Review development and deployment of FRP/GRP composites on transmission lines Sachdeva M L1, Takalkar S M2 1Former C.E. Engineer (CEA) & Free Lance Consultant 2Managing Director, Takalkar Power Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Online published on 6 May, 2023. Abstract Transmission Lines on steel towers & poles and Sub-Transmission Lines & Distribution system on poles (wooden, tubular steel poles, concrete, O/H cables) been in operation over the last century. The steel towers & poles over 50 years’ service have outlived their useful life due to ageing and corrosion. Also, wooden poles are damaged by varying climate exposure and woodpeckers. Further, fossil fuel generation transition to renewable mega distribution farms, smart cities, EVs & charging Stations emplaned into re-organization of new generation and load centers inhabiting need for new/high-capacity inter-connectors & new transmission system. Hurricanes, tornadoes, devasting flood, forest fire result into system hardening including using fire resistant bio gradable FRPs, conversion of O/H lines to underground and/or covered conductor TLs. Post COVID, the Nations initiated economy recovery encouraging investment, granting initiatives, tax rebates and providing finances for development and extension of power facilities, creation of local-industry through new economic activities, additional employment and improved environmental conditions as also encourage young disruptors deploying new disruptive technologies. In compliance with Paris Conference 2015 and reduction of greenhouse gases by reducing use of steel and deploying bio-gradable FRP being light, corrosion resistance, high strength materials which have already proven their successful contribution in spacecraft, aviation, shipping, automobile, civil infrastructure but is at stage of infancy in transmission network deploying huge quantity of steel. However, Fiberglass/Composites are abundantly used on LV & MV Electrical Enclosures of industrial grade and types and distribution poles. The Paper provides an update on technology development of FRP/composite poles (Filament winding & pultrusion) on TLs, hybrid towers (steel tower body with insulated X-arms), manufacturing facilities in India vis-à-vis their deployment in America, China, Canada, Malaysia. MoP/CSIR are suggested-to finance CPRI continuing research projects. Which included analysis of cross -braced tower panels-made from FRP protruded sections (2012) and 66kV Full scale FRP tower (2014) for developing FRP Towers & Poles of higher rating. It is also suggested that utility & industry to explore insulated X-arms-assembly with FRP Towers/poles to reap benefits reduce ROW and less assembly weight. Top Keywords Paris Meet 2015 & Greenhouse gases mitigation thru bio gradable FRP, Fiber Comparison, FRP arrangement, Weight comparison various Poles & FRP material, Steel & FRP/Composites tower, Tubular Pole, Accessories & Hardware, Body Extension joint, Insulated X-arms. Renewables, Fossil fuel generation, Funding on R&D for FRP Pole and fabricated towers (Fully or hybrid FRP). Top |