Long-distance power distribution infrastructure typically involves overhead networks. Power lines (TL) are selected as delivery circuits, for the operation of which special supports are used. These are structures on which wires and related fittings are fixed. Depending on the conditions of use and the characteristics of the network, power transmission towers of various types can be used. In the future, the quality of the organized network will depend on the installation and technical support of the line.
General information about power transmission towers
The support included in the power line performs the tasks of supporting wires and optimal tension. Each support has in its design special fittings for fastening cable lines. In this case, the purpose of the route itself may also differ. This also applies to current transmission lines, and communication fiber optic networks, as well as telephone wires. The belonging of the route to one of the above categories partly determines the technology by which the installation of power transmission towers will be carried out in a particular section. So, the higher the voltage, the more responsible the installation. Auxiliary elements in the form of clamps and clamps will also affect the quality of installation. And that's not to mention the need to getsufficient distance from the wires to the ground and the support body. Complex sections of the network require the development and preliminary calculation of the project for which installation operations will be carried out.
Varieties of supports by purpose
Supports are intermediate, with anchor support, angular and special. The most common are intermediate structures installed on straight sections of lines. They perform the tasks of supporting cable routes and are not designed for additional tension loads. Anchor structures are also mounted on straight sections, but, in addition to supporting wires, they can also take the load from tension. For this reason, the anchor supports of power transmission lines are strong and durable. As for the corner supports, they are used in difficult areas with turns and transitions. Such structures are loaded from their own lines, but longitudinal loads can also be transferred from the tension of adjacent networks. Complex configurations of bundles of main, transitional and branch lines are provided by special supports. Often they are made for operation within the framework of specific projects for the organization of power transmission lines.
Varieties according to the material of manufacture
The most durable material for supporting structures is reinforced concrete. These are molded beams with a rectangular section, the structure of which is provided by metal rods. The advantages of reinforced concrete support also include resistance to biological, chemical and climaticinfluences. Metal structures are similar to reinforced concrete in some strength indicators, but they are used less frequently due to poor protection from rust processes. The most affordable solution is wood - such models cost 1-3 thousand rubles. average. For comparison: reinforced concrete power transmission poles are available on the market for 5-7 thousand. But wood is a short-lived element of the infrastructure and needs to be updated already in the first years of operation. An alternative option would be a composite pole. This material, like wood, is characterized by lightness and protection against corrosion, but at the same time it is not subjected to biological destruction processes. However, composite is more expensive than reinforced concrete.
Installation of power transmission towers up to 1 kV
Installation is carried out in several stages, but first preparatory measures are taken. If necessary, the installation points should be cleared and, in some cases, additionally strengthened. If the installation is planned through forest areas, then cutting is not necessary. The average distance between power transmission towers is 35-40 m, and it is necessary to choose attachment points so that trees and shrubs are 1-2 m from the pole.
Next, drilling or digging a hole is performed. If you plan to install reinforced concrete or metal supports, then you will need special equipment and a solution that forms the foundation base for integrating the support. Special equipment with drills will prepare a hole in which the pole will be installed. Manually dig holes with a depth of about 30-50 cm. This option is suitablefor a wooden power line pole or a composite analogue. After fixing the post, traverses, insulators and brackets are mounted. Fixing the wires themselves in simple circuits is done by wire knitting.
Features of installation of poles up to 10 kV
In this case, supports of large standard sizes are used, which have a large weight and a high level of operational responsibility. Therefore, the installation technology has its own differences. In particular, to strengthen the lower part of the support in the ground, excavation is required with an excavator. The very same installation of power transmission towers is not complete without pouring the foundation into the prepared niche. Special attention is devoted to ensuring the reliability of the design. So, in order to protect against fires and other damaging processes, a kind of insulating trench is formed around the installation point. The radius is usually about 1-2 m. What is more important: the grounding of such supports is carried out from rod vertical elements made of angle steel.
Conclusion
Overhead power lines in the overall structure can perform not only the tasks of distribution and delivery of energy. Often the route also acts as a communication channel for auxiliary needs. Another thing is that most of them also focus on technical support for local infrastructure. In this context, it is the power transmission towers that are of particular importance, since not only wires, but also additional functional fittings are attached to them. Also, the technology of organizing power transmission lines provides for the creation of maintenance points. This iscritical areas where personnel can take preventive measures - for example, assess the level of line voltage, etc.
