Aerial MV Covered Networks : worth a new look?

Abstract

Medium Voltage Covered Conductors (MVCC) have existed for over 40 years in many parts of the world.Their designs have been driven by the different requirements of Electricity Distribution Utilities in each country.The type of circuit designed to improve system reliability was not necessarily the same as the circuit to improve safety or protect wildlife.This has meant that there have been many different versions of these types of circuits and all have had varying degrees of success.The requirements for system reliability and safety however are even more important now than ever and yet these types of circuits have not been significantly further developed.This is unfortunate as covered MV aerial networks can offer a reliability far in excess of a bare overhead circuit and are relatively quick to repair.The requirements for these levels of reliability and safety are now appearing in developing countries such as India and the only way to achieve this within the budgetary constraints is by using MVCC lines.This paper looks at the different aspects of the design, construction and operation of existing covered overhead circuits and proposes a more pragmatic approach in the design and construction of MVCC lines for Indian Utilities.These lines are simple to construct and in fact many are simply reconductored bare circuits.There have been several lines of such design already built with a major increase expected in the coming years.