Transmission Systems

Sweden has been one of the pioneers of high voltage AC-transmission technology and also later in the introduction of high voltage DC-links.

Our transmission projects have covered interconnection lines in relation to large hydropower developments, studies on national and regional grid development as well as projects for rehabilitation and extension of transmission systems - OH-lines and underground cable systems - and substations.

Sweco has long-standing experience from participating as consultant in all phases of transmission projects, from pre-feasibility studies including market prognoses, environmental, socioeconomic and system analyses through to design of substations and lines to test, commissioning and training of the Client’s staff.

Experience shows that the market conditions will be the dominating factor for the outcome of interconnection studies. Even with an extremely thorough approach, price prognoses are associated with risk. Significant emphasis is therefore placed on evaluating a number of possible scenarios. The methodology and selected tools are chosen to reflect this situation.

Sweco is using advanced software for system analysis, planning and design of transmission systems. Advanced computer programmes for power balance calculations and economic optimisation have been developed for this work.

Survey equipment from Leica TPS 1100 and/ or GPS 1200 system or in combination with the latest lidair system is used depending on how difficult the terrain is, in order to achieve the optimal solution in the most cost effective way.

Tower spotting and conductor calculations are usually performed in the ICE tow programme. Graphical information, design and drawings are created in either Micro station CAD and/ or AutoCAD 2 or 3D. Cable (AC and DC) transmission capacity is thermally calculated for special laying conditions with the FEM-programme and received data renders sometimes to special adapted laying proposals.

The FEM programme and Steel CAD / Robot programmes are used for analysis and detailed design/shop drawings of towers in 3D.