SPL Powerlines Sets New Standard in Overhead Line Testing

SPL Powerlines UK, in collaboration with its partners, has achieved a significant milestone with the installation and testing of 75km of Overhead Line Electrification (OLE) between Kettering and Wigston. This project included extensive train testing, a requirement under the National Technical Specification Notice (NTSN), which mandates the use of a fully instrumented pantograph for precise measurement of OLE performance at operational line speeds.

_{Testing the Longest OLE Span in the UK}

One of the most notable achievements in this project was the successful testing of the UK’s longest OLE span at 95 metres. Due to the unique nature of the span, no “off-the-shelf” solutions were available for testing, and SPL Powerlines UK couldn’t rely on train operators to supply a train. To meet this challenge, SPL designed and built a custom test train, “Electra,” at a cost of £2 million.

_{The Custom-Built “Electra” Test Train}

Electra comprises two HST Class 43 diesel power cars, a Class 91 electric locomotive equipped with a fully instrumented HS-X pantograph, and four Mk3 coaches. This setup allowed SPL Powerlines to capture precise measurements at speeds of up to 125 mph, providing the data needed to validate the performance of the OLE span. This data was compiled into a technical file for submission to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), demonstrating compliance with national standards.

_{Benefits of the Project}

• Enhanced Infrastructure Efficiency: The 95-metre span enables future projects to implement longer spans, reducing the number of required support structures and associated costs.
• Customised Testing Solution: The creation of Electra highlights SPL’s commitment to innovation in OLE testing, offering insights that could streamline future electrification efforts.
• Cost and Structure Reduction: By validating longer spans, SPL has opened the door for more cost-effective electrification projects across the rail network.

_{A Future of Streamlined OLE Installation}

This milestone paves the way for future rail electrification projects to include spans up to 95 metres without additional testing or validation, making rail electrification projects more cost-effective. Through innovative problem-solving and a focus on precision, SPL Powerlines UK has set a new standard for OLE infrastructure in the UK, enhancing the efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of rail electrification.