FlexiBL A new temporary tower solution for use in the 110-kV grid of Deutsche Bahn

German railway authority faces the challenge of operating a highly complex and extensive 16.7Hz, 110-kV power grid that reliably supplies thousands of trains and railway stations with energy every day. The continuous renewal of the infrastructure is necessary to meet the increasing demands for efficiency and sustainability.

Reduced shutdown windows of the overhead lines, limited availability of temporary tower systems and stringent environmental requirements make innovative and flexible technical solutions indispensable. To address these challenges, the German railway has decided to develop a proprietary tower system for a temporary line called “FlexiBL”. This system was designed to meet its operational requirements.

The paper addresses this challenge by introducing a modular, standardized, and installationfriendly temporary tower system for the German railway’s 110-kV grid. A load-bearing structure that is flexible, rapidly deployable, safe, and minimizes environmental impact. The system is based on a consistently modular approach. It emphasizes ease of assembly and minimal component variety.