en.Wedoany.com Reported - Industrias Arruti has inaugurated a testing facility for overhead power line fittings in Boroa, Biscay, Spain, capable of comprehensively applying electrical, thermal, and mechanical stresses under near-real operating conditions. This infrastructure was developed with technical consultancy from the Tecnalia Electrical Laboratory, aiming to meet new requirements in the field of overhead transmission line verification.
The new laboratory can perform demanding tests by integrating electrical aging processes with simultaneous mechanical loads, including tensile forces. The system can generate currents of up to 4000A along the conductor and reach temperatures of up to 250°C, facilitating the evaluation of fitting performance under combined conditions.
The electrical, thermal, and mechanical testing facility for overhead power lines has been integrated into a mechanical vibration test span measuring 46 meters in length and 4 meters in width. This configuration allows for the combination of vibration tests with electrical and mechanical stress tests on the same platform, which is significant for more accurately reproducing the operating environment of grid components. Additionally, the infrastructure is designed to accommodate the requirements of the upcoming new version of the IEC 61284 standard. This alignment with standards will enable Industrias Arruti to validate its products according to international norms and enhance its certification capabilities for foreign markets.
Tecnalia, through its accredited electrical laboratory and professional team, participated in the technical and operational definition of the laboratory, including defining functional requirements, selecting and specifying key equipment, verifying test procedures, and adapting to international standards currently being updated.
Aitor Kortajarena, Director of the Tecnalia Electrical Laboratory, stated that the development of this facility represents a qualitative leap in Industrias Arruti's testing capabilities, introducing a controlled combination of thermal and mechanical variables that is essential for evaluating the real-world performance of components. He also noted that Tecnalia's role has gone beyond technical consultancy during the launch phase of this cutting-edge laboratory, providing knowledge for the design and technical definition of the infrastructure and all equipment to ensure compliance with standards.
Miguel Ángel Rivero, Manager of Industrias Arruti, emphasized that this new infrastructure enables the company to offer customers more comprehensive validation and meet future market demands. He stated that the ability to combine electrical and mechanical tests in the same controlled environment is a differentiating factor, strengthening the company's position as a preferred international supplier.
