Electricity towers, also known as transmission towers, are essential vertical structures in the power grid. They serve as support for high-voltage lines that transmit electricity over long distances, connecting power plants to final consumers. These distinctive structures play an important role in the widespread distribution of electricity, helping to support our modern societies.

In this article, we will dive into the world of electricity towers. We will start by identifying these structures and understanding their role in the energy grid. Next, we will examine in detail their critical importance for the proper functioning of the electrical system. Finally, we will explore different aspects related to electricity towers, such as their environmental impact, technological innovations, and future challenges they face.

Definition of electricity towers

Transmission towers are massive metal structures designed to support high-voltage electrical power transmission lines. They vary in size and shape depending on the level of voltage they transmit, with different dimensions and heights greater for higher voltages.

These towers ( Pylons ) are installed in specific locations along the transmission lines and are fixed to the ground using special cement bases. At the top of each column, insulators are installed to support conductors carrying electrical current. These insulators also isolate the conductors from the tower body to avoid power loss and the risk of short circuits.

High voltage power tower jobs

• How much high-pressure electricity is transmitted by electrical towers?
  High voltage towers are used to transmit different types of power, whether it is AC or DC. In general, all circuits of these towers operate at voltages ranging from  50 kV  to  110 kV  or higher for long distances. However, it is important to note that there are also low voltage transmission towers.

High voltage AC transmission

Power towers are used to transmit electricity over long distances using high-voltage alternating current ( AC ). These AC transmission lines efficiently transport electricity from power plants to substations and distribution centres, which in turn supply to end consumers. Towers play a vital role in supporting power lines, isolating them from the ground and keeping them at a safe height to avoid interference with surrounding terrain and structures.

High voltage DC transmission

The electric tower is also used in high-voltage direct current ( DC ) transmission lines . DC systems are used to transmit electricity over very long distances and between different electrical systems, reducing power loss compared to traditional AC systems. These towers are supported by DC cables or lines and play an important role in the efficient transmission of electricity over large distances, often across geographically difficult areas.

Types of electricity towers

• What are the types of electricity towers?
  Below we will mention  6 types of  high-voltage electrical power transmission towers:

Suspension Towers

They are structures designed to support overhead electrical cables above the ground. They are used in locations where it is necessary to maintain cables at a certain height, especially over difficult terrain such as rivers, valleys or mountainous areas. These towers are designed with girders or cables to provide reliable support for electrical cables.

Tension Towers

Tension towers are a specific type of electricity tower that is specifically designed to support high-voltage electrical cables. These cables typically carry electricity over long distances, often between power plants and substations. Tension towers are built to withstand the large forces exerted by electrical cables stretched over large distances.

Switch towers

Switch towers are structures found in electrical switching stations and substations. They are used to direct, isolate or switch electrical current. These towers are often equipped with switching devices, such as circuit breakers, switches and control dividers, to control the flow of electricity in the grid.

Angle of deviation towers

We find deflection angle towers at the points where the direction of the power line changes. They are used to support the line and ensure its stability in these areas. These towers are built with a special design to resist the forces resulting from cable tension during bends.

There are 4 types of transmission towers depending on the angle of deviation:

Crossin Towers

Crossing towers are a type of power tower used to cross natural obstacles or difficult infrastructure such as wide and deep rivers, highways, railway lines and other barriers and facilities. Its special design allows these obstacles to be overcome while ensuring efficient and safe transmission of electricity over long distances.

Emergency Towers

Emergency towers are often equipped with automation systems that allow automatic switching between mains and emergency power in the event of an interruption due to a tower malfunction. This ensures a smooth and quick transition to maintain continuity of power delivery in emergency situations. Emergency towers can be equipped with monitoring systems that can monitor voltage, power transmission status, alarms, etc.

Types of power transmission lines through towers

–  Power transmission line towers and electric power are mostly classified into two types:

Underground cable lines

Underground cables are mainly used for distribution networks, buried underground at a certain depth. They are used to transmit relatively small amounts of electrical energy over short distances, requiring a relatively low voltage of up to  66 kV . In special circumstances, cables can be used to transmit high-voltage electrical power up to  220 kV .

Overhead lines

For large-scale transmission of electrical power over long distances, when medium or very high transmission voltages are required, overhead transmission lines become the most suitable technical and economical solution.

Overhead transmission lines extend above the surface of the ground, and for safety reasons they must be raised to a certain height above the ground on special supports ( Line supports ). This height is determined according to the working voltage of the line and the geographical characteristics of the terrain it crosses.

Structure of electricity transmission towers

• What are electricity towers made of?
  The structure of electrical power transmission towers varies depending on the type of racks and the electrical voltage they carry. The following are the main materials used in electricity towers :

1. Wooden stands

These wooden towers were once in common use, but their use has declined over time due to their susceptibility to corrosion, weathering, and insect attack. Wooden towers were generally used for low voltage distribution lines.

2. Cement stands

Concrete towers are more durable and resistant than wooden towers. They are commonly used for distribution towers and some  low  and medium voltage transmission lines. Concrete towers can be prefabricated and are also used for “ H ” type towers for distribution lines.

3 – Metal towers

Metal towers are the most common towers used in high voltage transmission lines. It is made of solid steel, providing excellent structural strength and long life. Metal towers are used to transmit large amounts of electricity over long distances, often on high-voltage transmission lines, ranging from  110  kilovolts to several hundred kilovolts.

Metal towers are often designed as braces to reduce wind resistance while maintaining structural rigidity. These lattice structures provide an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, allowing metal towers to effectively support electrical conductors at heights and over great distances.

The process of installing electricity towers

The process of installing and installing electricity towers is a process that requires careful planning, technical expertise, and specialized equipment. Below are the main steps involved in erecting and installing electrical towers:

• Careful planning of tower locations based on terrain.
• Preparing sites, leveling the land, and creating concrete or metal foundations.
• Assemble the towers on site using welding and assembly techniques to build the steel structure.
• Vertical lifting of towers using specialized cranes.
• Installing insulators on tower arms to support electrical conductors.
• Careful tightening of connectors between towers using special equipment.
• Rigorous safety and performance testing to make sure everything works properly.
• Visual and technical inspection to ensure compliance with legal standards.
• Commissioning and synchronization with the network and configuration of protection and control devices.
• Regular maintenance to ensure proper operation and durability and ensure the stability of electricity transmission.

Electricity tower challenges

Although electricity towers are essential components of electrical networks, they also face several specific challenges:

** Corrosion **
Corrosion is one of the biggest challenges facing electricity towers. Metal towers are exposed to environmental factors such as humidity, lightning, and weather conditions that can lead to corrosion. Corrosion weakens the structure of the towers, reducing their durability and stability. Research on protective coatings and corrosion-resistant materials is critical to maintaining the long-term integrity of towers.

**Fires**
Vegetation fires can pose a serious danger to electricity towers, especially in high-risk areas. Fire can damage towers, cables and insulators, causing malfunctions and disruptions to the electrical grid. Towers in fire-prone areas must be designed to withstand heat and flames, and preventative measures, such as trimming vegetation around towers, are necessary to reduce fire risks.

The difference between a power pole and an electric tower

A power tower and pole are two structures used in power networks to transmit and distribute electricity, but they differ in size, function and design. Here are the main differences between a tower and a power pole :

Electricity poles  are generally smaller and shorter structures, ranging in height from a few meters to about  20 metres . They are often used to support low and medium voltage power distribution lines in residential areas and city streets to supply electricity to end customers.

–  On the other hand,  power towers  are much larger and taller structures designed to support high-voltage transmission lines that transport power and electricity over long distances. Power transmission line towers can reach heights ranging from  20  meters to more than  100  metres, depending on the voltage and configuration of the line.

Renewable energy towers

Integrating renewable energies into the electricity grid through electricity towers plays a central role in the energy transition. Not only are these towers simple supports for transmission lines, but they are essential for efficiently delivering electricity produced from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, to consumers. They facilitate long-distance transportation from remote production areas, strengthen the network, manage production fluctuations and encourage the adoption of new technologies and decentralized energy sources. In short, integration through electricity towers is crucial to creating a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

Technological development

Technological innovations in the field of electricity towers are constantly evolving. Research is currently focused on developing new materials and innovative designs to improve the efficiency, durability and flexibility of towers. Recent developments include the use of advanced composites, fiber-reinforced polymer materials and innovative protective coatings to reduce corrosion and improve tower life. In addition, advanced computer modeling helps design more efficient designs and predict tower behavior under different conditions.

This  research aims to meet the growing energy needs, strengthen electrical networks to integrate renewable energies, and ensure the security and flexibility of the electrical system in the face of environmental and climate challenges.

history

The beginnings of the use of towers go back to the first transmission lines in  the nineteenth century . At the time, simple wooden structures were used to support electrical cables over short distances, and as power grids expanded and demand for electricity increased, new designs and materials were required to meet the increasing challenges.

The evolution of designs and materials has been marked by many innovations. Wooden towers were gradually replaced by more resistant metal structures, making it possible to support heavier loads over greater distances. Advances in the design of insulators and fasteners have also improved the safety and reliability of towers.

The impact on the development of the electricity grid has been significant. Towers made it possible to create large-scale transmission networks, facilitating the distribution of electricity over long distances. This expansion played a vital role in the electrification of cities, industries and rural areas, contributing to economic and social development.

In this article, we talked about  electricity towers  in detail about their main role in transmitting electrical energy, and their types represented by metal structures that support high-voltage lines. They are also necessary for integrating renewable energies, facing environmental challenges, and ensuring the stability of the electricity network. Despite challenges such as corrosion and fires, technological innovation continues to enhance their efficiency and durability.