How to Improve the Efficiency, Capacity, Reliability and Resilience
of the Electric Power Grid with ACCC® Conductor
|
|
CTC Global
High Performance Conductors for a Low Carbon World™
|
|
Photo courtesy of Craig Neal - Diamond Level Service |
|
Grid Strategies Report:
"Advanced Conductors on Existing Transmission Corridors to Accelerate Low Cost Decarbonization”
In January, the U.S. DOE posted the “Building a Better Grid” Initiative in the Federal Register which is designed to support massive grid expansion and modernization. Considering the Initiative anticipates the need to increase transmission capacity by 60% over the next 8 years (by 2030) and by as much as 300% by 2050, CTC Global, supported by a number of other entities, asked Grid Strategies to consider ways Advanced Conductors can help achieve these goals and propose specific actions that should expeditiously be taken by FERC, DOE, Utility Planners, and State Regulators.
While the Report acknowledges the need to build many new transmission lines, it also describes the critical need to substantially increase the capacity of the existing grid. Reconductoring with Advanced Conductors such as ACCC® Conductor is an excellent solution because ACCC can be installed quickly and cost effectively without the need to replace or upgrade existing structures that would otherwise require more time, present more permitting challenges, and tie up crews and equipment for longer timeframes.
The Report concluded that if only 25% of the 200,000+ miles of transmission lines greater than 50 years old can be replaced over the next decade, then 270 GW of additional renewable generation can be connected to the grid. This effort would reduce CO2 emissions by 2.8 billion metric tons and would save consumers over $140 billion dollars over the decade.
Some of the Report’s key recommendations include:
1) Expanding planning scenarios to consider the possibility of additional new renewable generation assets.
2) Establishing transmission conductor efficiency standards.
3) Consider Advanced Conductors as a priority for select Power Marketing Administration (PMA) projects and for other projects which DOE supports via grants, loans, or other financing mechanisms.
4) Shift project evaluations by utilities and regulatory authorities from “least cost” to “maximum net benefits” when reviewing project options.
CTC Global thanks Grid Strategies and other companies that supported this very enlightening and important work. Please take a look at the Report and all of its Key Recommendations.
|
|
Castor, Tonko, Casten, Heinrich, Smith Urge FERC To Help Deploy Advanced Grid Technologies
The letter urges FERC to review existing incentives and correct disincentives for the deployment of several advanced transmission technologies, including:
- Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) systems, which use sensors to provide real-time line information;
- Topology Optimization Software, which assists system operators in minimizing congestion and improving efficiency on existing grid assets;
- Advanced Power Flow Controllers, which allow operators to change the direction power flows on existing transmission lines; and
- Advanced Conductors, which are high-voltage, modernized power lines that can help reduce line losses by 25-40%
The Letter states: “While advanced transmission technologies can sometimes be overlooked, they provide near-term options for climate mitigation and resilience as we continue work on larger challenges like resolving interconnection queues, expanding regional electricity markets, and building new transmission lines”
|
|
Pakistan Cable Delivers ACCC® Conductor Manufactured in Pakistan to Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO)
In March 2021, MEPCO selected Pakistan Cables to supply locally produced ACCC® Conductor for their 132 kV double circuit KAPCO to Kot Addu Substation upgrade. MEPCO selected Drake size ACCC® Conductor to replace Rail size ACSR conductor which increased system capacity from 1,800 to 3,200 amps. The ACCC Reconductor project also reduced conductor sag significantly without the need to modify or replace existing structures.
Fahd K. Chinoy, CEO Pakistan Cables Ltd. stated: “With this installation of Pakistan Cables manufactured ACCC® Conductor, the company has completed three successful installations across Pakistan. “This innovative technology is direly needed to transform the existing national transmission and distribution system from overloaded lines (specifically in crowded areas) to efficient and effective systems that offer long term gains for the country financially, socially and environmentally. Reduced line losses and energy efficiency through ACCC® Conductors are the need of the hour and it is encouraging to see MEPCO taking the lead on adopting new technologies.”
With growing power demands in Pakistan, the use of overhead conductors for power transmission has increased and Pakistan Cables is leading the revolution in the segment with the ACCC® Conductors with expected benefits to the country’s overloaded transmission and distribution infrastructure. To learn more about Pakistan Cables please visit: http://www.pakistancables.com
|
|
ACCC® Conductor is currently reducing CO2 emissions by over 3.5 million metric tons every year - the equivalent of removing over 750,000 cars from the road
|
|
ACCC® ULS Conductor Offers Added Strength and Reduced Sag
First deployed on a 1.4 kilometer lake crossing in Africa in 2013, The ACCC® ULS Conductor offers greater strength, a lower coefficient of thermal expansion and higher modulus of elasticity than the standard ACCC® Conductor core. The added strength and lighter weight can enable longer spans and the higher modulus and increased stiffness reduces sag and blow out during high wind conditions. Improved stiffness can also reduce sag under heavy ice load conditions.
Dozens of engineers have specified ACCC® ULS Conductor for projects, worldwide, and the ULS version of the ACCC® Conductor has served our clients well. The ACCC® ULS Conductor is available in many sizes and offers transmission engineers added design flexibility.
The ACCC® ULS Conductor can be ordered with Type 1350-O fully annealed aluminum or as an AZR version with Aluminum-Zirconium thermal resistant alloy for even higher overall conductor strength.
The photograph below shows a 1.6 km (~1 mile) river crossing in Mozambique completed by Bouygues. Watch Installation Video
|
|
ACCC AZR Conductor – Expanding the Capabilities of the ACCC® Conductor Using Aluminum Zirconium Alloy to Combat Extreme Ice Loads
ACCC® AZR Conductor uses either the standard 310 ksi core or the higher strength 375 ksi core that is then wrapped with one or more layers of a high strength, thermal resistant aluminum-zirconium alloy. While conventional ACCC® Conductors typically use fully annealed aluminum to maximize conductivity, the ACCC AZR Conductor offers nearly the same efficiency, but far greater overall strength. The added strength and increased tensile modulus mitigates conductor sag under heavy wind or ice loads, or very long spans. To learn more visit www.ctcglobal.com
|
|
CTC Global's Free Conductor Comparison Program CCP™ Software is Available Online
CTC Global is pleased to announce that our highly regarded Conductor Comparison Program (CCP™) software is now available online. The new web-based version has all the features found in the Excel version, which has been replaced and will no longer be supported. The new version is designed to make it easier to use, and it also has some new features. Having CCP online will make it easier to keep it up-to-date with new wire files and other data, and to add improvements as they are made. Users will always know they have the current version every time they log in. CCP is also compatible with tablets.
Registration to use CCP requires only a valid email address and password. Users may also use CCP as a guest however, saving and export features are only available to registered users.
Thank you for using our CCP. We welcome your feedback. For technical support, please contact ccphelp@ctcglobal.com
|
|
Looking for ACCC® Conductor Hardware?
Check out our Supplier Parts Database
CTC Global added a new Hardware Supplier Parts Database to our website. The database will help you find all of the hardware components you need to install ACCC® Conductor. The database shows which hardware manufacturers offer the parts you might need in your particular region while offering many options.
|
|
CTC Global proudly works with top-tier manufacturing partners worldwide |
|
ACCC® Conductor is an internationally patented and trademark registered product of CTC Global Corporation. The ACCC® Conductor is manufactured in association with 35 qualified and licensed international stranding partners. If you are interested in the ACCC® Conductor, please contact CTC Global to make sure your supplier is authorized to produce and deliver ACCC® Conductor in your area. Thank You.
|
|
CTC Global, Inc. 2026 McGaw Avenue Irvine,
CA 92614 Phone: +1 949.428.8500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
