References

The current development of electromobility and decentralised energy sources places high demands on the reliability and robustness of the high-voltage distribution network. One of the options to increase the operational reliability of these lines is to replace the currently used AlFe ropes with insulated overhead wires. This conductor is made of aluminum alloy AlMgSi wires and is coated with XLPE or HDPE based insulation material. The use of insulated suspension wires offers a number of advantages over AlFe ropes. Insulated conductors are not susceptible to contact with surrounding vegetation, which is one of the most common sources of distribution line failures. Especially in densely forested areas, situations arise where a tree falling on the line can cause an interphase short circuit or a ground fault or ground connection. The use of insulated overhead conductors also reduces 64 the environmental impact in the vicinity of the line route, as the necessary vegetation clearances are reduced.

Partner’s Note

„The high voltage distribution lines owned by ČEZ Distribuce have a total length of over 50,000 km. A part of this network consists of overhead lines with insulated conductors. These lines represent an interesting alternative. Compared to bare conductors, they have the advantage of a smaller protection zone, which is used in forest clearings due to the insulation of the conductors, and their investment costs are lower compared to underground cables. However, the operation of overhead HV lines with insulated conductors is very specific in terms of network management. Conventional digital protections are not able to detect some non-standard operating conditions that can cause damage to the conductor insulation - for example, branches or trees falling into the line. Therefore, in cooperation with CEET-CENET, a device has been developed that can detect impending damage to the overhead conductor insulation. With the insulation fault detector, our dispatchers have a tool in their hands that can warn them of the potential risk of a fault on the line. In the event of an imminent risk of a fault, a timely response by the dispatcher can prevent damage to the conductors insulation and thus interruption of power supply to customers.“

Ing. Milan Jelínek, ČEZ Distribuce a.s.

Partner’s Note

„The cooperation with the Bulk Materials research group has helped us a lot in the development of the new production equipment. The representation of the flow of abrasive bulk material in the proposed 3D model of the plant before the prototype was produced allowed us to identify bottlenecks in the process in advance, to modify them and to increase the efficiency of the design. Consulting with this research group and using their state-of--the-art measurement and diagnostic equipment, as well as their experience in applying computer simulation using the DEM method, helped us to reduce the occurrence of a number of potential problems and failures. This, of course, also reduced the financial costs of prototype development and field testing.“

Ing. Jiří Neuwirth, MBA, WISTA s.r.o.

Partner’s Note

„The prototype is a third-generation mobile processing line with a capacity of up to 20 tonnes/ hour.  Based on the evaluation of the prototype‘s trial operation, series production can be started. Experimental measurements, laboratory tests and stress tests then show that the plant can be successfully operated with an increased proportion of recycled input even for new surfaces while maintaining the required quality parameters. The results have demonstrated the possibility to increase the recycled content of new asphalt mixes and surfaces to close to 100%. Existing technologies use only 15-60 % of this material.  The result of the solution is a protected recycled asphalt mix with R-material, registered with the relevant industrial property office. It is now a competitive advantage for our company and the basis for further planned developments. And also, a source of prestige, valuable data and experience for the CEET research group of the Thermochemical and hydrogen conversion.

The proposed solution mitigates the impacts of mining, declining raw material stocks and the overall ecological burden.  At the same time, it also anticipates the planned changes in legislation at the national and EU level. It will therefore also have an international impact on the wider construction market.“

Ing. Petr Zima, Mobiko plus, a.s.

Partner’s Note

„The project team of our company EKOMVO in close cooperation with the research group of Thermochemical and hydrogen conversion CEET--CENET developed a test unit for the disposal of sewage sludge using incineration technology with the subsequent possibility of recovering some substances. This new treatment technology reduces the volume of sludge by up to 90%, while the remaining material is inert and can be safely disposed of in a landfill or used for the recovery of certain substances from the ash. In this case, in particular phosphorus, which can be used as a valuable fertiliser in agriculture. This output is very welcome in view of the world‘s dwindling natural reserves of phosphorus, which is an essential component of most fertilisers.“

Ing. Otakar Fajkoš, EKOMVO s.r.o.