Imagine a conductor that, while being much lighter than the same diameter ACSR Conductor, can transmit three times the power with one-half the line losses. By increasing the diameter to match the weight of ACSR, these novel conductors can handle five to six times the power. While this may sound like science fiction, these conductors are commercially available today.
What is the secret behind this groundbreaking technology? A core inspired by the wings of a Boeing 787- a Core made of Carbon Fiber,
The benefits of these conductors are not just limited to their power transmission capabilities. The intrinsic strength of the carbon fiber core has enabled utilities to innovate further. For instance, one utility company was able to elongate span lengths and reduce tower count from 78 to 59 in a particular segment, leading to a significant reduction in upfront capital costs.
For reconductoring, the increased power flow and reduced weight of these conductors eliminate the need for prolonged outages to upgrade transmission infrastructures. This can revolutionize how we approach updates to our existing power transmission lines.
As the Electric Power Sector braces for a predicted 3-5 times load growth due to electrification, the main advantage of these conductors becomes evident. Instead of investing in new transmission lines, there is now the option to upgrade existing lines to meet growing demand, ensuring both efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, if a new line is needed, far more power flow can be obtained at a cheaper cost. For a deeper dive into this topic, please visit Public Utility Fortnightly ( AdvancedConductors Arrive Not a Moment Too Soon | Fortnightly ) for an article I authored about TS Conductors, a company on whose Board I serve, or visit Home - TS Conductor.
TS Conductors is based in Huntington Beach, CA, and produces a range of American-made and sourced Carbon Core conductors. Notably, its principal stakeholders are NextEra, National Grid, Breakthrough Energy Venture (founded by Bill Gates), and Third Derivative, an offshoot of RMI, among others.