Image source: http://www.electrocuted.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/power-lines.png
In todays world, you cant take a step without electricity. Whether a machine needs to be run in a factory, or the blender needs to be switched on to make a shake electricity is the watchword that rules our modern lives. But have you stopped to think how this electricity reaches households, industries, offices, hotels and many other facilities? Power transmission lines make this magic possible! And this is the reason why, developing power transmission systems has become such a prime agenda in India.
The gist of electric power transmission
Interconnected power transmission lines make it possible to move electrical energy in bulk from a power plant or a generating site to an electrical substation. And local wiring between substations of high voltage and the end users constitute the electric power distribution system. So together, the transmission and distribution systems make for power grids, and hence electricity which lights up your homes and does so much more.
What do power transmission developers have to offer?
Both the public and the private sectors in India have witnessed the pioneering works of quite a few power transmission developers like Sterlite Grid. These enterprises are owners of numerous substations and extra high voltage power transmission lines, apart from having humungous transformation capacities. They intend to bring affordable, ample, and high grade power to all residential and commercial entities in our country.
Some of the key developers have tied up with well-known global technological companies for coming up with innovative techniques. These techniques are expected to reduce the project cost, be more eco-friendly, be less time-consuming, and sustainable in the long run. A few of the power transmission companies are also benefiting from significant foreign direct investment being undertaken by key international investors.
Despite Indias irregular geographical distribution of natural resources like solar energy, coal and hydro energy, the companies have accomplished power generation and transmission with commendable success. They construct transmission corridors which link the chief power generating zones with vital load centres. Power is then transferred to utilities which convey electricity to millions of establishments.
Innovation and power transmission lines
As mentioned before, power transmission developers are extremely aware that without constant innovation and advancement, the future cannot be made better. So along with practicing best global practices, the companies are also trying to execute avant-garde transmission projects.
Some of them have recently come up with the idea of using aircranes and heavy lift helicopters to set up transmission lines in regions which are challenging and tricky. For instance, Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing the installation of transmission towers with the help of futuristic technology.
LIDAR or Light Detection and Ranging is another technology which is currently being used by some leading developers for measuring laser distances and carrying out topographic mapping. The LIDAR beams when transmitted from aircrafts can perfectly work in cloudy conditions and can pierce through thick foliage. The application of this technology has also resulted in lowered project costs and enhanced efficiency.
With Heli Stringing, another new technique for power transmission, cable installation is now a much easier and faster process, unlike what it was before. This has also led to diminished project execution time and line shutdown time.
With technological revolutions, it is now possible for reputed developers to set up transmission lines across stormy rivers and streams, even during the rainy season or terrible floods. They have managed to work in the face of adversities, to make electricity available to our teeming population. And it can be hoped, that with each passing day, even the remotest corners of India will receive power for a better livelihood.