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Mechanical and electrical engineering aspects of long-distance underground power transmission

Authors :
J. M. Hale
A Jack
A.G. Gibson
G Kotsikos
Source :
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy. 222:339-346
Publication Year :
2008
Publisher :
SAGE Publications, 2008.

Abstract

The delivery of the power from remote power generation sites to urban centres is increasingly becoming a challenge for the power industry since the use of traditional power transmission technology, such as overhead cables, is a politically sensitive issue and alternative approaches are sought. This paper reports the findings of a feasibility study into long distance power transmission via small diameter underground tunnels, constructed using trenchless technologies such as horizontal directional drilling or microtunnelling. The study examines the suitability of AC or DC transmission for such underground tunnels, various cooling methods to remove the heat generated in the conductors from electrical losses, type of conductor to be used, and issues concerning conductor installation. As a result of this study a number of technical challenges have been identified that need to be overcome in order to make the method an economically and technically viable option.

Details

ISSN :
20412967 and 09576509
Volume :
222
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........2b3d41d1b84bb589fd9d1ebc7db38ce4
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1243/09576509jpe518