Part I

Draft Black Sea Regional Transmission Project ESIA
of-way. Helicopter landing/staging pads may need to be constructed in rugged terrain where
helicopters may be used for construction activities.
2.1.2.5 Installation of Conductors (Transmission Lines)
In most locations, there are no line conductors between the existing towers; however, line
conductors and ground conductors are present in some locations. GSE will evaluate
existing conductors to determine if they are still usable. It is anticipated that most, if not all,
of the line and ground conductors used will be new.
Based on the type and size of conductors used in existing 400kV and 500kV systems in
Georgia, the following conductor sizes will be used to maintain uniformity in operation and
maintenance practices, including maintaining optimum spare parts inventory:
3xAC 400/51, 3XAC 500/64 aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR) line
conductors per phase for 500kV transmission line.
Two (2) 380/50 square millimeter DIN48204 rated ACSR line conductors for 400kV
transmission line per phase.
Two (2) ground conductors will be provided. One composite fiber-optic overhead
ground wire will be used to serve dual function; optical fiber telecom link and
ground wire on overhead transmission lines and the other will be ACSR. The
optical fiber telecom link are designed with mechanical and electrical
characteristics similar to conventional ground wires.
The ground wires are constructed to protect the electrical line from the effects of short
circuits on the power system and lightning strikes.
Line conductor installations will be accomplished
using two basic techniques. In drivable terrain, the
conductors will be on rollers at the end of a section.
The line conductor will be played out between the
towers using a four-wheel drive vehicle with a
specialized pole that will pull the line conductor
from tower to tower while driving along the right-ofway.
In highly rugged terrain, it is anticipated that
vegetation clearing will be minimal and helicopters
will be used the run the line conductor between
towers. Once the line conductor is played out, it
will be pulled to the required tension to maintain a
minimum clearance requirement of eight meters
over the highest vegetation. Figure 2-6 shows
typical ground-based conductoring. In rugged
terrain where vehicle access is difficult or
impossible, helicopters may be used to place
conductor lines.
2.1.3 Proposed Maintenance Techniques
2.1.3.1 Substations
Figure 2-6. Ground-based
conductoring
Ongoing operations and maintenance at substations will primarily include accessing the
substations by truck or car to monitor and occasionally service equipment and the facilities.
Additional maintenance activities would include landscaping activities such as grass mowing
and regular mechanical weed control around the fences.
19