Optimal economic planning of power transmission lines: A review

In this study an attempt has been made to present the state of the art review on the research work conceded in the areas of design, modeling and cost optimization aspects of power transmission lines. Power transmission utilities in the present days are more dependent on the standard designs for constructing transmission to minimize the capital cost. Economic studies indicate that transmission lines employing optimized designs and scientific cost management methodologies for construction are significant in achieving much higher savings in capital investments. The design and cost optimization of transmission lines is a complex aspect as various simultaneously interacting parameters are involved. Development of comprehensive cost models involving design parameters affecting the cost are required for modeling and cost optimization studies. The present study aims to review the broad areas of transmission line design and construction aspects; current status and trends in power transmission; challenges involved in construction, operation and maintenance of these lines and possible solutions for mitigating the challenges; methods applied for carrying out design and optimization studies; and finally, procedures adopted for economic analysis of transmission lines. An attempt has also been made to compare the various techniques applied for transmission line optimization studies and economic analysis methods. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.