A finite element method of modelling and designing of an ACCC conductor

Abstract

The ultimate breaking strength of conductors always plays a vital role in the long-term safe operation of transmission lines and it should be carefully considered in the designing of a conductor. While limited literature has been released regarding the strength calculation of ACCC (Aluminum Conductor Composite Core) conductors. In this study, a finite element method based on real conductor samples is proposed to evaluate the strength of the ACCC conductor, and investigate on how diameters (or sectional areas) of the composite core and aluminum strands influence the conductors’ breaking strength, thereby helping engineers design a proper diameter of an ACCC conductor. The finite element analysis shows that increasing the sectional area of the composite core leads to a larger breaking strength than increasing an equal sectional areas of aluminum strands, which is in line with the tensile experimental results. In specific, the relative errors between the simulated breaking strength and the experimental results are as low as less than 3%. Therefore, the finite element method presented in this work, to some extent, fills in the blank of strength calculation for ACCC conductors, and in practical terms, it could serves as guidelines for conductor-design engineers.