The national grid divides electrical power supply in to two areas, transmission and distribution. Anything between 11kV and 132kV is classed as distribution while anything above this usually up to 400kV is classed as transmission.

Transmission uses high voltage to minimise losses due to cable resistance based on the voltage/current relationship V=IR. Distribution occurs over shorter distances and so losses are not as significant meaning lower voltages can be used so as to reduce costs of cables.

In the glen there is an 11kV single phase distribution line in existence. In order for power to be distributed from the glen to other areas where it is more likely to be consumed either an up grade to this existing power line or installation of a new line will be required.

This section will cover:

The Background to our investigation on Transmission with background information on the large scale hydro schemes run by SSE .

Transmission routes

Medium Voltage transmission background information.

Tunnel Modelling- Describing the work carried out with CFD analysis on placing a cable through a non pressurised supply tunnel.

Economic Analysis of different options of transmitting power from the site of generation to the national grid.

Conclusions and areas of further work of the transmission side of the project.