ACCC Conductor News  CTC Global - July 2014
 

 The Evolution of Overhead Conductors
 

In the past, T&D designers had few choices. All aluminum conductors such as AAC (and AAAC) and steel reinforced conductors such as ACSR. In the 1970's and 1980's new conductors were introduced that could be operated at higher temperatures (to carry more current) such as ACSS. Additionally, Gap type conductor and Invar steel conductors were also introduced. While Gap conductor is a bit difficult to install and Invar conductors exhibit very high magnetic hysteresis losses, new composite core conductors were subsequently introduced in the early 2000's. These included 3M's ACCR conductor which replaced the conventional steel core strands with ceramic fiber reinforced aluminum strands and the ACCC conductor which uses a single carbon and glass fiber (hybrid) core embedded in a toughened / high-temperature thermoset resin matrix.

 

To assess the differences between different conductor types, Ontario Hydro in Canada performed a test at Kinectrics Lab. The test subjected the different conductors (Drake size equivalents) to 1,600 amps on a 65 meter (215 foot) test span. While the primary objective of the test was to compare conductor sag, the temperatures that each conductor reached under the 1,600 amp load also provided insight into each conductor's efficiency. Notice in the graph below the differences in sag. Notice also how much cooler the ACCC conductor operated under the same load condition. Cooler operating temperatures (in this case ranging from 60 to 80 degrees C) reflect not only a substantial improvement in efficiency (and reduction in line losses), the ACCC conductor's ability to operate at even higher temperatures during emergency conditions  - with no increase in sag - offers an additional margin of safety and reliability you can count on. 

 

While other manufacturers are beginning to recognize the advantages of the ACCC conductor and its hybrid carbon fiber core and are beginning to offer alternatives, CTC Global's expertise in composite materials, extensive database of testing and substantial field experience are unrivaled. If you are considering a high-performance economic solution, look no further. CTC Global and its 18 authorized manufacturing partners, worldwide, offer performance and price advantages others can't touch. 

  

For more information please visit www.ctcglobal.com 

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In This Issue
The Evolution of Overhead Conductors
Recent Articles & News
Very Tough Stuff
Why ACCC?
Free Design Software
Free Engineering Manual
Upcoming Events

 

Very Tough Stuff

 

 

ACCC Drake size conductor being bent to 90 degrees with an electrician's conduit pipe bender.  This particular size conductor utilizes a 9.54 mm (3/8 inch) diameter core.  No damage occurred after numerous bending cycles (AEP test).

ACCC Drake size conductor after taking a direct hit from an EF4 / EF5 Tornado (OG&E).  The undamaged core allowed expedited repairs improving grid resiliency.
 
 
ACCC Linnet size (very small diameter)conductor survived a firestorm without damage (NV Energy). The structures were replaced and the conductor was returned to service.
 

 

Why Over 100 International Utilities Have Selected ACCC

 

  • High Capacity
  • Low Sag
  • High Strength
  • Fatigue Resistant
  • Corrosion Resistant
  • Excellent Self Damping
  • Easy to Install
  • Great for Long Spans
  • Very Tough
  • Extensively Proven
  • Excellent for N-1 Conditions
  • Lower Line Losses

 

The ACCC Conductor's added aluminum content (without a weight or diameter penalty) allows it to run cooler under any load condition which translates into reduced line losses. Reduced line losses can save fuel, emissions and generation capacity.

 

The Bottom Line:

 

In more than 280 cases, the ACCC conductor has offered over 100 utilities the best economic solution for their particular project. 

 


Free Design Software
 
CTC Global created CCP to help system planners and engineers compare the ampacity, line losses, thermal and ice load sag, and economic aspects of nearly any conductor type and size, so the numerous advantages of the ACCC� conductor can be fully realized. The user simply selects the conductor types and sizes from drop down menus and enters the appropriate values & assumptions highlighted in the yellow boxes. The program is fully functional and uses standard industry formulas (such as IEEE 738-2006). Outputs are readily comparable to Sag10�, PLS CADD™ and other similar programs.
 
Free Engineering Manual
 

 

Please Visit CTC Global

 

Cigre 2014

Palais des Congres

Paris, France

August 25 - 29

 

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ACCC Conductor is an internationally patented and trademark registered product of CTC Global Corporation.  The ACCC conductor is manufactured in association with 18 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 ACCC.  Thank You. 

 

CTC Global Corporation 2026 McGaw Avenue, Irvine, California USA 92614

Telephone: +1 949 428 8500   www.ctcglobal.com


CTC Global Proudly Serving Over 100 Utilities Worldwide