Background:
The ACCC® Conductor was initially developed to improve the efficiency, capacity, reliability, and resilience of the world’s electric power grid. It uses a high-strength, light-weight carbon fiber core that utilizes ~30% more conductive aluminum without a weight or diameter penalty in any given conductor size. The added aluminum content helps carry more power with reduced electrical losses, while the carbon fiber core resists sag when the conductor is under heavy electrical load. A steel core conductor, by comparison, will heat up and sag under similar conditions which can lead to sag-trip power outages, wildfires, and other hazardous conditions. The ACCC® Conductor’s added capacity helps connect consumers with the least expensive and cleanest source of generation which substantially reduces ‘congestion costs’ and, with equal importance, is a primary means of supporting global electrification to combat climate change.
Reconductoring:
A primary application for ACCC® Conductors is to replace existing bare overhead conductors on existing power lines generally between 11 kV and 1,100 kV without the need to modify or replace existing structures. Historically, the installation of higher capacity lines required the removal and replacement of existing wires and structures, which was a very difficult proposition. Permitting timeframes, substantial power outages, environmental impact, and heavy costs all posed significant challenges. The ability to use ACCC® Conductor to double the capacity of existing transmission lines has won major accolades from more than 250 major utilities in 65 countries over the last two decades. While some utilities still prefer to ‘rebuild’ their existing grid and replace wires and structures at higher costs – because higher investment = higher ROI, this approach isn’t always practical or looked upon favorably by regulators. Nevertheless, with so much activity in the power sector, moving crews and equipment quickly from one reconductoring project to another is quite favorable, and delivering twice the power at lower cost offers benefits for the utility, ratepayers, and climate initiative policy makers.
Transmission, Sub-Transmission, and Distribution:
Out of more than 1,250 ACCC® Installations completed thus far (1/2024), ninety percent of the projects completed (representing roughly 175,000 km of conductor) have been in the sub-transmission (~69 kV - ~115 kV) and transmission (~120 kV - ~1,100 kV) voltage ranges. Approximately ten percent of ACCC® Installations have been in the 11 kV to 66 kV voltage range. However, ACCC® Advantages apply to all three scenarios. While higher voltage systems are typically designed to carry electrons more efficiently over longer distances, and medium voltage systems are built to help deliver electrons to load centers, lower voltage ‘distribution’ grids are built to deliver power to industrial and commercial customers and communities. As we continue to support the wider deployment of electric vehicles, heat pumps and other low carbon devices, the need to improve the capacity and efficiency of the distribution grid will continue to grow.
If you would like to learn more about how the ACCC® Conductor can help you achieve your energy goals, please visit www.ctcglobal.com or contact [email protected]