FAQ
Why not put the line underground?
The discussion comparing overhead transmission lines to underground cables has been around for years. There are a number of reasons why both types are still in the transmission line game, reasons that mainly concern local conditions and cost.
Based on our experience of more than 20 years in the transmission line business, we have drafted the schedule below to better demonstrate the key topics when it comes to comparing between Overhead Line and Underground Cables.
You can find several online documents explaining the different topics. Following this link, you will find a more detailed comparison between the two types of transmission lines:
"Comparison between Overhead Lines and Underground Cables" electrical article
Also, read more
here:
What is the cost?
Cost is related to the choice of design –foundation, maintenance requirements, etc.
Today, we can offer solutions (fx. the Thor pylon) that is cost neutral, compared to the existing lattice towers, and considerably smaller!
New pylon designs now take into consideration the total lifetime cost, rather than just the initial fabrication and construction costs. Pylons consisting of fewer elements and a rapidly installed foundation present significant cost and time savings, given their ease and speed of installation. Maintenance costs over the entire lifespan are also reduced by using more durable materials and elaborated surface finishes. The T-Pylon for example is predicted to be less expensive over its entire lifetime than existing lattice pylons.
Why use new tower designs?
Because new tower designs:
1. are considerably smaller
2. have a reduced footprint
3. can be installed in a single day
4. need less maintenance
5. have a lifespan of 80 years
6. reduce the total cost
7. look better in relation to the environment
How big are the new tower designs?
The size of the towers depends on the specific design and requirements.
We can offer fx. 2x400kV designs for a 350m span that have a total height of 30meters. Typically, the lattice towers are 45-50meters tall, for the same 350m span.
Does it work?
Yes, today we have more than 500 tower designs in operation. Some have been operating for more than 15 years.
The new T-Pylon design for National Grid in the UK is successfully tested and approved to withstand all weather conditions.
Watch this National Grid video to learn more about the T-pylon!
Please also visit and learn more about the Eagle Pylon here and the Design Pylon here:
Is it possible to install new tower designs in my area?
Yes. New tower designs will be tailored to the current needs, specifications and local requirements –reduced height, reduced footprint, reduced magnetic field etc.
Operators specify the requirements, we design accordingly!
Do we need more towers when we use new tower designs?
No. New tower designs have the same span as traditional lattice towers.
Are your new towers installed?
Today BYSTRUP designs are installed in:
Denmark, Hobro-Haverslev,
Kassø-Vejen,
Frøslev-Vejen
Idomlund-Endrup (2021-2022).
Learn more about the installed lines, the Eagle Pylon here and the Design Pylon here:
United Kingdom, Eakring, Hinckley Sommerset (2021-2023)
See more about the T-Pylon here:
What does the public say?
In the UK, a public survey finds the T-pylon fares more favorably than the lattice tower fares.
Read more
here:
Are the EMFs dangerous using new towers?
Electricity plays a central role in the quality of life we now enjoy. In particular, many of the dramatic improvements in health and well-being that we benefit from today could not have happened without a reliable and affordable electricity supply. Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are present wherever electricity is used, at home or at a power station.
However, could electricity be bad for our health? Do these fields cause cancer or any disease? These are important and serious questions that have been investigated in depth during the past three decades. Over £300 million has been spent investigating this issue around the world. Research still continues to seek greater clarity; however, the balance of scientific evidence to date suggests that EMFs do not cause diseases.
The following graph compares the T-pylon to an existing traditional lattice tower under the same standard conditions. The current in each circuit is 500 A and the clearance above ground from the lowest conductor is 12 m.
The T-pylon is a more compact design. The bundles (which may generally consist of duplex, triplex or quatruplex conductors) are arranged in a triangle instead of a linear apposition, which bring the bundles closer to the main tower volume. It therefore produces a smaller magnetic field. Thus, the benefit of a triangular phasing system is the significant reduction of the magnetic field.
On a L12 lattice tower, the phasing is transposed, while on a T-pylon, where the bundle arrangement works in a less straightforward way, the phasing produces the lowest field (” RYB/BRY” reading from left to right).
See more details
here:
Also, read more information on EMFs
here:
How much time does installation require?
A new compact tower can be installed in less than 6 hours! A traditional lattice tower takes approximately 7 days to install on site.
Watch this amazing video showing a T-pylon being installed in just a few hours!
Read more
here:
What is the lifespan of the new tower designs?
Today, we can design towers with a maintenance free lifespan of more than 80 years.
