Experience With The Mechanical Performance Of Non Conventional Conductors

Electricity transmission and distribution networks around the world are increasingly being required to handle significant changes in power transfer capability. Increased environmental constraints and public opposition to new overhead lines has meant that it is the existing assets that are being subjected to ever increasing needs for increased capacity. Today the cost of obtaining permission for the erection of new overhead lines (OHLs) is a major consideration in any new development. Non-conventional conductors are needed generally to maintain overhead lines and allow more ampacity. In cases, the use of new conductors can also be for a need of refurbishment without reinforcement of towers. Some non-conventional conductor designs resist vibration and galloping problems more effectively than conventional conductors. The area of non-conventional conductors has been the subject of several CIGRE Technical Brochures. WG B2.48 was set up to review experience and gather all available data on the mechanical performance of these conductors (including high temperature low sag (HTLS) conductors). To perform this work, two questionnaires were sent out. One version went to conductor manufacturers/suppliers world-wide and another version to utilities.