A unique facility for evaluation of HTLS conductors

About HTLS
With increased private participation in power generation & distribution in India, alongside that of public sector, there is a robust demand for bare overhead power conductors. The challenges faced by the transmission companies are to accommodate the necessary generated power over their network. This can be accomplished by laying extra lines – which is an expensive proposition or resources can be used for re-conductoring by HTLS conductors, which can increase the power transmission capacity.

Indian transmission companies including utilities are adopting HTLS conductors. However, at present, for independent testing, the manufacturers have to go abroad.

It is, therefore, planned to set-up test laboratory for HTLS conductors at ERDA. Once this facility is created at ERDA, manufacturers and users will be able to carry out complete type and acceptance tests under one roof at ERDA as per latest international / national standards.

Specifications for evaluation
Facilities are being installed as per following mentioned specifications –
• Power Grid specification II
• Draft of IEEE standard P####/D1.0, January 2009.
• CIGRE report No. 426 on guide for qualifying High temperature conductor for use on overhead transmission lines.

Types of HTLS conductors to be evaluated
• Conductor composed of a steel core and an envelope for which the high temperature effect is controlled by means of thermal resistant aluminium alloy GAP, TAL (Thermal Alloy Conductor Steel Reinforced) and ZTAL (Ultra Thermal Resistant)
• Conductor composed of a steel core and enveloped for which the high temperature effects are controlled by means of annealed aluminium or aluminium alloy ( e.g. ACSS)
• Conductors composed of non- metallic core, and an envelope for which the high temperature effect are controlled by means of thermal resistant aluminium alloy (e.g. ACCR)
• Conductor composed of a non – metallic core are controlled by and an envelope for which the high temperature effect are controlled by means of annealed aluminium or aluminium alloys ( e.g. ACCC)
• Thermal Aluminium Conductor Invar Reinforced ( e.g. TACIR)

Tests to be carried out on HTLS conductors

On Conductor Strand/core
• Bending test
• Coefficient of linear expansion
• Strand brittle fracture test
• Torsion and elongation tests
• Glass transition temperature test
• Flexural strength test
• Salt spray test.