When introducing new technological systems and solutions, new instruments and methods to render the plants more reliable and thus improve service quality, Terna relies on its technicians and also on the specialized support of constructors, the collaboration of Universities, on the RSE - Ricerca Sistema Energetico (Energy Research System), and on CESI, a specialized service company of which Terna owns a 39.9% share.
The studies for the innovation and development of new engineering solutions, are divided into four areas of research:
Is expressed in three types of activities:
- Pylon design promoting reduced visual clutter and/or that improve environmental integration. In 2010, the design of high performance single pole tubular pylons for 150 kV electricity lines was completed and a feasibility study for supports for 380 kV electricity lines was initiated. Furthermore, in the context of the international competition “Tralicci del futuro” (Pylons of the Future), a preliminary study for the engineering of the winning pylons, by Arch. Hugh Dutton, of the Studio Rosental, was undertaken;
- Strengthening of the transmission capacity of existing lines. In 2010, a new type of conductors was installed, characterized by a high thermal limit and reduced elongation useful for solving problems related to the distances from places such as schools, kindergartens, residences and work places. Further high performance studies are underway to use carriers made in ceramics or carbon: they are suitable for the renovation of power lines without the replacement of pylons;
- Rapid replacement of fallen pylons. In 2010, Terna purchased a first set of provisional emergency pylons of rapid installation, that were immediately made available to maintenance crews.
In order to speed up the reporting of any malfunctions, in 2010, in the station of Lacchiarella (Milan), the installation of new sensors placed on the equipment and machinery was completed. After a period of careful analysis, their widespread use is expected.
Two types of projects are related to this line of research:
- Reduction of space and building time of the power stations. In 2010, new integrated compact station equipment was introduced: encompassing several functions in one single device, it reduces the space used for building the stations.
- Rapid installation Compact stations. To guarantee a rapid resumption of service in case of “Disaster Recovery”, a 150 kV mobile station was designed and built fully assembled on three trolleys, that can be transferred to the site without any need of special transportation. The design of a 380 kV mobile station is still underway.
With reference to rapid installation compact stations, in 2010, a number of improvements were introduced to increase security and overcome the recent faults on large power transformers. In particular, polymeric insulators were installed to replace the ones in ceramic, because they tolerate stress better and avoid the spreading of fragments in case of failure. There are also a number of reinforcements on the transformer windings and core to be tested though a “short-circuit test” that will be performed for each type of transformer.