Crossing Scheldt river in port of Antwerp with Nexans OHL conductors

Strengthening the high-voltage grid in the area of port of Antwerp

Phase II of the Brabo project led by Elia (Belgium TSO) aimed at extending the high-voltage grid to increase power supply capacity to the Port of Antwerp and upgrade Belgium interconnection with the Netherlands.

In this context, a 380kV overhead line designed and manufactured by Nexans was installed. The current carrying capacity of this HTLS condutor is 2900 Amps at 160°C, but the unique feature is its route across the Scheldt river mouth with a span length of almost 1 kilometer between the pylons!

The  challenge was to make a conductor withstanding the mecanical load and respecting a minimum clearance of 100m above the highest level of the river. 

Nexans solution

Nexans OHL team designed and manufactured an innovative design of high temperature low sag conductor. This ZTACSR-Z conductor was among the firsts of its kind to integrate 5MS7A steel strands for improved yield strength and reduced sag, even at highest operating temperatures.

The conductor design also includes external layers of Z-shaped wires, proved to reduce drag and to increase resitance to harsh climatic conditions.

The conductor is installed as a single bundle on the second highest towers of Europe, rising at 192m. 

Main features:

• Conductor diameter: 44 mm
• Linear weight: 5.4 kg/m
• Breaking Load: >74 mtons
• Design Ampacity: 2900A at 160°C
• Maximum continous operating temperature: 210°C by design
• Line Voltage: 380kV

*ZTACSR-Z: Thermal Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced with Z-shaped wires for reduced drag