Enhancing reliability for large industrial customers

The issue of reliability is a recurrent theme for industrial customers whose operations are shut down when their electric supply is interrupted. Utilities frequently provide redundant high-voltage lines to minimize the risk of power loss. ComEd implemented this approach to provide highly reliable service. Since these lines are designed in double-circuit configuration on single wood pole structures, momentary outages caused by lightning strikes often result in an outage on both lines. ComEd analyzed the problem to find a suitable low-cost solution that would minimize the effects of lightning and improve overall line performance for a 3-mile tap section of a 30-mile line. Their technique is discussed.