New LLPDs d69z have been installed in Indonesia.

The LLPD range has been intended for the voltage of 1 through 35 kV for a long time. We held a meeting with NGCP – National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the operator of the power lines 69 kV and above, at one of the exhibitionsin the Philippines. They become interested in the production of Streamer, however, the representatives of NGCP were searching for protection for the 69 kV power line, while only the LLPD dM35z was presented at the exhibition. 

After the exhibition, an idea has come up to develop the LLPDs intended for intermediate classes between 35 kV and 110 kV. In several months, we have designed two new LLPDs for 45 kV and 69 kV with 3 and 4 modules based on the PPS (polyphenylene sulfide). Our long-time friend in Indonesia – professor of the ITB (Bandung Institute of Technology) Reynaldo Zoro showed an interest in this product. He helped us arrange for a number of meetings with the representatives of the Indonesian power system. We presented our new product at the meetings and discussed the prospects for implementation of the LLPD d69z. 

Alexander Nefedov, the Head of the International Department, shared the experience of development and commissioning of the new product:  "There was quite a long story: the first meeting with my participation took place in July 2018, however the discussions have started earlier and involved Indo-Chinese Manager Matthieu Zinc and Regional Manager Mikhail Zhitenev. We found out that the Indonesian PLN power system has one unusual line that will ideally fit as a testing ground. It had a special feature: there were very long spans in one section, about 600 – 800 meters long, and quite high poles – up to 50 m! At the same time, the area was open with no natural shielding. This means, that the lightning resistance issue was critical".After analysis of the 5 km long line section, the Streamer specialists offered to furnish all the phases of each pole with the LLPDs d69z.

In August 2019, we delivered the LLPDs and all accessories necessary for the installation to Indonesia. The training and the field briefing at the line were provided in September. Installation of the first batch of the LLPDs took place in December. The process was labor-consuming and not so fast, first of all, due to a start of the raining season. Installation of the second batch had to be postponed to the beginning of February 2020 when the climate becomes drier. 56 LLPDs d69z have been installed in total (9 poles with 6 pieces, as far as the line had two circuits). In addition to the LLPDs, we have installed the actuation counters to ensure a full monitoring of operation of the innovative line lightning protection equipment for power lines. 

The monitoring program is intended for 2 years and envisages a monthly inspection of the equipped section, taking readings from the actuation counters and analysis of the lightning activity in the area of the line and shutdowns from the relay protection of the nearest substation. In addition, following the results of the work, we will acquire an official report from the PLN power system. We plan a development of several presentations for the foregoing Russian Lightning Protection Conference and other thematic conferences on the base of the gained experience, and an increase in the number of lines designed for the voltage class of 70 kV equipped with the LLPDsin Indonesia