TransPowr® ACCC®/TW Bare Overhead Conductor (US)

TransPowr® ACCC®/TW Bare Overhead Conductor (US)
Product description

TransPowr® ACCC®/TW is a type of aluminum conductor that features a composite core and a trapezoidal concentric-lay-stranded design. The aluminum strands are shaped as trapezoids, allowing for a more compact arrangement of the wires. ACCC/TW conductors are engineered to maintain the same overall diameter as traditional round wire ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced). The combination of compact trapezoidal conductors and a smaller composite core yields a TW conductor with approximately 28% more aluminum cross-sectional area than ACSR. 

The design adheres to the relevant standards outlined in ASTM B857 (Shaped Wire Compact Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Supported (ACSS/TW)). The annealed aluminum strands comply with ASTM B609. Additionally, the composite core, which serves as a strength member, is made of a proprietary high-strength carbon- and glass-fiber composite in accordance with ASTM B987. Surrounding this core are two, three, or four layers of annealed 1350 aluminum wire.

 

Features and Benefits

  • Increased Capacity: The ACCC conductor doubles the current-carrying capacity compared to conventional ACSR conductors. This allows utilities to upgrade existing pathways without requiring structural modifications.
  • Higher Operating Temperature: The ACCC conductor can operate at temperatures up to 180°C, significantly surpassing the conventional limit of 75°C for ACSR conductors.
  • Low Thermal Expansion: The composite core has a very low thermal expansion coefficient, which virtually eliminates high-temperature sag issues.
  • Creep Resistance: The conductor is unaffected by the long-term creep of aluminum. The composite core effectively limits high-temperature sag.
  • Lightweight Design: Despite having increased aluminum content, the overall mass of the ACCC/TW conductor can be lighter than the original ACSR conductor it replaces.
  • Familiar Installation: This conductor can be installed using standard methods and tools that transmission line construction crews are already familiar with.
  • Cost Reduction: By allowing for longer spans between support structures, the conductor's higher strength can lead to reduced construction costs.
  • Durability: The composite core is resistant to environmental degradation, meaning it will not rust, corrode, or cause electrolysis with aluminum conductors or other components.
  • Improved Efficiency: With its higher aluminum content, the ACCC conductor offers better operating efficiency, which can help reduce power generation and transmission costs.

 

Applications

TransPowr ACCC/TW conductors are specifically designed for overhead power distribution and transmission lines. They are particularly beneficial for re-conductoring applications that require minimal thermal sag without requiring structural modifications.

 

Options

  • E3X® surface coating (/E3X)
  • Non-specular surface finish (/NS)
  • ULS - an extra high-strength composite carbon fiber core, which provides greater strength and reduces sag caused by ice. This option is ideal for areas with heavy or extreme ice loading conditions (ULS ACCC).
Product datasheet