Waltz Mill 1100-kV Station: Conductor Selection and Laboratory Verification

The 1100-kV Waltz Mill project is a research center being constructed to permit life testing of underground transmission systems. The selection and high-voltage laboratory verification of the 1100-kV bus conductors are described. A six-conductor bundle with a 2.5-inch subconductor was selected for the upper strain bus, and a four-conductor bundle having a 5-inch (IPS) subconductor was chosen for the lower rigid bus. Laboratory radio influence tests show the validity of radio influence selection techniques. Laboratory measurements of audible noise due to conductor corona in heavy rain indicate the audible noise of 1100-kV lines may be in excess of that experienced on 500-kV lines.