Implementing storm-resistant solutions to minimize outages and strengthen grids against hurricanes and extreme winds.
A significant development in Grand Bahama required a new 22 mile [35.4 km] 69kV line to be built. With frequent hurricane exposure, the project needed to push the limits of accepted overhead line storm resilience to reliably deliver service to the west end of the island.
The island location presented many project challenges. Because of hurricanes, salt spray and soil pH corrosion of steel and concrete poles as well as logistical challenges and costly material handling, RS composite poles were selected as the best solution. Up to 65 ft. [19.8 m) lightweight, inert, and modular nesting composite poles can fit into standard sized 40 ft. intermodal shipping containers. Furthermore, RS poles have an 80-year service life, require no scheduled maintenance, and are covered by a 41-year warranty.
In 2016, Grand Bahama was hit by Hurricane Matthew, a Category 4 storm with winds of 140 mph [62.2 m/s]. The island’s west end took a direct hit and about 10% of the island’s poles were downed, over 2,300 wood poles. As the restoration efforts continued, there was one observation that became clearer: the RS composite poles had stood strong during the hurricane.
On September 1st, 2019, Category 5 Hurricane Dorian, packing winds gusts to 220 mph [98.3 m/s]. Dorian’s slow pace of 25 miles [40 km] in 24 hours resulted in damage of $7 billion. 1,000’s of wood poles were lost. A text message from Grand Bahama Power Vice President, Frank Woodworth, confirmed that the RS composite poles had survived. Again.
RS composite poles mitigate the threat of hurricane damage and speed restoration efforts because the poles stand strong.
