345 kV Transmission Line EPC Wind Power Project

The Power of EOC + EPC Partnerships

Project Date: 2/2/2024
Type of Client: Utility Project
Region: Texas
Services: Engineer of Record providing engineering, permitting, procurement, and construction support during development as part of EPC team.

This project consisted of 10.24 miles of 345 kV transmission located in eastern Texas and was associated with a wind farm, which had been constructed by a utility under an EPC agreement.

The transmission line used tubular steel single-pole structures with guyed steel structures at most angle locations and unbuoyed steel structures at select locations. The structures also supported one Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) for full-length communication. A shield wire was added opposite the OPGW where the line rolled to a flat configuration where it entered the substations at each end.

Commonwealth assisted in economic conductor selection, provided line loss and thermal capacity calculations, and evaluated various structure framing options to provide a line that met code and provided reliable service while responding to the economics of a completed project delivered in a competitive market.

Structure framing consisted of Polymer Braced-Post assemblies on Tangents supporting a Vertically Oriented Twin-Bundled 795 ACSR Drake conductor. Spans ranged from 1,000 to 1,200 ft. within an easement of 150 feet in width.