Project Overview
UDCS Consulting was engaged by Zinfra to undertake the detailed design of a 220kV single-circuit overhead transmission line, including OPGW, connecting the Ergon Energy Chumvale Substation (west of Cloncurry) to the Dugald River Mine, operated by MMG.
The project involved the design of approximately 64 km of transmission line infrastructure through remote north-west Queensland, delivering a critical power supply connection to the mine.
Scope of Works
UDCS Consulting was responsible for the design of the 220kV transmission line, including:
- Transmission line rated at 280 MVA
- Steel and concrete pole structures
- Single circuit 220kV conductor system
- Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) incorporating 24-core fibre
In addition, UDCS delivered a comprehensive suite of engineering studies and technical documentation, including:
- Hazard Identification (HazID) study
- Insulation coordination and asset longevity assessment
- Insulator swing and pole top geometry analysis
- Wind loading and structural loading assessments
- Lightning performance analysis
- Mechanical design of insulators and stays
- Pole and stay foundation design
- Line impedance and corona studies
- Earthing design
Design Approach
The project required a highly adaptive and responsive design approach due to a compressed delivery program and the need to address deficiencies in earlier preliminary designs.
UDCS Consulting implemented an accelerated design and procurement process, enabling components to be designed and refined in parallel with ongoing project development. Engineering studies were undertaken to meet client requirements that exceeded typical Australian and international standards.
The remote location and limited availability of detailed site information required flexible design methodologies and close coordination with project stakeholders.
Project Outcomes
- Successful delivery within a highly compressed project timeframe
- Efficient design and re-design of components as new information became available
- Maintained project momentum through adaptive engineering and procurement processes
- Delivered a fully compliant transmission line meeting client and stakeholder requirements
