US 8,796,552 B2 · Underground modular high-voltage direct current electric power transmission system

Abstract

High capacity (10 GW, for example) passively cooled non-superconducting underground high voltage direct current electric power transmission lines (100) of very low loss (1% per 1,000 km, for example) and competitive cost. The transmission lines (100) include segment modules (101) linked together with compliant splice modules (102) between the segments (101), typically installed in a protective conduit (103). The segment modules (101) include relatively rigid pipe-shaped conductors (117) insulated by pipe-like solid insulating layers (131) to form segment modules (101) that resemble pipe. The segment modules (101) are linked together through radially and axially compliant splice modules (102) to form the transmission line (100). There are preferably wheels (300) deployed to ease insertion and removal of the assembled segment modules (101) and splice modules (102) into the conduit (103), to center each segment module (101) within the conduit (103), and/or to provide motive force and/or braking to allow the assembled segment modules (101) and splice modules (102) to be installed on a slope.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A modular high-voltage direct current electric power transmission system, comprising:

an elongated containment system, which is a conduit;
a plurality of elongated generally annular rigid primary conductors, which comprise the central portion of the segment modules, generally aligned end-to-end within the containment system;
a plurality of splice transition conductors which are connected to each end of the primary conductors;
a generally annular primary insulator surrounding each of the primary conductors;
a plurality of compliant conductive electrical splice members, one splice member located between and electrically coupled to opposed ends of the primary conductors, to accomplish electrical continuity while allowing for axial misalignment between such conductors;
a plurality of splice insulators, a splice insulator surrounding each splice member;
and
further comprising wheels located between the primary insulator and the containment system, wherein the wheels are optionally part of a powered carriage module that comprises reversible drives and brakes, to allow for self-propelled movement.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Underground modular high-voltage direct current electric power transmission system

Life of this patent

Underground modular high-voltage direct current electric power transmission system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20