If we consider the transmission system on appearance it can classify as an overhead transmission system and Underground Power systems. We have already described several important factors regarding the overhead transmission systems in our previous articles. Today we are a plan to discuss some features of Underground high voltage transmission and distribution. The main component of the underground transmission system is the Underground cable. unlike overhead conductors, there is a special arrangement made on for this type of transmission. Following are several advantages and disadvantages of Underground cable compare with overhead lines in power systems.
Advantages of Underground Power Cables
1. Safe Operation :
If we consider about the advantages of Underground Power systems for power distribution and transmission. Normally underground power cables are safer than the overhead power line. So the probability of the hazard occurrence is very less.
2. Good General Appearance :
The appearance of the underground cables is really good than traditional overhead lines. Since it located underground there is no such visibility of the line for people. So in most urban cities and highly dense domestic areas, this type of cables are widely used to have a better appearance compared with overhead power lines.
3. Prone to Environmental Hazards:
The main disadvantage of the overhead power line is it is more prone to environmental hazards. When lightning and storms occur in the overhead lines it is more tend to get damaged. But for the underground power line, the tendency for getting damages due to the environmental hazards are far less.
4. Less Maintenance Cost :
The maintenance cost for the underground lines is really less compared with traditional overhead power lines.
5. Less Fault Occurrence:
Since it is properly covered by so many insulations layers with mechanical protections there is really less chance for fault occurrence under electrical fault conditions.
6. Less Voltage Drop:
The underground power cables are designed to reduce the power losses so there is very less voltage drop appear in underground power cables compare to overhead power transmission and distribution lines.
Disadvantages of Underground Power systems
1. High Capital Cost:
One of the major disadvantages of the Underground Power systems is its initial cost. Compare to overhead transmission or distribution the cost for construct underground system is extremely high. So since it has more benefits, this main disadvantage is the main cause for there is very less underground cable practically apply in the power industry.
2. Can’t Use for High Voltage Levels :
Another disadvantage is due to the time the insulation can get weaken so an air space can form inside the insulation. Since the power delivers on high voltage level the air inside getting ionized and the lead the breakdown of the insulation. So due to this problem the underground cables are considered only suitable for the distribution on voltage level up to 11 kv and fewer values.
So hope that you have to get some idea on the advantages and disadvantages of underground power lines compare to traditional overhead systems. we are also planning to have a series of articles regarding the underground power cables in this site.
Relevant Articles:
