPE insulated cables
Contrary to some popular perception underground transmission cables,
regardless of type, do require regular maintenance including:
o Perform electrical tests to verify integrity of anti-corrosion jacket:
2 x 2 mandays/pa
o Perform electrical tests to verify cross-bonding system including sheath
voltage limiters, link boxes and local earthing:
2 x 2 mandays/pa
o Inspect all above ground structures, cable termination supports, bridges,
cable route markers & general route patrol: 1 manday/pa
o Inspect termination including thermo-vision checks: 1 manday/pa
o Partial discharge tests; 2 x 5 mandays/pa
o Verify & interrogate/evaluate performance of DTS (distributed temperature
sensing) system: 2mandays/pa
Total:
o 8 km single circuit route: 22 mandays/pa @ $NZ60/hr = $NZ 11,000/pa
o 8 km double circuit route: 42mandays/pa @ $NZ60/hr = $NZ 21,000/pa
o 38.3 km route: 106 mandays/pa @ $NZ60/hr = $NZ 53,000/pa
000044
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
14
4.7. Electromagnetic field (EMF)
For comparative circuit loads underground cables exhibit significantly higher
levels of magnetic fields in comparison to overhead lines. Field reduction
techniques, including special configuration of single core cables and shielding
methods can reduce levels by up to around 10 to 20%
Underground cables exhibit no external electric field
The magnitude of magnetic field intensity [milliGauss] or [micro-Tesla] is not
related to the cable type, conductor size or metallic sheath. The geometric
arrangement of single-core cables plays a major role in EMF magnetic field
intensity.
The single-core cables could be installed in trefoil, flat or L touching or spaced
formations.
0.1
1
10
100
1000
-20 -18 -16 -14 -12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
x - axis [m] - Lateral distance from cable circuit
M
a
g
n
i
t
u
d
e
o
f
E
M
F
[
m
G
]
[One circuit
Reference
Single Circuit
600MVA/1420A
Magnetic field magnitude produced by a single cable circuit carrying 600MVA
The trefoil touching formation produces the lowest level of magnetic field.
In case of double circuit the forward phase sequence phase sequence (R-Y-B /
B-Y-R) generates smaller magnetic field than (R-Y-B / R-Y-B) phase sequence.
000045
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
15
In this case, if the two circuits are in close proximity, the magnetic field intensity is
smaller that that produced by a single circuit.
Internationally there is not a consensus on magnetic field exposure levels.
0.1
1
10
100
1000
-2
0
-1
8
-1
6
-1
4
-1
2
-1
0
-8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
x - axis [m] - Distance from the median axis
M
a
g
n
i
t
u
d
e
o
f
E
M
F
{
m
G
]
[
One circuit
two circuit
Reference
Magnetic field magnitude produced by a double cable circuit carrying
400MWA (360MW) /1050A
4.8. Easements
High voltage cables require easements, 6 metres wide, along the entire
cable route for the safe operation and access for maintenance & repairs.
Easement conditions apply.
Generally easements restrictions include:
o No buildings or other built encroachments
o No stored materials that affect heat dissipation from cables
o No deep rooted vegetation
o No inflammable materials
o No earthworks without prior asset owner approval
o Unrestricted access
000046
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
16
4.9. Reactive power compensation Critical length of cable
circuit
In cases involving long cable circuits, the compensation of charging current
requires installation of shunt reactors connected at one end or both end of cable
circuits which are selected based on specialised system studies by taking into
consideration cable specific data and system parameters.
In consideration of a 38.3km long cable the effects of reactive power
compensation with respect to critical length was evaluated refer Appendix 7.
From that evaluation it is concluded that the capacitive charge has no noticeable
impact on cable rating capacity.
5. CONSTRUCTION TIME FRAME CASE STUDIES
A time line outlining actual installation works shall be prepared once detailed local
site conditions are established; however, the following guidelines apply for a large
capacity, single circuit underground cable installation:
5.1 Single circuit: Orton 220kV Switching Station (along Otuiti
Rd) to OH/UG transition point near Fleming Rd., 8.7 km
route length
The main activities & estimated times are as per Table following table:
000047
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
17
Construction activities and time estimates
Task Time Involved
Per 650metre
cable section
Excavate & remove spoil from site 2 weeks
Trench shoring & apply steel plates at road crossings concurrent
Construct joint bay 1 week
Place & compact cable bedding material 1 week
Pull in 3 power cables, evenly spaced and fixed in position 1 week
Pull in communication & DTS cables concurrent
Jointing operations concurrent
Place and compact controlled backfill 1 week
Install protective concrete cable covers & warning tape concurrent
Perform electrical tests to confirm integrity of cable sheath 1 day
Remove shoring material & steel plates at road crossings 2 days
Place and compact controlled backfill over slabs up to road base
level
1 week
Place & compact road base 1 week
Restore roads to initial condition 2 days
Apply cable markers as appropriate concurrent
Commissioning tests 2 days
Total time for the first cable section 7 weeks
Total time: Orton 220 kV switching station (along Otuiti Rd.) to
OH/UG Transition Point near Fleming Rd. 8.7 km
Following the first section a series of activities would be
performed concurrently on multiple sections leading to a total
estimated time for
14 cable sections of 56 weeks
14 months
5.2 Double circuit: Orton 220kV Switching Station (along Otuiti
Rd) to OH/UG transition point near Fleming Rd., 8.7 km
route length
The main activities are as for Section 7.1 with estimated total time 18 months
000048
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
18
5.3 Orton 220kV Switching Station Limestone Downs
33/220kV Substation 38.3km route length
Total time: 33 months utilising two construction teams taking into account the
following issues with this route:
o Road widening necessary in particular Baker Rd., Wairamarama
Onewhero Rd. & Matakitaki Rd.
o Wider than normal trench excavations at ridge tops to compensate for dry
conditions & higher thermal soil resistivity
o Wider than normal trench excavations to snake cables in trench to
compensate for land slips / unstable grounds
o Export excavated soil to designated dumping areas and imports an equal
amount of bedding, back-filling and road restoration material.
o Long distance from quarry to source special back-fill materials
o Lengthy road closures with no alternative routes for residents
6. REFERENCES
1. Electric Cables Handbook (BICC Cables)
2. Underground Transmission Systems Reference Book Power
Technologies, Inc
3. Rating of Electric Power Cables George J Anders
4. General Guides for the Integration of a New Underground Cable System in
the Network CIGRE SC21
5. Maintenance for HV Cables and Accessories CIGRE TB 279 - Working
Group mB1.04
6. Construction, Laying and Installation Techniques for Extruded and Sel-
contained Fluid-filled Cable Systems CIGRE TB 194 Working Group
21.17 /October 2001
7. Comparison of High Voltage Overhead Lines and Underground Cables
CIGRE Report JWG 21/22-01
8. Budget estimate to supply and install 220kV cable (Prysmian)
000049
Waikato Wind Farm Undergrounding Study - Attachment No. 1 To Consolidated Report March 2008
19
9. Cable technical information including losses (Prysmian)
10. Magnetic Field In HV Cable Systems Without Ferromagnetic Component
CIGRE Technical Brochure 104
7. APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Scope for undergrounding study
Appendix 2: Cable technical information including losses (Prysmian)
Appendix 3: Budget estimates. Supply and install 220kV cables (Prysmian)
Appendix 4: Topographical maps showing the investigated cable routes
Appendix 5: Comparison between installing 220kV U/G transmission cables
and other U/G services
Appendix 6: Current rating and losses of HV power cable systems
Appendix 7: Reactive power compensation
Appendix 8: Curriculum Vitae
000050
Appendix 1
Scope for Undergrounding Study
Background
Contact Energy (CEN) plans to construct a purpose-built transmission line to
transport electricity output from a new windfarm on the west coast of the Waikato
region to the main grid connection. The detail of this project is contained in the
final draft Project Description document prepared for the purposes of applying for
Resource Consents under the Resource Management Act. A copy of this report
is attached to this scope.
The transmission lines both for internal lines, interconnecting the substations and
for the main line are proposed to be 220 kV. Current plans are for the internal
lines to be single circuit on pole construction, and the external line will be double
circuit on tower construction.
CEN has received submissions from some landowners whose properties will be
traversed by the proposed transmission line. Several landowners are opposed to
overhead cabling and want the company to instead install underground cabling.
CEN is open-minded on this issue and has undertaken to seek expert advice on
the practicability of undergrounding and comparisons between the two
alternatives.
The company is not an electricity lines business and is not therefore constrained
by any New Zealand statutory regulation governing the pricing aspects of its
transmission lines. Instead CEN operates in a competitive market for the pricing
of its daily offer of electricity generation. CEN does not have any material
existing investment in overhead transmission assets, nor an inventory to support
such infrastructure.
000051
The company requires an in-depth study of the benefits and disbenefits of
underground transmission lines versus overhead lines. The study should
address the following matters.
Scope of Study
Analyse the preferred route in the context of terrain, geotechnical and any
other issues that would impact upon the practicability of underground
cabling of 220kV circuits;
Consider whether a more efficient and lower cost route could be adopted
for an undergrounding project such as, for example, burying cable along
existing roading networks;
Review overseas trends in underground cabling practices in developed
countries and assess any recent improvements in technology that make
undergrounding comparatively more practicable than in the past;
Prepare typical installation concept (e.g. typical installation cross sections
of key aspects of the cables and terminal stations).
Prepare an indicative route based on available contour data which would
provide at least the equivalent reliability, redundancy and functionality of
the alternative proposed overhead line.
Compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages including such
aspects as:
o reliability,
o efficiency,
o maintenance,
o environmental impacts of the installation and ongoing operations
e.g. trenching, radiation effects etc
o typical easement width required to install and then operate,
o any restriction on the land during operations,
o construction timeline,
000052
o installation techniques,
o equipment transport issues of undergrounding concept versus
overhead line in the context of this specific project; and
Provide an estimate of the comparative costs of either methodology
assuming that most recent technology is adopted for undergrounding and
the optimal corridor is chosen to implement such an alternative. The
assessment should include, if possible, an assessment of comparative
ongoing maintenance costs, and possible incremental revenue arising
from lower transmission losses that might arise from the selection of one
or other alternative.
000053
Appendix 2
Cable technical information including losses
(Prysmian)
000054
Client: Contact Energy January 2008
Project Name: New Zealand North Island Wind Farms 220kV
Subject: Technical Assessment 2 1 Revision 0 Prepared: JMO
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT - 2
1 INTRODUCTION
Further to our assessment of December 2007, we have been asked to consider a revised requirement, for
only one circuit, between Limestone and Orton, of which approximately 8km would consist of underground
cables.
The specified ratings for this circuit are:
single group of cables carrying 600MVA
or
two groups of cable each capable of carrying 400MVA.
We have assumed installation conditions the same as those that have been specified for other projects in
New Zealand.
When assessing the number of sections of cable, we have assumed nominal lengths of approximately
500m and the need to have a balanced cross-bonded system.
2 MAIN PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
The following main electrical, laying, environmental and operating data were specified or assumed:
3.1 Electrical data
Nominal rated voltage (specified) 220 kV
Power frequency (known) 50 Hz
Phase phase short circuit (assumed) 40 kA for 1 second
Phase earth short circuit (assumed) 40 kA for 1 second
Maximum conductor temperature (assumed) 90 C
Current ratings 1575 A (600MVA)
or
2 1050 A (2 400MVA)
3.2 Installation conditions
We have assumed the following parameters when assessing the ratings of the cables:
Depth to top of cables 1000 mm
Maximum ground temperature 25 C
Thermal resistivity of cable surround & trench backfill 1.2 C.m/W
000055
Client: Contact Energy January 2008
Project Name: New Zealand North Island Wind Farms 220kV
Subject: Technical Assessment 2 2 Revision 0 Prepared: JMO
3 220kV CABLE DESIGNS
We have assumed that the 220kV cables would be manufactured at our factory in Gron, France, our centre
of excellence for extra-high-voltage power cables. A typical cross-section is shown at the end of this
document.
The significant features of the cables would be:
4.1 Conductor
Copper, Milliken construction, complying with IEC 60228 Class 2, with oxidised wires where required to
reduce the skin effect for conductors larger than 1600mm.
4.2 Conductor Screen
Extruded semi-conducting compound would be bonded to the insulation and applied in the same operation
as the insulation.
4.3 Insulation
Extruded cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) suitable for operation at a maximum conductor temperature of
90C. The insulation would be made of dry cured extruded cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), extruded
simultaneously with the semi conductive conductor and core screen (triple head extrusion).
4.4 Insulation Screen
Extruded semi-conducting compound applied in the same operation as the insulation. The insulation screen
layer would be firmly bonded to the insulation.
4.5 Metallic Sheath and Screen
A welded aluminium sheath, with copper wire screen underneath if required to assist in carrying the phase-
earth short circuit.
4.6 Anti-corrosion sheath
The anti-corrosion protection consists of an extruded polyethylene oversheath.
4 220kV TERMINATIONS
We do not know what terminations would be required but we assume that they would be outdoor sealing
ends.
A drawing of a typical outdoor sealing end, with a polymeric insulator, is shown at the end of this document.
5 220kV JOINTS
The buried joints would have sectionalising insulation to enable the cable cleats to be cross-bonded, and
would be installed on reinforced concrete bases.
The GRP casing of the joint would be filled with a compound suitable for the prevailing conditions, e.g. the
depth of the water table.
A drawing of a typical joint is shown at the end of this document.
000056
Client: Contact Energy January 2008
Project Name: New Zealand North Island Wind Farms 220kV
Subject: Technical Assessment 2 3 Revision 0 Prepared: JMO
6 REQUIRED CABLE SIZES AND INSTALLATION
6.1 600MVA Circuit
Cables with 2000mm Milliken conductors would be adequate for the specified rating.
The cables would be installed in flat formation, at 300mmbetween cable centres.
6.2 2 400MVA Circuit
Cables with 1200mm Milliken conductors would be adequate for the specified rating. Copper wires would
be required in addition to the welded aluminium sheath.
The cables would be installed in flat formation, at 250mmbetween cable centres.
The groups would be installed with a minimum of 1000mm between centres, i.e. 500mm between the
adjacent cables of the two groups.
6.2.1 Rating of Single Cable Group
A single group of cables, operating thermally independently, would be rated at 1220A, equivalent to
465MVA.
6.3 Adjacent services or increased depths
Should the cables be installed close to other services, e.g. power cable circuits generating significant heat
or large pipes which inhibit heat flow, or if it were necessary to install the cables at depths significantly
greater than 1000mm, e.g. when crossing roads, the spacing between the cables could be increased to
maintain the rating capacity.
7 LOSSES
7.1 600MVA Circuit
The conductor temperature would be 90C and the losses, for the circuit, would be:
Conductor losses 95.8 W/m
Sheath losses 8.0 W/m
Dielectric losses 3.9 W/m
Total losses 107.7 W/m
7.2 2 400MVA Circuit
Conductor losses 2 65.7 W/m
Sheath losses 2 3.6 W/m
Dielectric losses 2 3.2 W/m
Total losses 2 72.5 W/m
=145.0 W/m
000057
Client: Contact Energy January 2008
Project Name: New Zealand North Island Wind Farms 220kV
Subject: Technical Assessment 2 4 Revision 0 Prepared: JMO
8 SHEATH BONDING AND EARTHING
The metallic sheaths of the 220kV cables would be cross-bonded.
At the terminations the sheaths would be solidly bonded and earthed, either by three-way or 3-off single-
way link boxes and single core 300mm bonding leads.
At every third joint bay the sheaths would again be solidly bonded and earthed, this time by buried 3-way
link boxes and concentric 300mm bonding leads.
At the other joint bays the sheaths would be cross-bonded by buried three-way link boxes containing sheath
voltage limiters, again connected with concentric 300mm bonding leads.
A typical cross-bonding diagram, for the Waikawau Limestone, is shown at the end of this document.
000058
Client: Contact Energy January 2008
Project Name: New Zealand North Island Wind Farms 220kV
Subject: Technical Assessment 2 5 Revision 0 Prepared: JMO
9 SECTION LENGTHS AND SCHEDULE OF QUANTITIES
In order for the cross-bonding system to work correctly the circuits should be divided into a number of major
sections, each consisting of three minor sections.
We suggest that the 600MVA circuit would consist of 15 sections of 535m and the 2 400MVA circuit of 12
sections of 665m.
9.1 Schedule of Quantities
Item Detail 600MVA Circuit 2 400MVA Circuit
1200mm - 72 665m
220kV cable
2000mm 45 535m -
Terminations Not specified 6 12
Joints Sectionalised 42 66
3-way 2 4
3-way buried 4 6 Link box
3-way cross-bonding 10 16
Single-core 300mm 130 230
Bonding lead
Concentric 300mm 420 660
10 CABLE AND DRUMMASSES
The estimated masses are:
10.1 600MVA Circuit
2000mm cable 28.8 kg/m
535m of cable 15.4 tonnes
Drum 2.5 tonnes
Gross mass of cable and drum 17.9 tonnes
10.2 2 400MVA Circuit
1200mm cable 20.1 kg/m
665m of cable 13.4 tonnes
Drum 2.5 tonnes
Gross mass of cable and drum 15.9 tonnes
000059
Client: Contact Energy January 2008
Project Name: New Zealand North Island Wind Farms 220kV
Subject: Technical Assessment 2 6 Revision 0 Prepared: JMO
11 DRAWINGS
11.1 220kV Cable
This drawing shows a cross-section of a cable with a 1200mm conductor.
Voltage
220kV
Conductor Size
1200mm
Insulation :
XLPE
Max. Stress
8.9MV/m
Earth Fault Current
40kA for 1s
Diagrammatic only - Not to scale
Item Description
Nominal
Thickness
(mm)
Details
Nominal
Diameters
(mm)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Conductor
Binder
Conductor Screen
Insulation
Insulation Screen
WaterblockingTape
Wires
Equalising Tape
Waterblocking Tape
Metallic Sheath
Oversheath
-
-
-
19.5
-
-
1.075
-
-
1.2
5.0
Copper Milliken
-
Semi-Conducting Compound
XLPE
Semi-Conducting Compound
-
98 Copper Wires
Copper
-
Welded Aluminium
Polyethylene & Graphite
43.5
-
-
87.0
-
-
94.8
-
-
98.4
110.6
000060
Client: Contact Energy January 2008
Project Name: New Zealand North Island Wind Farms 220kV
Subject: Technical Assessment 2 7 Revision 0 Prepared: JMO
11.2 220kV Termination
This drawing shows an outdoor sealing end with a polymeric insulator.
000061
Client: Contact Energy January 2008
Project Name: New Zealand North Island Wind Farms 220kV
Subject: Technical Assessment 2 8 Revision 0 Prepared: JMO
11.3 220kV Joint
This drawing shows sectionalised joint and casing.
000062
B
Client: ContactEnergy
Project Name: Contact Energy NewZealand Wind Farms 220kV
Subject: Schematic Bonding Diagram- Limestone to Orton 600MVA
January2008
Revision 0 Prepared: JMO
Concentric
core 300mm
bonding lead
Single core
300mm
bonding lead
Detail at cross-
bonding positions
X
Detail at solid
bonding positions
B
220kV
2500mm
XLPE cable
Sectionalised
joint
B
Solid-bonding
link box at
terminations
Cross-bonding
link box
X
Schematic Bonding Diagram
600MVA Circuit
X S
Solid-bonding
link box
S
Detail at solid-
bonding positions
S
Termination
X X S X X S X X S X X X B
0
0
0
0
6
3
B
Client: ContactEnergy
Project Name: Contact Energy NewZealand Wind Farms 220kV
Subject: Schematic Bonding Diagram- Limestone to Orton 2 400MVA
January2008
Revision 0 Prepared: JMO
Concentric
core 300mm
bonding lead
Single core
300mm
bonding lead
Detail at cross-
bonding positions
X
Detail at solid
bonding positions
B
220kV
1200mm
XLPE cable
Sectionalised
joint
B
Solid-bonding
link box at
terminations
Cross-bonding
link box
X
Schematic Bonding Diagram
2 400MVA Circuit
S
Solid-bonding
link box
S
Detail at solid-
bonding positions
S
Termination
X B X S X X S X X X X
B S X B X S X X S X X X X
0
0
0
0
6
4
Appendix 3
Budget estimate: Supply and install 220kV cable
(Prysmian)
000065
000066
000067
Appendix 4
Topographical Maps Showing
Investigated Routes
000068
0
0
0
0
6
9
0
0
0
0
7
0
0
0
0
0
7
1
0
0
0
0
7
2
0
0
0
0
7
3
Appendix 5
Comparisons between installing 220kV underground
transmission cables and installing other longitudinal
infrastructure for example, high pressure gas or water
pipe lines; underground distribution cables and
communication cables
Installation requirements and provision for maintenance & repairs differ
significantly between those for extra high voltage (220kV) underground
transmission cables and lower voltage underground distribution cables;
underground communication cables and high pressure gas or water pipe lines.
There are also variations in easement requirements and easement conditions
In simple terms:
Metallic or polymeric (plastic) gas or water pipes are transported to site and laid
in manageable sections (and manageable weights) and welded, or otherwise
connected together, as trench excavation progresses.
Trenches are narrow and, other than a bedding comprised of sand (to protect the
outer surface of pipes) there are no special trench excavation or back-filling
requirements.
Similar installation conditions to those for gas & water pipes may apply for lower
voltage underground distribution cables and communications cables (whether
electric or fibre optic). These are often laid in ducts.
Trenches are narrow (the width of a small back-hoe bucket) and other than for
sand bedding there are no special trench excavation or back-filling requirements.
000074
In the case of extra high voltage underground power cables (including 220kV)
there are factors that impose significant differences in installation & maintenance
requirements to those for water or gas pipes or lower voltage circuits namely:
1. Dissipation of heat generated by underground cables.
As underground cables transmit energy (in this case from the wind farm to the
main grid) the cables generate heat which, if not efficiently dissipated, will cause
the cables to over-heat and eventually fail. (This was precisely one of the
contributing factors that led to the cable failures and eventual black-outs in
Auckland in 1998)
Soil samples taken from site in the Limestone Downs Orton area are estimated
to have a high thermal resistivity meaning the soil will impose a barrier to heat
wanting to escape from the cables to the surface. This shall be confirmed by
thermal resistivity test on site & in laboratory prior to proceeding with the project.
Well accepted practice, world wide, is to improve this situation by bedding and
covering the cables with a controlled medium comprised of a weak mix of sand
and cement. (Refer diagram below)
Vast quantities of this mix (equivalent to excavated spoil) would be required
adding substantial costs and transport difficulties in acquiring, delivering, placing
& compacting it over the entire cable route.
Typical cable installation in trench with cables in flat formation
000075
2. Installing and jointing cables
Cables of this size and voltage are not manufactured in New Zealand. Each
cable drum, containing around 700metres of cable and weighing up to 20 Tones,
would require to be transported from Auckland on multi-wheeled vehicle to sites
at 700 m intervals, there to be craned off, winched/pulled into position (in the
cable trench), then to be bedded & covered with protective concrete cable covers
and special backfill and then to be jointed in a controlled environment in what is
known as a joint bay comprising a tented enclosure of the size, and with
features, as shown below. The duration of works associated with Joint bays
(construction and cable jointing) could be as long as 3 to 4 weeks.
Joint bay (4m x 12m) in roadway Interior of joint bay prior to jointing
(Would exceed width of Baker Rd.
in places)
3. Managing cable sheath losses
At transmission voltages, including 220kV, special bonding techniques termed
cross bonding provide the only practical means to mitigate losses in outer
metallic sheaths of underground power cables. (For technical explanation refer to
Appendix 6)
Cross bonding systems include surge arrestors and other equipment mounted in
underground link boxes that require testing at regular intervals (usually annually).
For that purpose that equipment is located within pits as shown below which, for
000076
ready access and safety to testing staff, are located away from trafficable roads
in footpaths see below.
Link box U/G concrete pit
Baker, Wairamarama and Matakitaki Rds. would present considerable challenges
in that they are very narrow and in many cases bounded by steep drops on one
side and steep inclines on the other where they are carved into mountain sides
see Photos No 4 & 5 in Attachment No.1 to Consolidated report.
In these situations there would be no alternative but to install link pits together
with joint bays and pits for optic fibre cables (if fibres were to be part of the cable
installation) in road ways.
000077
Appendix 6
Current rating and electrical losses of high
voltage power cable systems
1. Cable Rating Influencing Factors
The current rating of high voltage (HV) underground (U/G) power cable circuits is,
primarily, influenced by the environmental factors and cable losses.
Both factors are fully considered for determination of cable type and installation
particulars by taking into consideration the economic aspects related to the cost of
materials, installation of cable and accessories, running cost (whole life cost),
capitalised cost of losses and ancillary equipment such as bonding, condition
monitoring systems and compensating equipment.
a. Environmental Factors
The most specific factors which have a greater impact on cable current rating or
loading capacity are as follows:
Air and soil maximum ambient temperature
Soil thermal resistivity (TR) under the most severe climatic conditions in
respect to water (humidity) content
b. Installation Particulars
Extra high voltage (EHV) power cable circuits (including 220kV) are
manufactured in form of single-core cables which could be installed in trefoil or
flat formations.
000078
The installation option is selected to correlate the cable type /conductor size with
the environmental parameters to get the required cable carrying capacity.
Fig1: Typical installation configuration of single-core power cables in trefoil
formation
This type of cable configuration has the advantage of minimising the sheath
circulating currents induced by the magnetic flux linking the cable conductors and
metallic sheath or copper wire screens. This configuration is generally used for
cables of lower voltages (33 to 132kV) and of smaller conductor sizes
However, for EHV cable systems the trefoil formation is not appropriate for heat
dissipation because there is an appreciable mutual heating effect of the three
cables.
The cumulated heat in cables and cable trench has the effect of reducing the cable
rating and accelerating the cable ageing
In order to improve the natural heat dissipation from around the cable circuits the
three single-core cables could be installed in flat formation (Fig2). This
configuration allows for a significant increase of current rating of EHV cable circuits.
000079
Fig. 2: Typical installation configuration of single-core power cables in flat
formation
In Fig. 2 are shown the CMS (condition monitoring system) and
communication cables installed between the 220kV single-core power
cables.
In addition, to the centre power cable is attached the DTS (distributed
temperature sensing) optical fibre cable. Both the DTS and CMS are
designed to continuously monitor the cable and environment temperatures
and to perform other supervisory functions as well
The installation of cables in flat formation requires special bonding solutions
of cable metallic sheaths to reduce/eliminate the circulating currents.
Nevertheless, in case of unfavourable environmental conditions related to
soil thermal characteristics or of ambient temperature the sole application of
flat configured cables and of special bonding system may not provide the
expect result and as a consequence the following techniques should be
employed to achieve the required current rating:
000080
Replace a certain amount of soil adjacent to the excavated cable
trench with aggregates or imported soils of suitable thermal resistivity.
Use of specialised bedding and backfilling materials such as:
Sand/cement mix of 14: 1, 20:1 or of other proportions
Fluidised backfill
Blended sands or crushed rock of variable gain sizes
All ducts and micro tunnels be filled with bentonite and respectively
light concrete
Artificial cooling
Particular installation configurations of single-core cables or of cable
circuits within a given cable corridor
Special bonding system of cable metallic sheaths designed to reduce
the electric losses
Install double cable circuits in a single or adjacent trenches or other
applicable site conditions
2. Electrical Losses
Under service conditions, regardless of magnitude of transported the power
cables are subjected to electrical losses manifested as heat in insulation and
metallic components.
Based on the location were they are generated and the generation cause the
electrical losses could be qualified as current and voltage-dependent losses.
The current-depending losses are generated in cable conductors, metallic sheath
or/and metallic wires designed to carry fault currents
For a simplified cable system (land cable circuit) the three main cable
component responsible for electrical losses are the conductor(s), the insulation
and the metallic sheaths or/and the metallic wire screens.
000081
2.1 Conductor Losses
Conductors losses are ohmic losses, i.e. heat (Watt/meter) generated by the
current flowing in the cable conductor(s) and are calculated with the following
formula:
W
c
= I
2
R
a.c
I = current flowing in the conductor (A)
R
a.c
= A.C. electrical resistance () of conductor at given temperature (C)
The A.C. electrical resistance () is dependent, in addition to the D.C resistance
(Rd.c) on skin (ys) and the proximity (yp) effects which are responsible for the
uneven distribution of load current across the conductor cross sectional area, so
the Ra.c resistance could be defined as:
R
a.c
= R
d.c
(1 + ys + yp)
Rd.c = R
o
[1 +
20
( 20)]
Ro = D.C electrical resistance at 20C
20 =
Constant mass temperature coefficient at 20C per Kelvin
= maximum operating temperature (C)
Skin effect (y
s
) is attributed to the variation of conductor self-inductance which
is greater to the centre of the conductor than to its periphery and as a
consequence the current flow is maximum at the conductor surface and minimum
at the conductor core This phenomenon is one cause of increased A.C.
resistance of conductors.
Proximity effect (y
p
) is generated by the magnetic field produced by the currents
flowing in parallel cable conductors of another cable circuit or other parallel
current carrying conductors. The associated magnetic field embraces that
conductor and at the same time it encircles the parallel conductors in close
proximity.
000082
The effect is explained by the fact that when two conductors carrying alternating
current are parallel and in close proximity, the current densities on the inner area
(side facing each other) are smaller than the current density flowing in the outer
area (remote side) of the conductors due to the difference in magnetic flux
densities cutting the conductors cross area.
So, the A.C. conductor resistance is defined by the D.C resistance and the skin
and proximity factors as indicated by the following formula:
R
a.c
= R
d.c
(1 + y
s
+ y
p
)
The calculation of skin (y
s
) and proximity (y
p
) effect factors is based on the
empirical formula given in the IEC 60287 Standard
The proximity effect factor (y
p
) is determined by the cable D.C. resistance,
system frequency, cable spacing and cable diameter while the y
s
is influenced
only by conductor d.c resistance and system frequency:
y
s
= (R , f)
y
p
= (d
c
, R, s , f)
The skin and proximity effects could be ignored for small conductors carrying low
currents, however for high rating cables requiring large conductors these effects
are significant and it is essential to include design feature to compensate their
effect.
000083
The Milliken or Segmental conductors, which consist of several individually or
alternated insulated sector shaped strands, provide the desired solution (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3: Milliken Cable Conductor (Fluidfilled Cable System)
The modern technologies apply a layer of enamel or Cu oxide on individual wires
forming the sector shaped strands.
The economic justification of this type of conductor is validated when using
cables of minimum 800mm
2
2.2 Dielectric and Charging Current Losses
A power cable is a large capacitor of certain capacitance characterised by
dielectric constant () and electrical resistance. The two parameters and the
magnitude and frequency of applied voltage determine the magnitude of charging
current and dielectric losses.
Both, the charging current and dielectric losses are voltage-dependent and they
are generated in cable insulation at any time the cable is connected to the grid.
The charging currents are generated by the cable itself and produce a certain
amount of losses which, in combination with the system reactive power generate
losses reducing the flow of active/real power (MW).
Cable
conductor
(Milliken)
Cable
Insulation
000084
The charging current charges and discharges the cable (capacitor) 50 times per
second. While the charging current is a reactive current the dielectric losses are
determined by real power currents.
The reactive power transported by the cable is independent of cable system; it is
a parameter determined by the system configuration and the elements designed
to compensate the reactive power flow
The charging (I
C
) and resistive (I
R
) currents flowing through the cable insulation
are calculated with the following equations:
I
C
= C U
o
(charging current)
I
R
= Uo/R (leakage current),
While the dielectric losses are calculate from the equation:
W
d
= U
o
I
c
tan, or
W
d
= CU
o
2
tan Where:
10
9
ln 18
=
d
D
c
i
c
C = cable capacitance
= 2
= system frequency
U
o
= phase voltage
tan = dielectric power factor
R = insulation resistance
= dielectric constant
D
i
= insulation diameter
d
c
= conductor diameter
For high and extra-high voltage cables the dielectric losses (Wd) could be
relatively high and may have significant contribution to in determination of cable
ratings
The cable dimensions and the insulation dielectric constant are the basic factors
responsible for the size of capacitance.
[C = /18ln (D
insulation /
d
conductor
)] while the tan is dependent on frequency,
temperature and the applied voltage and is being influenced by the following
factors:
000085
Leakage current flowing across the resistive component of cable
(capacitor) insulation is very much influenced by the quality-cleanliness of
insulating materials. The leakage current is an ionic conduction due to
the presence of free electrons flowing in the direction of electric field.
Dielectric hysteresis losses caused by the interaction of alternating
electrical field with the molecular structure of cable insulation; a sort of
mechanical work aiming to orientate the bipolar microscopic molecules of
insulation, or of contaminants, in the direction of electrical field. As the
field direction changes 50 times/sec, the cumulative impact of hysteresis
effect could be significant and, in fact, it is the major contributor to
dielectric losses.
Ionisation and low energy discharges inside the insulation.
2.3 Sheath Losses
Sheath losses are current-dependent losses and are generated by the induced
currents when load current flows in cable conductors.
The sheath currents in single-core cables are induced by transformer effect; i.e.
by the magnetic field of alternating current flowing in cable conductor which
induces voltages in cable sheath or other parallel conductors.
The sheath induced electromotive forces (emf) generate two types of losses:
circulating current losses (
1
) and eddy current losses (
1
), so the total losses in
cable metallic sheath are:
1
=
1
+
1
The eddy currents circulating radially and longitudinally of cable sheaths are
generated on similar principles of skin and proximity effects mentioned in relation
to the conductor Rac resistance; i.e. they are induced by the conductor currents,
000086
sheath circulating currents and by currents circulating in close proximity current
carrying conductors.
Fig. 4: Magnetic field of a three-phase single-core cable circuit
They are generated in cable sheath irrespective of bonding system of single core
cables or of three-core cables
The eddy currents are generally of smaller magnitude when comparing with
circuit (circulating) currents of solidly bonded cable sheaths and may be neglects
except in the case of large segmental conductors and are calculated in
accordance with formulae given in the IEC60287, which for simplification of this
document is not presented.
Circulating currents are generated in cable sheath if the sheaths form a closed
loop when bonded together at the remote ends or intermediate points along the
cable route.
These losses are named sheath circulating current losses and they are
determined by the magnitude of current in cable conductor, frequency, mean
diameter, the resistance of cable sheath and the distance between single-core
cables; i.e. the mutual inductance, calculated with the following equation:
Cable
sheath
Eddy currents
in cable sheath
000087
I
s
= E
s
/ (R
s
2
+ X
m
2
)
1/2
E
s
= I X
m
X
m
= M x10
-3
M = 0.2 ln (2S/d
m
)
Where,
I = conductor current
X
m
= inductive reactance per phase including the self inductance of the conductor
and the mutual inductance with other conductors.
M = mutual inductance between conductor and sheath
s = Cable spacing
d
m
= sheath mean diameter (m)
I
s
= circulating current
R
s
= Sheath resistance
The actual calculation of circulating currents need to take into consideration the
magnetic influence of the conductor currents in all three single core cables
(conductors and sheaths), the mutual impedance between cable and sheath and
between all three cables.
In addition, for multiple cable circuits the aspect is further complicated by the
magnetic interference of circuits in close proximity. As a consequence the
calculation magnitude of induced voltages and circulating currents is done by
using specialised computer routines as indicated in the IEC60287. The cable
system and the interconnecting network represented by distributed parameters
(Impedances) and the hypothetical electrical occurrences (power frequency or
fast transients). The general model is quite complicated and requires some
computer programming and use of specialised software.
The impact of circulating currents is included in the cable rating equations as a
proportional quantity of sheath currents and sheath resistance to the conductor
current and conductor resistance in form of:
R
R
I
I
C
S
C
S
2
2
1
=
=
+ :=
NPV
oh
65.990 10
6
=
C
i.oh
31.961 10
6
:= Initial Investment for overhead line ($ NZ)
C
fut.oh
12.8 10
6
:= Future capital replacement costs ($ NZ)
000117
Waikato Wind Farm Project Overhead Transmission Line Evaluation
Page 9 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
NPV for overhead transmission line option =$65,990,000.00
6. PERFORMANCE DATA RELATED TO OVERHEAD LINES
6.1 Reliability
A measure of underground and overhead transmission line reliability is the rate at which
they fail or are subjected to outages. Outages can be forced (due to a problem on the
network), or planned. Overhead transmission lines are often subjected to transient faults
which are normally cleared via an auto reclose. These faults are not considered in this
analysis as they are normally cleared within a few seconds.
Outage rates are measured by considering the number of outages per 100 circuit
kilometres. Transpower prepared a report which highlighted the outage rates for forced
and planned outages
2
.
Since these figures are a record of the 10 year period between J uly 1992 and J une 2004,
they are considered appropriate for this analysis. The results are as follows:
Forced Outage Rate 0.34 per 100km per annum
Planned outage rate 0.92 per 100km per annum
Due to the lack of data for New Zealand, figures from the report Commission of European
communities - Background Paper- Undergrounding of Electricity Lines in Europe Brussels
10 December 2005 are used for this analysis and, indicate the following:
Average Failure Rate 0.072 per 100km per annum
Planned Failure Rate 2.5 per 100km per annum
This figure was confirmed by a DISCAB Group on figures over the past 12 years and was
presented at the ICF Congress in Barcelona. Other reports including CIGRE and various
American studies show varying rates from 1.4 to 4.1 faults per circuit kilometre.
2
Transpower-Asset Development group-Comparison of the reliability of a 400kV Underground
Cable with an overhead line for a 200km Circuit.-2005
C
o.oh
1.233 10
6
:= Operational costs for overhead line including losses and
Maintenance per annum ($ NZ)
C
f.oh
4.171 10
3
:=
Fault costs for overhead line per annum ($ NZ)
i 5% := Capitalisation Index
n 40 := Evaluation period 40 years - effective life of the system
000118
Waikato Wind Farm Project Overhead Transmission Line Evaluation
Page 10 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
For this analysis the rate of .072 has been used which equates to the following expected
outages for a 25 km long overhead line and a 38 km long underground cable.
Overhead Line Underground Cable Ratio
Outage Rate-forced 0.34 /100km 0.072/100km -4.7
No. expected outages/annum 0.085 per annum 0.027 per annum -3.1
Total no. outages 40 years 3.4 outages 1.08 -3.1
Overhead Line Underground Cable Ratio
Outage Rate-Planned 0.92 /100km 2.5/100km 2.6
No. expected outages/annum 0.23 per annum 0.95 per annum 4.1
Total no. outages 40 years 9.2 outages 38 outages 4.1
From the above it is evident that underground cables have a better reliability rate based
upon forced outages (European figures), but require more planned outages. In addition
there are reports which indicate the reverse, depending on the sample size, type of cable
analysed etc. However for the purposes of this report and based upon recent
developments in cable technology, the figures used are believed to be representative.
Repair Times
Repair time is another factor to be considered under reliability. The repair of overhead
lines is significantly shorter than that of underground cables. In addition, live-line
maintenance can be performed on overhead lines, thus reducing the duration of the
outages.
Results for the last 10 years from Transpowers records for overhead lines show the
following
Average repair time for forced outages 1.808 hrs
Planned maintenance average 17.45 hrs
Studies conducted by consultants Meritec show the following repair times for underground
cables.
3
This is indicative for New Zealand conditions.
Average Underground (XLPE) Cable repair time 200hrs to 300 hrs
Based upon the failure rate and the repair times, availability per unit can be calculated.
This is based upon the outage rate and the total number of hours per year. Using the
figures above, the following availability per unit is expected.
Overhead Line Underground Cable Ratio
Availability per unit 0.9962 p.u. 0.9802 p.u. 1.01
3
Meritec Report, Repair Scenarios for 220kV and 110kV Cable Installations November 2001
000119
Waikato Wind Farm Project Overhead Transmission Line Evaluation
Page 11 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
6.2 Efficiency
The efficiency of a transmission system is dependent upon the losses. For overhead
transmission lines, aluminium conductors are used mainly for weight purposes. Using a
dual transmission system greatly reduces the impedance of the circuit and hence the
losses.
In underground cables copper conductor is often used which has a lower electrical
resistance than aluminium. However, due to the fact that cables are buried, the heat
generated needs to pass through the soil to reach the surface where heat is dissipated.
Soil thermal resistivity plays an important part in heat dissipation and cable rating.
Appendix D shows the calculations of the losses associated with the overhead
transmission line.
Overhead Line (25km) Underground Cable (38km)
Ratio
Losses kW 4154 kW 4125 kW (600MVA) 1:1
6.3 Maintenance
As discussed above, repair time for overhead lines is measured in hours whereas repair
times for underground cables is measured in days. Overhead lines require a significant
amount of long term routine maintenance as well as ongoing unscheduled maintenance
which includes vegetation management, patrols, access maintenance, fault patrols,
climbing deterrent maintenance, minor steel replacement etc. The maintenance schedule
for an overhead line is typically as follows:
Routine patrols every six months
Vegetation management monthly
Access maintenance six monthly
Minor steel replacements annually
Climbing deterrent maintenance after each patrol
The total cost of the above work is estimated at $50k per annum
6.4 Environmental Impact
Overhead transmission lines are large structures and create a visual impact. This is
known as visual pollution and may form the basis of discontent for landowners and the
public. However, in this particular design every measure has been taken to minimise the
visual impact by keeping structures below ridgelines and out of sight where possible. The
route has been selected to minimise the impact on any natural bush, areas of
environmental, ecological or archaeological significance.
000120
Waikato Wind Farm Project Overhead Transmission Line Evaluation
Page 12 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
6.5 Timing and Constructability
The terrain in the region is fairly remote, undulating and rural. Construction of a
transmission line through this terrain is constricted by access to the tower sites. In some
cases access will be only by helicopter due to the restrictions resulting from native bush
and the terrain.
The construction of the overhead transmission line is dependent on the quantum of
resources allocated. With 4 foundation crews, 4 tower erection crews and 2 large
conductoring crews, the line could be constructed within 12 months. However due to the
nature of the terrain, winter work would be significantly more difficult and hazardous,
particularly in the Limestone Downs area. It is therefore proposed that an 18 month
construction period be allowed to ensure that optimum productivity is achieved during the
summer months.
6.6 Future planning - Upgrading the Transmission Capacity
The wind farm has the potential to increase generation capacity by 110MW from the initial
540MW. If this generation capacity is achieved, the transmission circuits will need to be
upgraded or catered for at the initial design stage.
The thermal ratings of existing overhead transmission lines can be increased (provided
that the static components of the line are appropriately rated) by re-tensioning the line to
allow a higher operating temperature.
Underground cables do not offer the same flexibility and any increase in thermal capacity
will have to be catered for during the initial design stage.
7. APPENDICES
000121
Waikato Wind Farm Project Overhead Transmission Line Evaluation
Page 13 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
Appendix A
Map showing Overhead Transmission Line Route
000122
Waikato Wind Farm Project Overhead Transmission Line Evaluation
Page 14 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
0
0
0
1
2
3
Waikato Wind Farm Project Overhead Transmission Line Evaluation
Page 15 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
0
0
0
1
2
4
Page 16 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
Appendix B
Initial Capital Cost Breakdown
Of Overhead Line
000125
Page 17 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
0
0
0
1
2
6
Page 18 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
Appendix C
Net Present Value Calculations
and Break Even Cost Calculations
for Overhead and Underground Options
000127
Page 19 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
Breakeven investment cost Underground Cable vs. Overhead line
C
i.oh
31.961 10
6
:= Initial Investment for overhead line ($ NZ)
C
fut.oh
12.8 10
6
:= Future capital replacement costs ($ NZ)
C
o.oh
1.233 10
6
:= Operational costs for overhead line including losses and
Maintenance per annum ($ NZ)
C
f.oh
4.171 10
3
:= Fault costs for overhead line per annum ($ NZ)
C
i.ug
367 10
6
:= Initial Investment for Underground Cable ($ NZ)
C
o.ug
1.137 10
6
:= Operational costs for underground Cable including losses and maintenance per
annum ($ NZ)
C
f.ug
20 10
3
:= Fault costs for underground Cable per annum ($ NZ)
i 5% := Capitalisation Index
n 40 := Evaluation period 40 years -effective life of the system
C
be
C
i.oh
C
fut.oh
+
1
n
j
C
o.oh
C
f.oh
+ C
o.ug
C
f.ug
( )
1
1 i +
=
+ :=
C
be
46.137 10
6
=
Net Present Value for Overhead Line
NPV
oh
C
i.oh
C
fut.oh
+
1
n
j
C
o.oh
C
f.oh
+
( )
1
1 i +
=
+ :=
NPV
oh
65.990 10
6
=
Net Present Value for Underground Cable
NPV
ug
C
i.ug
1
n
j
C
o.ug
C
f.ug
+
( )
1
1 i +
=
+ :=
NPV
ug
386.853 10
6
=
000128
Page 20 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
Appendix D
Calculations of Losses for Overhead Transmission
lines
000129
Page 21 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
Calculation of Losses for Transmission Line
Power 518 := MVA
Voltage 220 := kV
CircuitCurrent
Power
Voltage 3
:=
CircuitCurrent 1.359 = kA
PhaseCurrent
CircuitCurrent 10
3
2
:=
Amps
PhaseCurrent 679.699 =
SubconductorCurrent
PhaseCurrent
2
:=
SubconductorCurrent 339.849 = Amps
ACResistanceGoat 0.109 :=
Ohms per km per Phase
PowerLoss ACResistanceGoat SubconductorCurrent
2
2 3 :=
PowerLoss 75.535 10
3
= KW /km /circuit
TotalLoss PowerLoss 25 2 ( )
1.1
1000
10% + := For corona losses and conductor length
TotalLoss 4154.548 = Kw
000130
Page 22 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
Appendix E
Typical Tower Configuration
And Foundation Configuration
000131
Page 23 of 23 13 March 2008
Rev 5
0
0
0
1
3
2
Page 24 of 23 13 March 2008
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0
0
0
1
3
3