Transforming Existing 220 kV Double Circuit
Line into 400 kV Single Circuit Line in
Romania
D. Marginean, E. Mateescu, IEEE Member, H.S. Wechsler, – Fichtner Engineering Co. Bucharest,
Romania
G. Florea, IEEE Member – P&L Tehnorob Co. Bucharest, Romania,
C. Matea – CN Transelectrica S.A. – Bucharest, Romania
Abstract — The transmission system operators
TRANSELECTRICA (TEL-Romania) and EMS (Serbia)
have decided to increase the interconnection capacity on
the common border by building a new 400 kV transmission
line.
The aim of the new 400 kV interconnection line is to
serve both system operators in achieving the common goal
– a more reliable power supply to the customers at a lower
electricity price.
In the same context, TEL has decided to upgrade the
transmission line corridor in the Western part of Romania
from 220 kV to 400 kV voltage level, in order to facilitate
the evacuation of exceeding power from Portile de Fier
area (including hydro power plants Portile de Fier, Portile
de Fier 2, thermal power plant Halanga and future wind
power park planned in the same area).
With these goals, the authors have been prepared a
report regarding the feasibility of the project. The
objectives of the report have been:
- Compare from technically and economically point of
view two candidate interconnection lines with the
Serbian system.
- Identify and recommend an optimal configuration for
upgrading the transmission corridor between Arad and
Portile de Fier, taking into account the future 400 kV
interconnection with the Serbian system.
The paper presents only the most important results
obtained regarding the system study and the optimal
solution for corridor transforming.
Index Terms - Upgrading – Interconnection – System -
Configuration - Corridor – Transforming – Optimal
I. INTRODUCTION
R omania’s commitment to the power market of the
UE-Countries can be achieved only under the
strengthening of connection networks between member
countries, so that to acquire a high security and quality
of the power transmission services in compliance with
both international and domestic trade.
At present, Romania and Serbia share a single
interconnection OHL, Portile de Fier - Djerdap (400 kV
single circuit), and a new interconnection OHL between
1
978-1-4577-0567-0/11/$26.00 ©2011 IEEE
the two countries will be advantageous as it can:
- Secure the power supply of a large consumption
zone of about 1,000 MW;
- Increase voltage stability in the zone and implicitly,
reduce power and energy losses;
- Increase the transmission service quality, the power
quantity that can be transferred and the safety in the
power supply of Romania’s and Serbia’s power
systems;
- Increment the security in the fulfillment of
import/export contracts with the European power
market;
- Increase the possibility of using renewable energy (a
different one from that obtained by fossils
combustion).
In the conditions of the future interconnection, the
upgrading of the southwestern part of Romanian power
system is compulsory. The weak part is represented by
the existing 220 kV double circuit corridor from Portile
de Fier to Arad.
The map of the Project with the 220 kV OHL target
corridor and future interconnection line with Serbia is
presented below in figure 1.
The analysis was structured in two phases:
- the power system study for selecting the optimum
solutions for upgrading the southwestern part of the
Romanian transmission system and for the new
400kV interconnection line;
- the conceptual study for optimal solution regarding
the upgrading of the existing 220 kV double circuit
corridor.
II. SYSTEM STUDY
The main tasks of the study were:
- identify the optimal alternative to upgrade the
transmission line corridor in Western Romania and
interconnect the power systems of Romania and
Serbia, in harmony with regional power system
developments and energy resource sharing;
- evaluate the performances of the interconnection by
power system analysis;
- estimate costs of the various alternatives;
- undertake financial analysis for the most promising
alternative;
- confirm financial justification and prioritization for
the interconnection between Romania and Serbia.
Based on the results of the previous study done by
Transelectrica and EMS two alternatives for the new
400 kV interconnection have been agreed (TABLE II):
TABLE II
ALTERNATIVES FOR NEW INTERCONNECTION 400 KV OHL
Romanian side Serbian side
Sacalaz Novi Sad
Resita Pancevo
ROMANIA
NOVISAD
SERBIA
PANCEVO
Fig. 1 – Southwest Romanian Transmission System
Regarding the optimal configuration for upgrading
the transmission corridor between Arad and Portile de
Fier, various variants were retained for a preliminary
technical evaluation, followed by an in–depth power
system analysis of the most promising ones.
Each of the variants can have two options,
corresponding to the interconnection line Sacalaz-Novi
Sad or line Resita –Pancevo.
Conclusions of System Study:
2
Based on Steady State investigations, Net Transfer
Capacity calculation, dynamic investigations and
financial evaluation the analysis performed in the study
has revealed that:
- the location of the new interconnection line between
Resita and Pancevo is the best solution and it is
recommended;
- for the 220 kV transmission corridor upgrade in
Romania the conceptual Variant I is the optimal
solution (Variant 1 consists in a new 400kV single
circuit OHL from Arad to Portile de Fier, new
400kV substations at Calea Aradului, Sacalaz,
Timisoara and Resita and 400/110kV step-down
transformers at Arad, Sacalaz, Timisoara and
Resita).
This arrangement was tested by simulations and
found to have good static and dynamic performance for
a maximum 1000 MW transfer in both directions
between from Romania and the UCTE system.
Target corridor
Existing 220 kV OHL
Existing 400 kV OHL
New 400 kV OHL
400 kV interconnection
(alternatives)
From a financial perspective, this arrangement leads
to the minimum capital expenditure for the 400 kV
transmission corridor in Western Romania and
maximizes the benefits from the increase in border
capacity by the new interconnection line.
Also, a study about switching overvoltages for the
new 400 kV axis in south-west Romanian transmission
network has been performed using the Alternative
Transients Program [4].
 The results of the study reveals that, with the 400 kV
upgrade, the switching overvoltages values will be
between accepted limits. The risk analysis shown an
increased level of risk compared with existing situation,
but surely below a dangerous value.
III. UPGRADING TRANSMISSION LINE CORRIDOR BY
TRANSFORMING EXISTING DOUBLE CIRCUIT LINES
As resulted from the power system study, a 400 kV
connection between Portile de Fier and Arad is essential
for the efficiency of the whole project.
Solutions for setting up the 400 kV corridor:
Were compared technically and economically the
following possible solutions:
- new 400 kV single circuit OHL on existing 220 kV
double circuit route;
- new 400 kV single circuit OHL on a new route;
- transforming existing 220 kV double circuit OHL
into a 400 kV single circuit OHL.
The upgrading of the existing 220 kV double circuit
OHL by transforming into a 400 kV single circuit OHL
has been already studied in Romania [1], [2].
Two solutions were studied and detailed until now
(see figure 2):
Fig. 2.a: Fig. 2.b:
„Triangle” solution Existing tower
Fig.2: Solutions for transforming 220 kV double circuit OHL into a
400 kV single circuit OHL
- triangle solution, consisting of transforming the
existing 220 kV „hexagon” frame into a „triangle”
3
downward oriented peak frame. This solution is
achieved keeping the middle crossarm and one of the
lower crossarms of the 220 kV tower geometry;
- delta solution, consists of replacing „hexagon” frame
of the existing 220 kV tower geometry with a „delta”
tower top geometry.
While the technical advantages of a 400 kV corridor
with new 400 kV OHL is evident (new equipments, no
need for disconnecting the link during construction
stage, etc.), some other aspects were taken in
consideration:
- difficulties related to obtaining the right-of-way for
the new lines;
- environmental restrictions due to the presence of
National Parks and Nature Reserves in the area of
the project;
- increased costs for land acquisition;
- important modifications of the substations
configuration and equipments;
- modifications of other existing OHL, mainly in the
proximity of the substation.
The main problem of the solutions with transforming
existing towers is the periods when the existing 220kV
link is necessary to be disconnected for erection works.
For very important links, as Timisoara – Arad is, this is
not an accepted option.
Fig. 2.c:
„Delta” solution
The proposed solution is to use emergency towers to
bypass the power transit on the OHL. As described in
[3], the emergency towers will be installed in parallel
with existing line and will be equipped with one 220 kV
circuit. The line will be disconnected only at by-pass
connecting/disconnecting operations. Those periods are
in range of one to two hours and could be accepted. related to environmental coexistence:
The financial evaluation of the analyzed solutions is - less visual impact, because of lower height towers,
presented in TABLE II below (costs in Euro/km, prices with improved aesthetic;
beginning of 2009): - narrow occupied corridor. Distance between outer
phases is 12 meters for „delta” solution, compared
TABLE II with 16 meters for „triangle” solution.
FINANCIAL COMPARISSION OF ANALYZED SOLUTIONS
Based on all these findings, the „delta” solution was
400 kV single circuit OHL by selected as favorite and all subsequent analysis were
New 400kV transforming
Solution OHL single
focused on this solution.
220 kV double circuit OHL
circuit on
Costs new route „Triangle” „Delta” IV. DETAILED ANALYSIS OF „DELTA” SOLUTION
solution solution
Equipments and
This part of the study investigated the real
175000 88900 91300
erection possibilities of implementation of the „delta” solutions
Dismantled 0 3600 7300 for the 220 kV double circuit OHL that are included in
materials revenue this project.
Rehabilitation of
reused 0 10900 9700
equipments As described above, the „delta” solution consists of
175000 96200 93700 replacing the existing „hexagon” tower-top by a „delta”,
Total direct costs 400 kV dimensioned, tower-top. In this solution,
(100.0%) (55.0%) (53.5%) existing foundations and tower trunks will be reused,
Land acquisition
same for phase conductors and earthwires.
17000 0 0
(definitive)
Land acquisition The main characteristic (existing and after
(temporary, 21000 19500 19500 transformation) of the 220 kV OHL involved in this
during works)
project are presented in TABLE III.
Right-of-way 25000 3125 0
obtaining
TABLE III
Corona losses 22300 27600 24500 MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF ANALYZED OHL
(actualized)
Periodic
restoration of Main characteristics
anticorrosive OHL
0 9200 5468
protection of Existing After transformation
reused parts - OHL type: 220 kV
(actualized) double circuit - OHL type: 400 kV
260300 154625 143168
Actualized Total - Length: 72.8 km: single circuit
(30 years, 8% - Year of commissioning: - Length: 72.8 km:
rate) (100%) (59.8%) (55.0%)
1971; - Tower-top geometry:
- Tower-top geometry: „delta”;

Taking in consideration the results of technical and Re i a –

„hexagon”;
Timi oara - Phase conductor:
economic analysis, both solutions with transforming 1xACSR 450/75 mm2;
existing 220 kV double circuit OHL into a 400 kV - Earth wire: 1xOPGW
single circuit OHL were selected for detailed analysis. (2004);
- Insulation: glass, cap and
If the financial evaluation gives a similar value for pin;
both solutions (table 2), the technical analysis revealed - Foundations: casted in-
that the „delta” solution has some certain advantages: situ.
- Phase conductors:
2xACSR 450/75 mm2;
- Earth wire: 1xOPGW +
1xACS (new);
- Insulation: composite,
long road;
- Foundations: keep
existing ones

- better symmetry factor (defined as ratio between - OHL type: 220 kV
double circuit
direct and inverse reactance);
- Length: 53.7 km:
- lower corona losses, due to lower intensity of -
electric fields values at conductors surface;
Year of commissioning:
1974;
- lower intensity of electric field above ground; Timi oara
– Arad - Tower-top geometry:
- reduced number of line outages because shielding „hexagon”;
failure, due to the presence of two earthwires. - Phase conductor:
1xACSR 450/75 mm2;
The „delta” solution has also some advantages - Earth wire: 1xOPGW;
- Insulation: glass, cap and
- OHL type: 400 kV
single circuit
- Length: 72.8 km:
- Tower-top geometry:
„delta”;
- Phase conductors:
2xACSR 450/75 mm2;
- Earth wire: 1xOPGW +
1xACS (new);
- Insulation: composite,
long road;

4
 pin; - Foundations: keep -
- Foundations: precasted existing ones
and casted in-situ.
The most important part of the study was the
investigation of the capability of the remaining tower
trunks and foundations to withstand the new loadings as
[1]
resulted for new OHL configuration.
The verification checked all towers’ and foundations
types (suspension, tension, angle and dead-end) in the
[2]
conditions of valid Romanian standards and norms. The
calculations was done for same meteorological
conditions used for the initial design of the electric lines,
[3]
applied to the actual pair of wind and weight spans,
specific for each tower location.
Beside the existing 2 x ACSR 450/75 mm2 phase [4]
configuration, the towers and foundations were verified
also for a 3 x ACSR 300/69 mm2 phase configuration.
for the 2 x ACSR 450/75 mm2 phase configuration,
the reused parts of the OHL -towers trunks and
foundations- do not need any reinforcements.
VI. REFERENCES
CIGRE, Black Sea El-Net regional Meeting, 2001: H.S.
WECHSLER and others – „Aspects and results in the field of
increasing the power transmission capacities of the existing
overhead transmission lines”
HIGH VOLTAGE SYMPOSIUM, Sibiu 1995: G.
GHEORGHITA and others – „Solutions of transforming the 220
kV double circuit overhead lines into 400 kV single circuits
lines”
CIGRE, Black Sea El-Net regional Meeting, 2001: C. TENCU
and others – „Emergency restauration system for overhead
transmission lines”
I. ARDELEAN, G. VUC – „Switching Overvoltages in
Romanian S-W Transmission Network, with New 400 kV Portile
de Fier – Resita – Timisoara - Arad Axle”

The conclusions of the verifications were as follows: VII. BIOGRAPHIES

- towers trunks and foundations have the capacity to
withstand the new loadings resulted for a 2 x ACSR
450/75 mm2 phase configuration;
- for a 3 x ACSR 300/69 mm2 phase configuration, the
calculations revealed loadings of the main members
of the trunks with 13% to 15% over admitted loads.
In case of main diagonals the over-loadings were
between 16% and 20%.
In these conditions, the solution with 3 x ACSR
300/69 mm2 phase configuration resulted non-economic
because of the significant reinforcements required. For
this phase configuration many of the verified towers
should be replaced with new towers and the benefits
resulted from a better phase configuration do not justify
this option.
V. CONCLUSION
As resulted from the technical and financial
evaluation, the optimal solution for upgrading
transmission line corridor Resita – Timisoara – Arad is
the „delta” solution, consisting of replacing the existing
„hexagon” tower-top by a „delta”, 400 kV dimensioned,
tower-top.
Daniel Marginean was born in Bucharest,
Romania, on October, 12th, 1964 and
received a Diploma in Electric Power
Engineering in 1991 from Polytechnic
University Bucharest, Romania. His
employment experience includes the
Institute of Power Studies and Design,
Bucharest and Fichtner Engineering Ltd,
Bucharest. His special fields of interest
include the design of power transmission
lines. As a specialist for transmission lines,
Mr. Marginean has excellent technical capabilities related to
transmission line routing, transmission line components like
conductors, optical cables, insulators and supports, structural
steelwork and foundations for transmission line towers, and special
technical solutions PLS-Cadd abilities.
Elena Mateescu was born in Bucharest,
Romania, on October, 26th, 1959 and
received a Dipoma in Electric Power
Engineering in 1983 from Polytechnic
University Bucharest, Romania. Her
employment experience includes the Institute
of Power Studies and Design, Bucharest and
Fichtner Engineering Ltd, Bucharest. Her
special fields of interest include the design of
power transmission lines, electromagnetic
field effect of electric network on biological
systems, environmental impacts and live-line maintenance methods.

Henry Silviu Wechsler was born in

The main advantages of this solution are:
- costs halved compared with the costs of a new
400kV OHL;
- no land or right-of-way acquisition is necessary for
project implementation compared with the new line
solution, which also means minimum environmental
impact;
- minimum modifications of the substations
configuration and equipments;
- better electric performances and environmental
impact compared with the „triangle” solution;
Boto ani, Romania, on June, 18th, 1946 and
received a Diploma in Electric Power
Engineering in 1970 from Polytechnic
University Bucharest, Romania.
His employment experience includes the
Institute of Power Studies and Design,
Bucharest, Fichtner Engineering Ltd,
Bucharest and Fichtner Stuttgart. His special
fields of interest include the design of power
transmission lines, has excellent technical
capabilities related to transmission line components like clamps and
fittings, conductors, optical cables, insulators and supports, structural
steelwork and foundations for transmission line towers and live-line
maintenance methods.

5
 Constantin Matea Constantin Matea was
born in Tomsani, Romania, on August, 19th,
1950 and received a Diploma in
Electromecanical Engineering in 1993 from
University Politehnica Bucharest, Romania.
His employment experience includes the
MEE ICMP - CELPI S.A. and Romania
National Power Grid Company
“Transelectrica”- S.A, Bucharest. His
special fields of interest include the live-line
maintenance work technologies and
different protection systems of electric network. As a Project Manager
for transmission lines Mr. Matea has excellent technical capabilities
related to transmission line components like clamps and fittings,
conductors, optical cables, insulators and supports, structural steelwork
and foundations for transmission line towers.