Transmission line conductors are responsible for carrying power from generating station to receiving stations. Today you’ll learn about 5 types of transmission line conductors:
Contents
AAC – All Aluminum Conductor
AAC contains one or more aluminum alloy strands. AAC is preferred for short spans (usually in urban areas). In coastal areas, AAC conductors are also effective against corrosion problems in coastal areas. AAC has the highest conductivity to weight but has a poor strength to weight ratio.
Technical details: Aluminum grade 1350, hard drawn H19 temper
Practical usage: Local distribution levels
Also, learn:
- 3 Different types of transmission lines on the basis of length
- Types of Insulators used on transmission lines
AAAC – All Aluminium Alloy Conductors
AAAC is an alloy conductor that is made of aluminum, silicon, and magnesium. Its ampacity is equivalent to AAC and possesses excellent tension characteristics. AAAC provides excellent resistance against corrosion and is used in coastal areas. AAACs are becoming more popular than ACSR for the last two decades. They are stronger, lighter and more conductive than ACSR. However, they are more expensive than ACSR.
Technical details: 6201-T81 alloy
Practical Usage: 36 kV Transmission and above
AACSR – All Aluminium Alloy Conductors Steel Reinforced
They are less common than AAACs.
ACAR – Aluminium Conductors Alloy Reinforced
ACAR involves a combination of aluminum strands that are helically wrapped around aluminum alloy wires. The combination increases the mechanical strength of conductors.
Technical details: Aluminum 6201-T81 alloy and 1350 aluminum
ACSR – Aluminium Conductors Steel Reinforced
ACSR involves the aluminium conductor reinforced with steel core. The central steel core is surrounded by a number of aluminum strands. Steel strands are used for increasing the strength of conductor. Usually, steel is coated with zinc. At present ACSR conductors are most popular for longer transmission lines.
Practical usage: Longer spans and High voltage transmission lines