Challenge:
Optimization of Construction Time in Power Transmission Projects
The construction of a power line roadmap has multiple moments and activities. What applications, technologies, systems, tools, platforms, construction methods or other solutions could we use to shorten the time for activities such as site mapping, excavation and foundations, cable placement and commissioning?
Context
Constructing a high-voltage power transmission line is a process aimed at interconnecting substations to transport electrical energy over long distances. Typically, these projects cover distances ranging from 10 km to 300 km. The transmission line consists of a series of high-voltage towers that support the conductor cable and are distributed along the route, with an average spacing of one tower every 300 meters. Approximately 500 km of high-voltage transmission lines are constructed each year.
The critical path in the construction of a transmission line consists of the sequence of key activities that set the total duration of the project. These activities include, but are not limited to:
1. Feasibility study and design: Detailed assessment of the terrain and development of the transmission line design.
2. Permits and licenses acquisition: Obtaining the necessary permits (e.g., easements) and licenses required for construction (e.g., environmental permits).
3. Site preparation: Identification of the terrain type, land leveling, and excavation for tower installation.
4. Tower construction: Erecting the high-voltage towers along the transmission line route, including foundation work and assembly of metal structures.
5. Cable laying: Installing the high-voltage cables between the transmission towers along the route.
5. Testing and commissioning: Conducting comprehensive testing and commissioning of the transmission line together with the control and protection systems.
Relevant data:
– 10 to 300 km extension per transmission line.
– 500 km average of high-voltage lines built every year.
The challenge
The challenge is to reduce construction times in power transmission projects by optimizing the critical path. Specifically, we are looking to optimize the following stages:
– Terrain mapping.Excavation and foundations.
– Cable laying.
– Commissioning.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for construction methods, applications, technologies, systems, tools, platforms, etc., that can reduce construction and commissioning times in power transmission projects. Solutions can improve, eliminate, and/or replace current construction methods and tools.
Questions
Here are some questions to help you broaden your perspective on the various issues related to the challenge. Your solution does not need to address all these questions.
– How can we streamline the construction process for transmission lines?
– How can we upgrade excavation processes for hard soil?
– How can we speed up foundation construction in different types of soil?
– How can we assess soil quality in a specific area or zone using non-invasive methods?
– How can we accelerate cable laying in transmission lines
– How can we refine and speed up testing for the Control, Protection, Communication, and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system?
We take your existing solution or co-create one, test it in our facilities and, if successful, scale it commercially.
