Technical Evaluation of Wind Load Design Criteria for Bus Structures in High-Voltage Substations Based on Technical Standards

This article proposes a new case study at the Jeremoabo substation, owned by Brazil’s largest transmission company. This substation is directly connected to the Canudos substation, which receives all the power generated by the wind farm of the same name, indicating that the case under analysis is situated in a region with a critical wind profile. The calculation methodologies prescribed by the three standards were applied to conductors and insulator strings, seeking to understand which approach offers greater reliability in sizing these components when subjected to wind loads. This comparison reflects the need to ensure safety and robustness in a scenario where climate variability is an unavoidable reality. Furthermore, this work aims to contribute to the evolution of engineering practices. By identifying differences and strengths among the standards, we hope to provide insights for strategic decision-making in asset management, reinforcing the importance of designs that withstand the most severe environmental conditions.

Ultimately, our goal is to support the development of a more resilient power sector, capable of facing the challenges imposed by climate change without compromising the continuity of energy supply.