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Project Scope

Partum Engineering was engaged to support the upgrade of ageing high-voltage (HV) overhead electrical infrastructure along Wentworth Street, improving network reliability, safety and long-term performance.
 
The project involved replacing four spans of life-expired three-phase 7/0.80 copper overhead conductor with new 7/3.00 AAAC Fluorine conductor, along with upgrading existing HV crossarms to meet current network requirements.
 
Additional works included replacing an existing Stobie pole with a new terminal Titan pole, transferring an existing three-phase 200kVA pole-mounted substation to the new structure, and managing vegetation clearances around HV powerlines.
 
Partum Engineering’s scope included:
 

  • Site Investigations and Surveying: Conducting detailed overhead and underground infrastructure surveys, including photographic records, GPS data and distance measurements to assess existing site conditions.
  • Overhead Line Design: Modelling existing and proposed overhead powerline infrastructure using Poles N Wires software to support safe installation and compliance with design requirements.
  • Infrastructure Upgrades: Designing the replacement of ageing HV conductors, crossarms and pole structures, including the relocation of the existing 200kVA pole-mounted substation.
  • Safety and Environmental Assessments: Completing Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) searches, onsite service verification, environmental assessments and desktop project reviews to identify potential risks and constraints.
  • Vegetation Management: Identifying vegetation trimming requirements to maintain safe clearances between existing trees and HV overhead conductors.
  • Stakeholder Coordination: Facilitating notifications to local residents and council regarding proposed works and potential impacts.

The project supported the renewal of critical electricity distribution infrastructure along Wentworth Street, enhancing network safety, reliability and operational performance while ensuring the upgraded assets met relevant technical and safety requirements.

Challenges Overcome

Partum Engineering addressed a range of technical and site-specific challenges to support the safe and efficient upgrade of the high-voltage distribution network along Wentworth Street.
 

  • Structural Compliance: Identified an existing Stobie pole that did not meet the required tip-load capacity for the upgraded HV conductors, requiring replacement with a new terminal Titan pole.
  • Network Capacity Improvements: Developed an upgraded overhead line design to accommodate increased HV network capacity while maintaining safe and reliable operation.
  • Infrastructure Compliance: Replaced non-standard HV crossarms with fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) crossarms to meet current network standards and improve long-term durability.
  • Underground Service Verification: Completed Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) searches and onsite verification to identify existing underground services, maintain appropriate offsets and support safe construction.
  • Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Assessed existing and proposed electrical assets and surrounding site conditions to identify potential hazards and incorporate appropriate risk mitigation measures into the design.
  • Ground Condition Assessment: Determined suitable soil classifications to inform pole foundation requirements and support the safe installation of new infrastructure.

Through detailed site investigations, technical assessments and considered design solutions, Partum Engineering successfully addressed key infrastructure and safety challenges, supporting the delivery of a more reliable and resilient overhead distribution network.

Solution

Partum Engineering delivered a cost-effective overhead powerline upgrade along Wentworth Street, improving network resilience, increasing capacity and reducing long-term maintenance requirements while aligning with TasNetworks’ annual maintenance budget.
 
Key solutions and outcomes included:
 

  • Cost-Effective Project Delivery: Completed the design at a cost of $13,000, with construction costs maintained at $63,000 to align with TasNetworks’ annual maintenance program.
  • Improved Network Resilience: Strengthened the high-voltage distribution network through upgraded infrastructure, increasing network capacity, reliability and long-term performance.
  • Conductor Compatibility: Installed new 7/3.00 AAAC HV conductor to match the adjoining existing network, ensuring consistency and compatibility across the upgraded infrastructure.
  • Compliance with Current Standards: Incorporated new assemblies and components designed to meet current TasNetworks standards, supporting safe and reliable network operation.
  • Efficient Design Coordination: Leveraged a team of technical specialists to coordinate design activities, ensuring successful delivery on time and under budget.
  • Reduced Maintenance Requirements: Replaced ageing infrastructure to minimise ongoing maintenance costs, reduce unplanned callouts and improve overall network reliability.

The completed upgrade provides TasNetworks with a safer, more resilient and higher-capacity electricity distribution network, delivering long-term operational benefits through efficient design and cost-effective infrastructure improvements.

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