Introduction  The design of transmission pole and tower has a significant impact on the project cost and the surrounding environment. Exploring the design method and economic index of 220 kV single circuit composite tower is of positive significance to the optimization of transmission lines.

  Method  Firstly, the recommended scheme was obtained by comparing different tower forms, composite cross-section forms and cross-section arrangement. Then the linear and non-linear analysis of tower was carried out by ANSYS software to understand the difference between the two analysis methods. Then found out the relevant information, calculated the cost of common and composite pole towers, and explored their economy.

  Result  Compared with Cathead Tower, Wine Cup Tower and Top Pyramid Tower, it is more reasonable to apply composite crossbars in Top Pyramid Tower; ring section has the advantages of larger moment of inertia, higher bearing capacity and convenient processing and connection; 220 kV straight tower can reasonably choose more economical structural layout form on the premise of satisfying safety, and it is recommended to choose three-pull-one-press layout scheme through ANSYS simulation analysis shows that the linear analysis has enough accuracy and can be designed by linear analysis. When selecting composite crossbar, the related factors such as tower cost, installation cost, relocation compensation and so on should be taken into consideration, and the technical and economic comparison on the engineering quantity should be made, so as to obtain a more reasonable scheme.

  Conclusion  The research results are of universal significance and can provide some technical support for the design of composite tower in the future.