During the peak of summer temperatures, a large industrial business began experiencing low voltage at their site. Their utility provider analyzed the issue using a model circuit and power flow software to simulate worst case load conditions, validating the need for a regulator bank in the area. After further planning, the utility advanced the project to be built in 2022, working with SEC to complete the installation.
The Stone Mountain project consisted of changing out 6 poles and equipment on the line that feeds the tram and visitors center on top of Stone Mountain. Due to the extreme inclines on the mountain rubber tracked equipment had to be used. The slope neared 45 degrees in some spots so winches were used to keep the equipment from turning over backwards and falling down the mountain. Poles were installed sitting directly on top of the granite and secured with bolts at the bottom and guyed all 4 ways. You can see downtown Atlanta 20 miles in the background looking West. There was also one pole that could not be accessed at all and had to be climbed to change the cold shrinks on the URD terminations.
This project, located in southern Alabama, consisted of replacing a number of 230kV structures and to correct line problems such as clearance violations, damaged insulators, broken guys, etc. The task at this particular structure was to replace damaged insulators. Because the structure was located in a designated wet land mats, nor powered equipment, were allowed. SEC’s crew climbed the structure and using a hook ladder and other specialized tools changed out the insulators bringing the structure into compliance.
The name of this project was Mehoopany Wind Farm OHL Transmission Line. The client was BP Wind Energy. The project was located in Mehoopany, PA. The project consisted of building approximately 25 miles of 115kV transmission line with distribution underbuild. Due to the rugged, rocky terrain there were many obstacles to overcome including the 3,400 ft. canyon crossing depicted in the picture.
A specially engineered “wire cart” was designed and built for SEC to safely move men and materials to the midpoint of the 3,400-canyon crossing that was approximately 600’ above the ground to install dampening rods to keep the conductors from contacting each other during ice loading and wind loading. Our own Roy Rogers, currently SEC Field Operations Manager, was one of the employees on the wire cart. The employees underwent specialized mountain repelling training to provide for an emergency exit plan. A second cart was also built just in case emergency personnel were needed to go to the employees.