Live rehabilitation of 400kV OHL Mintia-Sibiu

The 400kV Mintia-Sibiu OHL was build in 1971-1972. In 2011-2013 National Transmission Company (CN Transelectrica SA) performed a refurbishment project for the OHL elements. A part of this large project is executed in LW technology by the maintenance subsidiary of Transelectrica (SC Smart SA). The live working part of project consist of: replacement of suspension insulation strings, replacement of insulation chain elements, replacement of dampers, replacement of vibration dampers, Installation of armour-rods together with suspension clamps, painting, Installation of aerial plates on towers, replacement of damaged tower elements. The work was done using some new methods for access on the conductors, including the aerial insulating platform class A. When a project starts we should consider all the ways to complete the works. Considering present technologies used in Romania some works needs deenergization of the line. For other parts of the project Live Working is mandatory, in order to maintain the system´s stability. At the end of the project an economical analysis is done. Was it efficient to use Live Maintenance technologies?