Electrical power corridor supply

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and considerations involved in combining hydroelectric power lines on towers. Participants explore various obstacles, materials, and technological requirements related to power transmission infrastructure, as well as the broader implications of high electricity costs and infrastructure upgrades in Canada.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Political commentary

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the physical obstacles to combining existing hydro lines, emphasizing the need for more specific questions.
  • There is a discussion about the types of materials that could allow wires to be in closer contact, with insulation being a key concern due to lightning risks.
  • One participant notes that the three wires carry electricity in differently phased waveforms, suggesting they cannot be combined.
  • Concerns are raised about the high costs of electricity and infrastructure upgrades in Ontario, with a call for innovative solutions to address these issues.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of proposed infrastructure changes.
  • Political commentary includes frustrations over trade agreements affecting hydro pricing and the perceived inefficiencies in government handling of energy resources.
  • There are references to the potential for a new high-speed rail network to be integrated with hydro infrastructure, although this idea is met with mixed reactions.
  • Participants discuss the long-term cost-effectiveness of hydroelectric power compared to other energy sources, emphasizing maintenance over fuel costs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features multiple competing views regarding the feasibility of combining hydro lines and the implications of high electricity costs. There is no consensus on the best approach to address these challenges, and participants express a range of opinions on political and economic factors influencing the situation.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific technical requirements and costs associated with modifying existing infrastructure. There are also unresolved discussions about the impact of political decisions on energy pricing and resource management.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in energy infrastructure, hydroelectric power, and the political and economic aspects of electricity supply in Canada may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
I was looking for specific material's for insulation and ideas of limiting issue's such as arching, etc.
 
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  • #32
ECO Maverick said:
I was looking for specific material's for insulation and ideas of limiting issue's such as arching, etc.

Are you planning on buildings your own transmission line?

Google insulating materials.
 
  • #33
anorlunda said:
Are you planning on buildings your own transmission line?

Google insulating materials.
Actually, yes. I'm hoping to start a revolution in High speed travel and combining it with a renewal of transmission power corridors.
 
  • #34
ECO Maverick said:
Actually, yes. I'm hoping to start a revolution in High speed travel and combining it with a renewal of transmission power corridors.

In that case, you don't need answers from an Internet forum. You need a degree in Electrical Engineering.
 
  • #35
No, I need an engineer to consult and discuss without looking down on me with a higher than thou attitude. With all due respect not you of course.
 
  • #36
ECO Maverick said:
No, I need an engineer to consult and discuss without looking down on me with a higher than thou attitude. With all due respect not you of course.

Look at your PF Inbox, I sent you a private message.
 
  • #37
Air is quite a cheap insulator compared to other materials. Bringing wires closer together won't make the infrastructure cheaper.

Perhaps look at installing local wind or solar PV if transporting energy is so expensive.

Better still look at energy saving measures so you don't need to use so much in the first place?
 
  • #38
CWatters said:
Air is quite a cheap insulator compared to other materials. Bringing wires closer together won't make the infrastructure cheaper.

Sorry, I have to disagree with that. The real estate needed for a transmission line (called right-of-way) is extensive and very expensive. Especially in urban areas. Imagine clearing a 100 meter wide corridor right across the middle of any big city, or any populated area. In many places, utilities have been told that they can never again expand the right-of-way real estate they already have. Future capacity growth must come from more efficient use of the existing right-of-way. Therefore, any scheme to build more than one line or a higher capacity line using the same right-of-way is very valuable. For example, designs of six phase or twelve phase transmission lines are sitting on the shelf waiting for the day when they become economically viable.

Underground and underwater cables of course use less right-of-way, but their cost per mile and their technical problems make them non-competitive in most cases.

But I don't think that is what the OP was asking about. What the OP is really asking is very muddled.
 
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  • #39
CWatters said:
Air is quite a cheap insulator compared to other materials. Bringing wires closer together won't make the infrastructure cheaper.

Perhaps look at installing local wind or solar PV if transporting energy is so expensive.

Better still look at energy saving measures so you don't need to use so much in the first place?
$ Money $. At some point the need for upgrading existing power lines has to be addressed. The SAD part is people today above 30 years of age keeps whining about the cost to them TODAY. What about the people that are under 40 that will be BURDENED by the costs( cost keeps going up) to upgrade an out of date system? The cost of upgrading can be greatly reduced if combing 1) electrical system upgrade 2)connecting the ENTIRE continent fibre optic system and 3) goinjg to the NEXT level rail service.
 
  • #40
anorlunda said:
Sorry, I have to disagree with that. The real estate needed for a transmission line (called right-of-way) is extensive and very expensive. Especially in urban areas. Imagine clearing a 100 meter wide corridor right across the middle of any big city, or any populated area. In many places, utilities have been told that they can never again expand the right-of-way real estate they already have. Future capacity growth must come from more efficient use of the existing right-of-way. Therefore, any scheme to build more than one line or a higher capacity line using the same right-of-way is very valuable. For example, designs of six phase or twelve phase transmission lines are sitting on the shelf waiting for the day when they become economically viable.

Underground and underwater cables of course use less right-of-way, but their cost per mile and their technical problems make them non-competitive in most cases.

But I don't think that is what the OP was asking about. What the OP is really asking is very muddled.
I have asked from the beginning and will repeat it; What type of insulation is required to bring High voltage lines closer together? But every response gets into a major upheaval about costs or act like it's impossible.
 
  • #41
If it was cheap and easy it would be used on new lines already.
 
  • #42
ECO Maverick said:
I have asked from the beginning and will repeat it; What type of insulation is required to bring High voltage lines closer together? But every response gets into a major upheaval about costs or act like it's impossible.

You had your answer in post #5, plastics.
 
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  • #43
ECO Maverick said:
What type of insulation is required to bring High voltage lines closer together?
have you tried a search on hv cable ?
Your search engine learns to send you stuff based on what it sees you study
mine's first hit suggests cross linked polyethylene
http://www.nexans.co.uk/eservice/UK-en_GB/fileLibrary/Download_540192183/UK/files/Nexans%20High%20Voltage%20Underground.pdf
and the second suggests oil impregnated polypropylene
http://www.divtecs.com/data/A%20500%20kV%20Power%20System%20for%20a%20Gridded%20Sheet%20Beam%20Klystron.pdf

as anorlunda said,

 
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  • #44
jim hardy said:
have you tried a search on hv cable ?
Your search engine learns to send you stuff based on what it sees you study
mine's first hit suggests cross linked polyethylene
http://www.nexans.co.uk/eservice/UK-en_GB/fileLibrary/Download_540192183/UK/files/Nexans%20High%20Voltage%20Underground.pdf
and the second suggests oil impregnated polypropylene
http://www.divtecs.com/data/A%20500%20kV%20Power%20System%20for%20a%20Gridded%20Sheet%20Beam%20Klystron.pdf

as anorlunda said,


A huge thank you Sir. Everyone else said its too expensive or couldn't be done. Again very much appreciated, and with no attitude.
 
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