Overhead poles

[ColinJones]

Perhaps slightly OT but I don't know where to ask...

Does anyone know what the maximium power is that can be run on overhead poles in the UK? eg How much power can the DNO run on poles before needing pylons or underground?

For example could a 6MW wind farm be connected to the grid using poles rather than underground or would pylons be needed?

Also, am I correct in thinking that pylons need planning permission where as poles can be errected using the DNO's statutory powers?

If it matters the distance is about 2.5 miles.

 

[Engineer54]

6 MW on poles, ...I don't think so!!!

 

[Knobhead]

I hope so, last place I was at had 80MVA coming in on poles.

Poles are used up to 33KV. After that you have to use Lithuanians.

As far as I know the DNO only needs to apply for a way-leave.

 

[Engineer54]

Must have been bloody massive poles and hangers to carry cables supplying 80MVA, even at 33KV. Not your standard everyday poles i bet ...lol!!!

I think the OP is talking about 6MVA at LV, as no mention of MV was included in his post, unless he's planning on supplying the grid at MV via a step-up TX...

 

[Knobhead]

It would be the only way they'd take a bulk feed.

33KV are run on H poles usually. Our's came in at 20MVA per line. At the site boandary they went UG to the 33KV sub. The scary thing was we could parallel the 33KV through our LV system.

 

[Engineer54]

It would be the only way they'd take a bulk feed.

Your probably right there , didn't give that a thought!! lol!!!

The scary thing was we could parallel the 33KV through our LV system.

Very scary!!! lol!!

 

[Brightspark2]

After that you have to use Lithuanians.

I see...and how do they help? Labour?

:ninja:

 

[ColinJones]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Actually I got my sums wrong. The developer has applied for six turbines rated between 2 and 2.5 MW each. That's 12 to 15 MW not 6MW.

The application says the "preferred" grid connection is underground in the road verge however we are concerned that as soon as the wind farm is approved they will "discover" some reason why it can't go underground and won't even need planning permission to run it on poles if those are technically viable.

The annoying thing is that the planning rules don't allow the planners to ask about the financial viability of running the grid connection underground. Nor do they allow the planners to consider the impact of anything other than what's in the planning application.

It seems to be the consensus that poles are viable but have to be H poles? Anyone got a photo of what those look like?

 

[Engineer54]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Actually I got my sums wrong. The developer has applied for six turbines rated between 2 and 2.5 MW each. That's 12 to 15 MW not 6MW.

The application says the "preferred" grid connection is underground in the road verge however we are concerned that as soon as the wind farm is approved they will "discover" some reason why it can't go underground and won't even need planning permission to run it on poles if those are technically viable.

The annoying thing is that the planning rules don't allow the planners to ask about the financial viability of running the grid connection underground. Nor do they allow the planners to consider the impact of anything other than what's in the planning application.

It seems to be the consensus that poles are viable but have to be H poles? Anyone got a photo of what those look like?

So Colin, what voltage are you intending to supply the grid with??

 

[snowhead]

Anyone got a photo of what those look like?

They're on here somewhere;

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=e...ZKKO70QWKp4GQBA&ved=0CCwQsAQ&biw=1193&bih=690

 

[Knobhead]

This smacks of NIMBYism.

 

[Knobhead]

One of these.
View attachment 15377

 

[Knobhead]

For 15MW there will most likelly be two lines of them. As for burying them for 2.5 miles you've no chance, just not economic.

Thats for 33KV if they have to use 11KV it could be more :sad_smile: