New range of special alloy Conductors Advantages over ACSR & AAAC Conductors

Brief:
A new Aluminum alloy conductor having higher conductivity has been developed. By using these special alloy conductors, electric utility can achieve significant saving in both transmission and distribution lines. INTRODUCTION: The categories of conventional type of Aluminium and Aluminium alloy overhead conductors available globally are: Homogeneous Conductors AAC All Aluminium Conductors AAAC All Aluminium Alloy Conductors Non Homogeneous Conductors ACSR Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced AACSR-Aluminium Alloy Conductor Steel Reinforced ACAR Aluminium Conductor Alloy Reinforced

For several years, distribution and transmission lines have been designed using aluminum conductors steel reinforced (ACSR) or in some countries all aluminum alloy conductors (AAAC). Both types normally have a conductivity calculated on the total area of 53-54% copper (IACS). Since the mid-1970s the cost of producing electric energy has grown rapidly, leading to an increase in the cost of losses. An attempt to find new conductor material producing fewer losses in the network was started in Sweden at the beginning of the 1970s and led in 1979 to the release of a new conductor standard called Al-59, where 59 stands for its conductivity (IACS).

PAST In 1920s, within about 20 years of introducing ACSR, France introduced for the first time a new type of electrical conductor made of an alloy of aluminium with magnesium and silicon alloy. Other European countries also developed similar material as their conductor material US also followed the same in 1960s. The electrical conductor made of such alloy had higher strength than EC grade aluminium of equal size with slight loss in conductivity. Due to the increased strength the conductors did not require steel reinforced. AAAC thus made its advent as the most suitable current carrier in transmission and distribution. IEC recommendation number 208 provides an internationally acceptable standard for AAAC (Aluminium Alloy Conductors). At the beginning of 70s AB Electrokopper in Helinsburg developed an alloy with the trade name DUCTALEX. It has a better conductivity than the alloys developed by the France but a slightly lower mechanical strength. This new conductor alloy was laboratory tested at the Swedish State Power Board with respect to creep, corrosion resistance, self damping and fatigue strength, all tests showed the same or better properties than the ordinary alloy. Tests were made on actual distribution lines starting in 1975. As only satisfactory results were obtained the new alloy was installed in 400 KV line. The measurement of sag after five years showed a high degree of agreement with what was predicted. Concurrent with all trials the Swedish Standardization Committee worked out and issued the standards SS4240813 for AL59 wires and SS4240814 for AL-59 conductors. Even though strength of the AL-59 conductor is less compared to conventional AAAC, AL-59 is strung at the same tension as like conventional AAAC. The Important factor for choosing tension from the vibrating point of view is tension divided by the conductor mass. This value is independent of Ultimate tensile strength. ADVANTAGES OVER ACSR AND AAAC - Higher current carrying capacity with lesser cross sectional area. - Higher power transfer capacity with lesser cross sectional area. - Commercial benefits due to lower power loss and higher power transfer capacity. - Excellent Corrosion Resistant as due to Heating Process due to this In-built stresses are reduced. REFERENCE STANDARDS Swedish Standards: SS4240814: Aluminium alloy stranded conductors for overhead lines Al 59 Conductors. SS4240813: Aluminium alloy wire for stranded conductors for overhead lines Al 59 Wires.