How Safe & Secure is our Transmission Network

How Safe & Secure is our Transmission Network

The Electricity is generated by Thermal, Hydro, Nuclear and Renewable sources.Such generated electricity needs to be transmitted up to consumption points.As such Transmission Lines are the option for the same.The towers are erected using metallic structure. Each tower is designed based on the basis of topography of line, wind load, dead weight of Insulator and conductor and electromagnetic force.The cross arm of tower is the key element and so also foundation of the tower. The cross arms of tower supports transmission components. These days even OPGW wire is used on the towers.Transmission Components on Tower are as follows# Conductor# Hardware# InsulatorThe conductor transmits the power, hardware holds conductor and as well Insulator.Insulator provides solid mechanical support.Now health of all these 4 components need to be sound to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity.Towers are made of galvanized steel strips. They are also joined together using nuts and bolts. All these components have certain life. They tend to rust and finally give away. Towers are in remote location and there is watch and ward required for every tower. It is not possible due to sheer numbers. However utilities are doing routine patrolling at certain intervals say once in a week for all these towers.Another thing is that there is Nature’s fury and all towers and transmission components are standing out for all 365 days / 24 hours. They take brunt of sun, rains, thundershower, cyclone, dust particles etc. and still continue to function. It is very difficult for any material to withstand this year after year and as observed in recent past fury of winds and rains is increasing.The power utilities have many programmes like preventive maintenance, replacement of old components, using latest technology components, uprating of lines, strengthening of foundation, earthling etc. They try to keep line and line components in good shape to best of their ability.However there are budgetary constraints always. The present financial health of Discoms is bad and they do not pay transmission companies in time. Certain projects, schemes get delayed due to this.The analogy of Power Sector and Automobile Sector can be made as to how they can learn from each other.1)Weather ResistantCars and towers both need to be weather resistant and should be in position to bear nature’s fury.2l Free ServiceWhen car is sold to customer he is given 3 free service coupons. He is forced to take car to service station after completion of certain kilometres. There is follow up from the garage also. Similarly performance of line should be checked at given intervals and strong follow up for the same is required.3)Specified life to be followed.In case of automobiles oil filter is changed after 5000 kms and fan belt and rubber parts are changed after 10,000 kms. This is done without having any attachment to the part. If certain usage is over and even if that part is in good condition there is no waiting for same to fail and then change.This practice needs to be followed in Power Transmission Components. There is requirement of planned change of components after expiry of their estimated life.4)PUCThe vehicle is tested regularly for PUC and if anything is wrong in engine then same is detected immediately. Similarly tower parts need to be checked for rust, conductor strands, increase in hardware holes due to friction and any puncture or deformity of Insulators.These regular check-ups will ensure corrective action.5)Resale ValueThe resale value of car depends on its condition. Similarly these days’ transmission assets are developed and then sold. If they are in good condition then they will fetch good value.There has been instances of Power Supply failure to cities of Delhi, Mumbai etc. After this happens immediately press puts blame on utilities. However actual reality is different. Utility engineers work round the clock including Sundays. They do not follow any festival breaks.They risk their life when attending fault on Power Lines. The utilities are giving their best within framework available to them.The only solution is that the Policy makers need to provide sufficient funds for preventive maintenance of Transmission Lines.As said by one engineer from Ceylon Electricity Board “These Power Lines do not understand that it is X’Mas and I need to attend to my family.DPK Udasdpk.udas@rediffmail.com 

 
 
DPK Udas
Dpk.udas@rediffmail.com