In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, utilities face the challenge of meeting increasing demand within limited rights of way. In our recent webinar hosted by CTC Global and Energy Central, industry leaders discussed how ACCC® Conductor technology is rising to this challenge. For those who couldn’t attend, Here’s a roundup of some of the most frequently asked questions from the session.
Q: How many utilities in the U.S. have utilized ACCC® Conductor?
A: Approximately 40 utilities in the U.S. across 30 states and over 300 utilities worldwide in 67 countries have adopted ACCC® Conductor for various transmission applications in voltages ranging from 11 kV to 1,100 kV.
Q: How does ACCC® Conductor compare to ACSS conductors?
A: ACCC® Conductor offers better thermal efficiency, lower line losses, and improved sag characteristics compared to ACSS. CTC Global has written several articles comparing these in detail.
More on ACCC® Conductor/ACSS Conductor Comparison: https://energycentral.com/o/ctc-global/debate-over-accc-conductor-outperforms-acss-conductor-every-time
Q: Is there a conductor cost/mile comparison of similar current-carrying cables of steel tension member vs. ACCC® Conductor?
A: Typically, ACCC Conductor costs less per delivered amp when factoring in the reduced energy loss compared to legacy conductors like ACSR. The ACCC Conductor’s added aluminum, high capacity, low sag, and high strength attributes all contribute to its superior performance.
Learn More: https://ctcglobal.com/the-impact-of-advanced-conductors-on-electric-power-transmission-projects/
Q: Please compare ACCC® Conductor creep with ACSS.
A: ACCC® Conductor does not experience creep as steel-based conductors like ACSS do. The core of ACCC® Conductor is fully elastic and will not creep, yield, or plastically deform.
Q: How much % loading can we increase on HTLS ACCC® Conductor at 132 kV from existing ACSR Panther?
A: Generally, you can expect up to a 100% increase in current carrying capacity (2x) compared to ACSR Panther. CTC Global offers a free web-based Conductor Comparison Program (CCP™ Software). You can use this software program to compare any type and size conductor.
Q: How does ACCC® Conductor compare to other HTLS conductors, like ACSR/ACSS, in terms of audible noise?
A: Audible noise can be generated from corona on wet or dirty lines under certain conditions. However, field measurements in the UK have shown that ACCC® Conductors with their smoother outer surface generated significantly less corona and audible noise compared to other round wire conductors under similar conditions.
Q: How does ACCC® Conductor perform in wildfire-prone areas?
A: The ACCC® Conductor’s reduced sag and superior thermal performance make it well-suited for fire-prone areas. Its reduced sag and cooler operating temperatures compared to legacy conductors can also reduce the risk of wildfires. In 2012, a wildfire burned down several wood structures on an ACCC® installation completed by NV Energy. While the wood H-frame structures were quickly replaced, the ACCC® Conductor that had fallen to the ground was not damaged and quickly returned to service.
More on Reducing the Risk of Transmission Wildfires Using Modern Conductors:
https://energycentral.com/o/ctc-global/reducing-risk-transmission-wildfires-using-modern-conductors
Q: Is collet-type hardware used for InfoCore? How is the fiber accessed after installing the line?
A: Yes, we use a patented collet design to access the optical fiber core, which allows for easy inspection and monitoring of the conductor before, during, and after installation.
More on ACCC® Hardware:
Q: How do you check for damage to the core during installation and the life of the line, and is any repair possible in the field?
A: CTC Global offers the ACCC InfoCore® System, which uses embedded optical fibers to detect and core damage. We anticipate that system improvements in the coming months will help identify the specific location. Full tension splices can be used to repair damaged cores and repair sleeves can be used to repair damaged strands.
We look forward to continuing to provide solutions that empower utilities to meet today’s energy demands and furthering these discussions in future webinars. For additional information, insights, and resources, contact our team at info@ctcglobal.com.
