Aluminum conductor composite core/trapezoidal wire ACCC conductor

Increased Power Transfer

When compared to an ACSR that can be strung on the same towers, ACCC conductors will carry about 28% more annealed aluminum in a trapezoidal configuration giving greatly increased conductivity; the carbon core provides increased strength and virtually eliminates high temperature sag allowing more efficient operation at up to 180°C. This can double current capacity (ampacity) over the ACSR.

Reduced High Temperature Sag

The coefficient of thermal expansion of ACCC conductor at its final condition is eight times less than typical ACSR, and the ACCC core is approximately two and a half times lighter than steel. ACCC conductors sag very little due to thermal expansion which eliminates this as a significant design consideration.

Energy Efficiency

Using more aluminum with better conductivity reduces losses at every temperature of operation. When operating as a High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductor, the higher operating efficiency can reduce line losses and their associated emissions by more than 35%. This results in more power delivered to be sold and can result in lower power generation costs.