A Complete Guide to the 10 Types of Transmission Towers

In modern power systems, transmission lines are the critical pathways for delivering energy from power plants to cities, towns, and industrial areas. Transmission towers are the core infrastructure that ensures the safe and stable operation of this process.

Because transmission towers must not only bear the weight and tension of high-voltage conductors but also withstand wind, rain, snow, and the local environment, there are different types of transmission towers. This article provides a detailed analysis of 10 common types of transmission towers, helping you fully understand their structure, application scenarios, advantages and disadvantages, and providing a reference for grid construction and project selection.

What Is a Transmission Tower?

A transmission tower, also known as an electric pylon, is a steel structure used to support and secure high-voltage transmission lines in power systems. Its core function is to maintain a safe distance between conductors and the ground, buildings, and vegetation, preventing the risk of electric shock and short circuits. It also withstands multiple stresses, including the conductor's own weight, wind loads, and ice and snow loads, ensuring stable and safe long-distance transmission of electricity. Transmission towers come in a variety of structures and forms, depending on voltage levels, terrain, and line requirements. They are essential critical infrastructure in power grid construction.

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1.Suspension Transmission Tower

Suspension towers are the most widely used type of transmission line. They are typically installed along straight sections of a line, primarily supporting the conductors and bearing their own weight. Their lightweight design makes them suitable for large-scale, linear transmission projects.

• Function: They primarily bear the conductor's own weight and vertical loads, without significant horizontal tension.
• Structure: They are relatively lightweight, typically utilizing an angle steel lattice structure.
• Applications: They are used for long, straight sections, offering low cost and easy construction.
• Advantages and Disadvantages: While they are economical and practical, they are less stable than tension towers and are not suitable for corners or unusual terrain.

2.Tension Transmission Tower

Tension towers are key tower types for bearing line tension. They are typically installed at corners, crossings, or terminal locations. They can withstand significant horizontal tension and environmental loads, ensuring the overall stability of transmission lines.

• Function: They withstand significant horizontal tension generated by the conductors while maintaining the line's direction.
• Structure: The tower boasts a sturdy structure and a stable foundation, requiring a high steel content.
• Applications: Crossings over rivers, valleys, roads, and at line bends.
• Advantages and Disadvantages: Advantages include high safety and stability; disadvantages include high construction and manufacturing costs.

3.Transposition Transmission Tower

A transposition tower is a specialized tower type indispensable for long-distance transmission lines. It is typically used to transpose conductors to balance three-phase voltages, reduce interference, and improve power transmission quality.

• Function: By alternating conductor positions, it balances three-phase voltages, reducing electromagnetic interference and power loss.
• Structure: The design is relatively complex, and one is typically installed at regular intervals along long-distance transmission lines.
• Application: Long-distance high-voltage transmission lines, especially ultra-high-voltage lines.
• Advantages and Disadvantages: The advantage is improved power quality, but the disadvantages are limited availability and high construction costs.

4.Terminal Transmission Tower

A terminal tower is a crucial structure installed at the beginning or end of a transmission line. It primarily connects to substations or other equipment, bearing the strain of the entire line and serving as a critical node in the power grid.

• Function: Connects the transmission line to the substation or other electrical equipment.
• Structure: Withstands the full tensile force of the conductors, providing the highest structural strength.
• Applications: Located at the entrance or exit of a substation, or at a critical node in the power grid.
• Advantages and Disadvantages: Safety and reliability are advantages, while high construction cost and strict foundation requirements are disadvantages.

5. Lattice Transmission Tower

The lattice transmission tower (angle steel lattice tower) is the most commonly used type of transmission tower worldwide. Made of spliced ​​angle steel, it offers excellent stability and cost-effectiveness, making it widely used in transmission lines of various voltage levels.

• Function: Suitable for all voltage levels, with strong load-bearing capacity.
• Structure: Made of spliced ​​angle steel, the lattice design offers excellent stability.
• Applications: Urban-rural fringe areas, mountainous areas, and long-distance transmission lines.
• Advantages and Disadvantages: Economical, durable, and highly adaptable; disadvantages: Large footprint and a certain impact on the landscape.

6. Tubular Steel Pole

A tubular steel pole is a tower constructed from welded circular or polygonal steel tubes. Its simple appearance and compact footprint make it a common sight on urban roads and commercial areas, offering both aesthetics and functionality.

• Function: Supports loads on straight lines or slight corners.
• Structure: Constructed from welded circular or polygonal steel tubes, it offers a simple appearance.
• Applications: Urban roads, commercial areas, and densely populated areas.
• Advantages and Disadvantages:  Small footprint and aesthetically pleasing; Disadvantages: High cost and the need for large equipment.

7. Guyed Transmission Tower

A guyed transmission tower (guyed tower) is a lightweight tower anchored to the ground by multiple steel cables for stability. This structure saves relatively little steel and is suitable for transmission lines located in large, open areas.

• Function: Suitable for straight sections, bearing both horizontal and vertical loads.
• Structure: The tower is relatively slender, anchored to the ground by multiple steel cables.
• Application: Suitable for open areas such as grasslands and deserts.
• Advantages and Disadvantages:  Advantages: Low cost; disadvantages: Large land requirements and difficult maintenance.

8. Monopole Transmission Tower

A monopole transmission tower is a compact tower constructed from a single steel pipe. It occupies a small footprint and features a simple, modern appearance. It is widely used in cities and densely populated areas.

• Function: Used in straight sections or slight corners, bearing the weight of conductors and moderate tension.
• Structure: Consisting entirely of a single steel pipe, the tower has a simple shape.
• Applications: City centers, roadside areas, and areas with limited land resources.
• Advantages and Disadvantages: Advantages include a small footprint and a modern appearance; disadvantages include limited load-bearing capacity and is unsuitable for ultra-high voltage lines.

9. River Crossing Tower

River Crossing Towers are ultra-tall towers designed specifically for crossing large bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes. They are typically much taller than conventional towers and possess exceptionally strong load-bearing and wind-resistant capabilities.

• Function: Provides sufficient height to ensure conductors maintain a safe distance from the water surface.
• Structure: Towers typically exceed 100 meters in height, with a solid foundation and strong wind and earthquake resistance.
• Application: Ultra-high voltage transmission lines crossing large rivers such as the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.
• Advantages and Disadvantages: Advantages: Ensures safe crossing of transmission lines; Disadvantages: Construction is extremely difficult and costly.

10. Railway/Highway Crossing Tower

Railway/Highway Crossing Towers are tall towers designed specifically for crossing major transportation routes, such as railways and highways, to ensure safe clearance between conductors and traffic.

• Function: Ensures sufficient clearance between conductors and railways and highways, eliminating safety hazards.
• Structure: Typically taller than surrounding towers and boasts a stable foundation.
• Application: Highway and railway intersections.
• Advantages and Disadvantages: Advantages: Strong safety; disadvantages: Difficulty in site selection and construction.

Conclusion

The 10 types of transmission towers introduced above, ranging from the most common suspension towers and tension towers to specialized towers for river crossings and railway crossings, cover nearly every possible need in power transmission systems. Different tower types offer advantages in structure, function, and application scenarios, and choosing the right one can significantly improve the safety and economic efficiency of power grids.

As a professional transmission tower manufacturer, JOISYNC boasts extensive engineering experience and advanced production capabilities, offering customized solutions tailored to your specific needs. If you're looking for a reliable transmission tower supplier, please feel free to contact JOISYNC. We will provide the highest-quality products and services for your power project.