HIGH PERFORMANCE CONDUCTORS FOR A LOW CARBON WORLD™ | | Why Advanced Conductors Don't Use Steel Cores | |
The advent of Advanced Conductors marks a transformative shift in the landscape of transmission line technology, particularly evident in the contrast between Aluminum Conductor Steel Supported (ACSS) and Aluminum Conductor Composite Core (ACCC®) Conductors. ACSS, introduced in the 1970s, sought to address the demand for higher current-carrying capacities by utilizing fully annealed aluminum. However, its reliance on steel cores proved inadequate in addressing issues of thermal expansion and conductor sag under increased electrical loads.
In contrast, ACCC® Conductors, featuring carbon fiber composite cores, emerge as a superior alternative, offering greater efficiency, capacity, and longevity. Notably, ACCC® Conductors not only enable cost-effective new transmission line construction but also facilitate reconductoring efforts, doubling transmission capacity within existing right-of-ways while minimizing environmental impact and permitting challenges. The tangible benefits of ACCC® Conductors are exemplified by real-world projects such as AEP's reconductoring endeavor in Texas, which not only doubled line capacity but also significantly reduced line losses, greenhouse gas emissions, and costs, underscoring the compelling advantages of advanced conductor technologies in modernizing and optimizing power transmission infrastructure.
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CTC Global Recognizes ACCC® Master Installers
CTC Global's global network of Master Installers is dedicated to training and supporting installation crews for successful outcomes with ACCC® Conductor installations. Representing top-tier expertise in transmission line construction and reconductoring, this elite group recently saw four members selected for special recognition due to their outstanding performance in the field. Eric Johnson, VP of Field and Technical Services at CTC, stated, "We're delighted to periodically honor the 'best of the best' in terms of service excellence and incident-free performance." The following Master Installers were recognized for consistently delivering exceptional results for our end-user customers.
Mukesh Kumar Jha – Teems Powerlines Ltd., India
Nahid Moustapha – Sustainable Development Associates, Bangladesh
Yi SangWoo – Sinan Associates, South Korea
Zulkifli Bin D. Shaffie – Duratrans, Malaysia
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The Debate is Over ACCC®
Conductor Outperforms ACSS Conductor
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In the 1970's the introduction of ACSS conductor made it apparent that higher capacity conductors were an essential part of grid modernization. Today, much has changed. Fortunately Advanced Conductors like ACCC® have raised the performance bar. This paper explains the substantial differences between ACSS and ACCC® Conductor.
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DOE: Failing to Invest in Grid-Enhancing Technology will be a 'Massive Miss.'
| The Department of Energy is poised to release another report in its Pathways to Commercial Liftoff series that tackles one of the utility sector’s most major challenges: How to prepare the grid for rapid load growth at a moment when grid capacity is more constrained than ever. This is a very informative article that highlights the importance of leveraging modern technologies to solve modern problems. | | | |
Reflecting on the Classic Risk Adverse Mindset - A Composite Core Conductor Success Story
| While the ACCC® Conductor raised the conductor performance bar and literally created the Advanced Conductor market, many utilities were hesitant to deploy it - it was viewed as new and unproven. Today, that has substantially changed. This article explains why and how the ACCC® Conductor has become the utilities’ no regrets solution. | | | |
Iraq Minister of Electricity Inaugurates ACCC® Transmission Line Project, A first in Iraq
| On March 7, The Minister of Electricity, Engineer Ziad Ali Fadel, inaugurated the power transmission line (Alexandria-Babil Broadcasting 132 kV) after a comprehensive rehabilitation of the line in preparation for high load peaks during the upcoming summer season. An event was held for the occasion, attended by the Governor of Babil, Mr. Adnan Faihan, and the ministry’s general directors. | | | |
NEA Completes 132 kV ACCC® Reconductor Project
| The Nepal Electric Authority (NEA) has successfully completed a significant project aimed at enhancing the capacity of the 42.3-kilometer 132 kV Khimti to Lamosanghu transmission line, a crucial link connecting to the India-Nepal Transmission network, vital for ensuring uninterrupted power flow during wet and dry seasons. | | | |
8 ACCC® Projects Recently Completed
92 ACCC® Projects Active
43 ACCC® Projects Scheduled to Start
| | | | I Enlit (Cigre Brazil) National Encounter on Transmission Line Innovation | |
April 9-10, 2024 | Belo Horizonte/MG
CEMIG Auditorium
CTC Global is thrilled to be a sponsor of I ENILT (National Encounter on Transmission Lines Innovations) Visit us at CTC’s Totem to discover how ACCC® Conductors can transform overhead transmission lines, doubling capacity and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
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April 16-18, 2024 | Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
Connect with us at Middle East Energy Dubai 2024 Hall #5 in the Dubai Exhibition Center, Booth #D10.
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April 22-25, 2024 | Anaheim, CA
Join us at the 47th AABE National Conference! Connect with industry professionals and explore our grid solutions at Table 2410. See you there!
| | RECENTLY PUBLISHED REPORTS | | | | Idaho National Laboratory Reports on Advanced Conductor Use in the U.S. | Transmission capacity expansions must accelerate from historical rates if current decarbonization timeframes are to be met. Despite this need, this study found that capacity expansion rates have actually slowed in recent years. Many factors are responsible for this trend, ranging from permitting delays, to increasing land prices, to supply chain bottlenecks. This report explores trends in the use of Advanced Conductors to increase the capacity of the existing grid. | | | | CurrENT Europe Publishes Tech Recommendations FOR DSO’s | CurrENT, the voice of innovative grid technologies in Europe, released its first edition of ‘Recommendations for DSO project deployments’ – a first-of-its-kind handbook for the deployment of innovative grid technologies at the DSO level. In this first edition, CurrENT covers some key technologies that can make a difference at the DSO level, including Digital Twin technologies, Advanced Conductors, Dynamic Line Rating, Monitoring Sensors, and Modular Power Flow Control. | | | | World Resources Institute "Getting the Most out of Existing and New Advanced Transmission Technologies" | WRI presents advanced transmission solutions, including grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) and high-performance conductors. The webinar covers the mechanics and purpose of these technologies and feature expertise from regulators and subject matter experts. The panelists, including FERC Commissioner Allison Clements, discuss transmission capacity expansion needs, incentives, and how local governments can become involved in transmission-related conversations. | | | | Energy Institute at Haas Updates “Accelerating Transmission Expansion by Using Advanced Conductors in Existing Right-of-Way” | First released in November 2023, The Energy Institute at Haas Berkley and Grid Lab paper (updated February 2024) presents tremendous insight into the vast benefits of updating the existing grid using advanced conductors. The paper was also presented in a recorded webinar that provided additional details. | | | | |
