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High Capacity AC Transmission Lines - The Brazilian Experience

Conference Paper · October 2015

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High Capacity AC Transmission Lines - The Brazilian Experience

F. C. DART1 C. K. C. ARRUDA R. W. GARCIA O. REGIS JR.

CEPEL CHESF
Brazil

SUMMARY
The paper describes the application of a high capacity AC transmission lines called High Surge
Impedance Loading (High SIL or HSIL), addressing on its use in Brazilian electric system, currently
with more than 5,000 kilometres of transmission lines using this technology.
During the studies carried out in Brazil, coordinated by Eletrobras, Brazil's federal holding of electric
power sector, for the transmission of electricity generated by hydroelectric plants to be deployed in the
Amazon region during the 1980 decade to Southeast and Northeast regions, HSIL technology was
considered promising, with studies carried out resulting in development of calculation models to
technology viability in the Brazilian electric system.
The main features on this technology are the shortening distance between the phases and the bundle
expansion. The concept was coined in the 1930s by Edith Clarke, reviewed in the 1960s by
Aleksandrov's research team from St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute.
The technology results in the increase in the transmission capacity, compared to traditional solutions,
was applied in new enterprises and uprating of existing lines, showing perceptible savings in
transmission capacity with low implementation costs, compared with a new line.
The paper presents the HSIL basics, advantages, remarks for the network planning process,
considerations in bundle optimization, hardware development, right-of-way, experimental process, test
line implementation, field measurements and commercial deployment evaluation.

KEYWORDS
Compact Transmission Line - HSIL - Expanded Bundle.

Introduction
The HSIL - High Surge Impedance Loading Transmission Line (in Portuguese: LPNE – Linha de
Potência Natural Elevada) consists in the surface electric field optimization in each conductor,
resulting in an power increase with excellent cost per MW delivered, when compared with

1
Centro de Pesquisas em Energia Eletrica - CEPEL - Av. Horacio Macedo, 354 - Cidade Universitaria, Rio de
Janeiro, RJ, CEP 21941-911, dart@cepel.br
conventional designs.
Similarly to the traditional techniques, HSIL technology makes use of the global optimization of all
significant electrical and geometric parameters of a transmission line (TL), resulting in the optimal
choice of the diameter of the conductors cross section, phase spacing and conductors height and sag.
However this new technology goes beyond optimization and geometrical arrangement of the
conductors: HSIL only became possible due to resources developed in recent years such as modeling,
calculation methods and computational resources. Such tools have allowed engineers to establish
transmission lines configurations optimized with respect to electrical and magnetic field distribution
and, consequently, transmission capacity, electrical parameters and current distribution.
The HSIL concept represents a considerable change in project procedures and its adoption requires
integration between planning, design, maintenance and operation, in order to obtain the most
advantages of this technology.

Figure 1 - LPNE TL, compact 230 kV, using existing 500 kV structure

The development and the proof of concept have been given through electromagnetic modeling,
laboratory experiments (electrical and mechanical), pilot project and deployment of commercial line.
At the beginning of the development, the main focus was the transmission of large blocks of energy
over long distances. However in recent years CEPEL, together with Eletrobrás Holding and
subsidiaries CHESF and FURNAS, has been developing as an alternative the Expanded Bundle (EXB,
in Portuguese: FEX - feixe expandido) which serves the following objectives:
● Designing new high-capacity transmission lines;
● Uprating of existing transmission lines, increasing its transmission capacity

Additionally, HSIL/EXB may provide advantages from the systemic viewpoint, for example:
● Reduction or avoidance of series compensation, allowing direct economic benefits, the
absence of subsynchronous resonance (SSR) problem and eliminating maintenance and
replacement costs of an additional network equipments.
● The increase in voltage support due to its electrical characteristics, reflecting on increased
power transfer capacity of the transmission line.

In the design of a new transmission line, optimization of electromagnetic parameters searches for a
better field distribution and achieves a higher SIL, reflecting in increased transmission capacity
compared to traditional designs for the same voltage level.
In refurbished transmission lines, HSIL technology exploits the different possibilities depending on the
design characteristics of TL, or by rearrangement of the conductors or by addition of one or more
conductors per phase, which need not necessarily be of the same type as the original conductor. The

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latter provides all the advantages of HSIL and contributes to the increased transmission capacity and
increased thermal limit of the TL.
In system optimization, greater transmission capacity is not always the objective to be achieved -
adjustment of line parameters in the same transmission corridor can improve voltage levels in strategic
buses, solving the dispatch problem considering economy, SSR, voltage sag and eventual loss of
stability due to topology alterations. These issues can be resolved by applying HSIL technology
employing EXB.

Background
CHESF, by a number of factors, was an early adopter of HSIL technology in Brazil, focusing in the
EXB technique, adopted in new enterprises and TL upratings, playing an important role in the needs of
this utility.
Table 1 summarizes the development in CHESF since the origin of HSIL project. Table 2 presents the
activities in HSIL Project, in cooperation between CEPEL and CHESF.
Table 1: List of HSIL projects in Brazil

Year Applied technique Type of venture Length Observation

(km)
1994-1995 HSIL 230 kV Experimental spans 1.6 Compact TL
EXB 230 kV Pilot TL 3.0 Double circuit TL 2×230 kV
switchable to 1×500 kV
1996 EXB 230 kV Commercial TL 360.0 Double circuit, 180 km
EXB 230 kV Uprating 940.0 Double circuit, 470 km
Experimental span 0.4 Link power plant-SE
1997 Pilot TL 1.8 External phases
EXB 500 kV Pilot TL 2.0 Mechanical test only
1998 EXB 500 kV Commercial TL 40 Line section (40 km)
Bretelle Pilot TL 2.0 Double circuit 230 kV
1999 Bretelle Uprating 820.0 Double circuit 230 kV, 410 km
DuEXB Pilot TL 2.0 Single circuit
2000 DuEXB Uprating 510.0 2 single circuits, 2×255 km
EXB 500 kV Commercial TL 750.0 N-NE interligation
2001 EXB 500 kV Uprating 215.0 Conversion 2×230 to 1×500 kV
EXB 500 kV Uprating 410.0 Conversion 2×230 to 1×500 kV
Commercial TL 210.0 TL P. Dutra-Teresina (second circuit)
2002 DuEXB Uprating 170.0 TL Sobral-Cauípe
Captions: HSIL - High Surge Impedance Loading TL, EXB - Expanded Bundle technique, DuEXB - Conductor duplication or addition of
auxiliary smaller cable (self-supported) as an EXB, Bretelle - Conductor helper with small cross section, supported by the original
conductor.

Table 2 - Timeline of HSIL Project

1994  Experimental TL 1.6 km HSIL 230 kV (Aldeia-Recife-Pernambuco)

 Mockup test HSIL 230 kV at CEPEL
 Pilot TL 3 km EXB 230 kV (Bahia)
1996  Erection of double circuit TL EXB 230 kV, 2 × 180km (Banabuiu-Fortaleza)
1997  Uprating of existing TL, beign same configuration of previous one, EXB 230kV, 2 × 470 km
(Paulo Afonso-Milagres-Banabuiu)
 500 kV EXB development at CHESF
 Hardware conception and trial tests at CEPEL
 Experimental span (400m) and TL (1.8 km)
 Experimental TL (2 km), without applied voltage - trial tests, maintenance procedures and
mechanic evaluation
1998  Assembly of EXB 500 kV technique at 40 km section (160 km total) at TL Xingó-Jardim.
 Development and assembly of pilot TL, new uprating technique in 230 kV with HSIL/EXB:
stringing of additional conductor with smaller cross section, 4 km (Aldeia-Recife).
1999/2000  Uprating of double circuit 230 kV TL, 2 × 410 km, Bretelle type (Milagres-Banabuiu-Fortaleza)
2000  Energization of HSIL EXB 500 kV, 750 km (Pres.Dutra-Teresina-Sobral-Fortaleza)
2000/2001  Uprating 230 kV TL – 2 single circuits 255 km, DuEXB type (Paulo Afonso-Bom Nome-
Milagres)

3
 Figure 2 - Experimental HSIL, 2 × 230 kV at 500 kV Figure 3 - HSIL/ EXB 500 kV
structures

The first pilot line using the HSIL technology was set up on an experimental 230 kV double
configuration in 500 kV towers, Figure 2, designed for future operation. The spacing allowed to use
for assembling an unprecedented HSIL circuit, with no parallel in the world, even in an experimental
basis.
A mockup was constructed in this configuration at the external AT1 laboratory in CEPEL and were
carried out visual corona tests, fast and slow front impulses and live line maintenance procedures.
This HSIL was energized only by a terminal, thereby being applied only rated voltage of 230 kV.
Measurements were made of electric field and RI and AN with a mobile laboratory. The results
showed reasonable consistency with the values obtained in simulations using CEPEL programs,
tailored at the time for this type of application.
To be able to assess the calculation models developed in CEPEL, new measurements were carried out,
preferably with flowing current to magnetic field measurements.
It has also been tried, with the support of ELETROBRÁS and participation of CEPEL, a project in
partnership with manufacturers and TL erectors, for the implementation of a 230 kV HSIL, 10 km
long, in the CHESF system: the HSIL 230 kV 3 × Linnet (336 kcmil) per phase in asymmetrical
bundle with natural power of 340 MW (a conventional 230 kV line has natural power of 230 MW). A
reduction in cost was estimated at 50%. Various difficulties prevented the assembly of this pilot line.
One should note that this is an unprecedented arrangement and a possible use would be applied in
heavily congested areas, for example, cities input as its transmission capacity is up to three times the
power of a conventional line, with less land use and less impact on electromagnetic fields to be
compact.
Preliminary studies were performed with various configurations. The transformable tower 2 × 230kV
in 1 × 500kV allowed favorable spaces for the first applications. The pilot section was setup and
carried out measurements with portable equipments by CEPEL. This technique was applied with no
interruptions in the service.

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Operating results showed some disagreement against the expected in studies. Further analysis showed
that these differences were due to the strong circuit coupling, heightened by the higher power capacity,
and had no relation to the HSIL/ EXB concept.
It is concluded that to further consolidation of the concepts of HSIL technology would be important
that CHESF, Eletrobrás and CEPEL developed measurement campaigns in the projects that are
currently in operation.

500 kV Projects
FURNAS installed its first HSIL/ EXB 500 kV 4 RAIL conductors (954 kcmil) per phase between
Cachoeira Paulista and Adrianópolis substation, 350 km long, using a series of structures in its pattern
“cat face” tower. This alternative increased the standard SIL from 900 MW to 1200 MW by employing
a very light and flexible self supporting structure compared with other structural patterns of the same
capacity.

Figure 4 - EXB 500 kV in "cat face" tower, Furnas system

Figure 5 - 500 kV HSIL/ EXB in Furnas system - (a) mockup in HV hall, (b) test span at Seropédica

The development of this solution was attended CEPEL in designing the arrangements of the phases
and electrical testing laboratory, carried out under the HSIL project that included the participation of
several internationally renowned manufacturers.
Other relevant developments in 500 kV were the test span using crossrope structures, installed in
Seropedica (state of Rio de Janeiro), Figure 5, and the guyed single mast structure developed by
Eletronorte and CHESF [10].

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Actual development
CEPEL has developed several digital programs to be applied in the field of electrical systems and
electrical and mechanical designs, Figure 6, which allow the TL design employing HSIL technology,
as indicated in Table 3.

Figure 6 - Screenshots of softwares developed by CEPEL regarding transmission line design

Table 3: Computer models related to transmission line R&D developed in CEPEL

ELECTRIC DESIGN MECHANICAL DESIGN

OTLIN Configuration optimization and electromagnetic CMC Mechanical calculation in conductors
parameters TORRES
TRICAMP Three-dimensional electric field calculation TORTRE Design and optimization of conventional steel
PHENIX Electric field calculation by finite element structures for transmission lines, guyed or self-
SIGA supporting
DESCOR Radio interference and audible noise OTIMAS Design and optimization of metallic lattice masts
calculations for guyed transmission towers
ELESTAT Electrostatic field calculation TRAPIII Design and optimization of unconventional
CAMPMAG Magnetic field calculation compact structures, crossrope type, with insulator
chains in III, Circus and Star formations.
TENCRI Insulation critical voltage calculation
TRAPVVV Design and optimization of unconventional
CODIN/ TL performance against lightning
compact structures for transmission lines, crossrope
DATMOS
type, with insulator chains in VVV and Nabla
DELTA Calculation of risk of insulation failure formations
PCOR Calculation of corona losses Design and optimization of foundations in metal
ELEKTRA Optimal conductor selection
GRELHAS grilles in transmission towers.
CORRTEMP Conductor temperature calculation in hybrid
GEOMEF Study of geotechnical problems (foundations, earth
bundles
dams etc.) using finite element analysis
AMPACIDA Ampacity statistical analysis of transmission
TRAFLEX Evaluation of sag and the effects of temperature
lines
variation in conductors
TCOND Conductor temperature calculation considering
weather conditions in the TL route NETWORK DESIGN
RISCOGAP Risk of failure calculation based in conductor- ANAREDE Power flow study
ground clearance ANATEM Electromechanical stability study
GUMBEL Maximum wind velocity based in return period NH2 Compound reliability (generation-transmission)
BANCOCLIMA Meteorological database and statistical analysis study
ISOLINHAS Climatic data map collected by CEPEL network FLUPOT Optimum power flow determination

6
 In addition to the listed programs, ATP is applied for transient analysis studies on the electrical
system.

Actual laboratory development

CEPEL also has laboratories for electrical and mechanical tests that allow validate the transmission
line concepts with HSIL technology:
 Electric tests: Insulation (power frequency and impulsive), audible noise, radiointerference, visual
corona and live line maintenance;
 Mechanic tests: fatigue and vibration.
The high-voltage labs are located at Adrianopolis (Rio de Janeiro state), and currently counts on a high
voltage hall (Figure 7) and a pollution hall. The ultra-high voltage outdoor lab is in final stage of
erection (Figure 8) and a new ultra-high voltage hall is being planned for the next years.

Figure 7 - Test of 500 kV "Nabla" configuration on the Figure 8 - Assembly of HVDC configuration at the Ultra-
High voltage hall high voltage outdoor lab

As the transmission lines that employ the technology HSIL sometimes present innovative
configurations, pilot lines are deployed, allowing the evaluation of electrical and mechanical
performance, developing together with other sectors from the utility company, tracking its operation
and developing maintenance techniques. This procedure has been adopted successfully in CHESF.
In addition to laboratory tests, the CEPEL has capacity for conducting field measurements, both short
and long term measurement campaigns. Field measurements provided assessment in line performance,
verify the accuracy of calculation models and provide subsidies for research solutions to specific
problems.

Future trends
The research plan foresees for the next development cycle, conducting various modeling activities and
laboratory research aimed at developing some performance models and the improvement of others. In
this way it is intended to complete the technical basis of models and computational tools for the study
and development of optimized configurations of transmission lines.
The modeling activities comprise the following topics:
 Models for insulation (power frequency, switching and lightning surges) based on
electromagnetic fields formulations;
 Study of high-frequency phenomena, based on models for atmospheric discharges and its
propagation in the lines and structures;
 Models for electromagnetic interference and noise;

7
  Corona losses;
 Wind dynamic efforts in structures ;
 Integrated Optimization models of all lines of design parameters.
In a complementary manner should be developed and refined TLs monitoring techniques for the
establishment of diagnostic methodologies to improve line performance in operation and increase its
reliability.

Conclusions
The human resources needed for continuity of research and development activities continue to be
formed and the support of graduate and post-graduate theses can help the necessary activity for our
Center. Another important aspect concerns the improvement of specialized teams for the operation of
laboratories and assembly of test arrangements.
The external Ultra High Voltage Laboratory is in the final stages of construction and should be
available by the end of 2016. A new "hall" for UHV is being planned and the resources needed for its
construction are guaranteed.
As measurement techniques that are being developed, for AC three-phase configurations of
transmission lines with strong coupling between the phase being set protective equipment sources in
order that they are undamaged and allow for a proper assessment of the proposed arrangements.
Another aspect to be observed is about the modular sources acquired, is that they can be displaced
facilitating their use and eventually, if necessary, be expanded at a reasonable cost.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1] E. Clarke. Circuit analysis of AC power systems, Vol. 1, Wiley, 1943.
[2] G. N. Alexandrov. "Theory of bundle conductors." IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and
Systems, vol. 6, pp. 932-936, 1969.
[3] G. N. Alexandrov, G. V. Podporkin, Yu G. Seleznev. "Shape optimization of overhead
transmission line bundled conductors." Electric Technology USSR, vol. 4, pp. 1-14, 1988.
[4] F. C. Dart et al. "The HSIL Line - A New Approach for System Planning." VI SEPOPE, Salvador,
Brazil, 1998.
[5] O. Régis Jr. et al. "Expanded Bundle Technique: The Application of HSIL TL Concept to Increase
the Capacity of Overhead Lines." CIGRÉ Paper 22-207, 1998.
[6] S. J. G. Cavalcanti, O. Régis Jr., A. Pessoa Neto, F. Dart. “LPNE - a técnica e a cultura da
adequação.“ XIV SNPTEE, Belém, Brazil, 1997.
[7] J. C. Salari Fº. Optimization of bundle geometry in transmission lines; M.Sc. dissertation (in
Portuguese), COPPE/ UFRJ, 1993.
[8] S. Gomes Jr. Optimization and analysis of transmission lines; M.Sc. dissertation (in Portuguese),
COPPE/ UFRJ, 1995.
[9] J. Amon Fº. et al. “Otimização de Linha de Transmissão não Convencional de Alta Capacidade
em 500 kV.” XIII ERIAC, Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, 2009.
[10] V. G. Machado et al. "LT 500 kV Interligação Norte/ Sul III - Trecho 2 - Solução estrutural com
torre estaiada monomastro e feixe expandido." XIX SNPTEE, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2007.

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