Evaluation of Joule Power Losses Reduction in Overhead Lines with Innovative Conductors

Abstract

Substitution of traditional overhead line conductors with innovative ones can play a key role in the reinforcement of the transmission and distribution electric grids. The paper presents some of the results of the CALAJOULE project cofinanced by the Ministry of Economic Development in the framework of the “Ricerca di Sistema” programme. The use of innovative conductors in the existing overhead lines could bring a great benefit in terms of energy loss reduction therefore increasing electric energy transmission and distribution efficiencies. The paper demonstrates and substantiates these considerations by means of two reference examples: the former pertaining to a high voltage overhead line (i.e. 220 kV) and the latter pertaining to a medium voltage one (i.e. 20 kV). The actualized costs of the energy losses for traditional and innovative conductors are computed and compared.