Lifetime estimation of a covered overhead line conductor

Abstract

The paper presents results of studies concerning wind-induced aeolian vibration and fatigue of a 110 kV covered conductor overhead line. Self-damping measurement techniques are discussed: power method is found to be the most reliable technique. A method for compensating tension variations during the self-damping test is presented. Generally used empirical self-damping power models are enhanced and the different models are compared with each other. The Energy Balance Analysis (EBR) is used to calculate the aeolian vibration amplitudes, which thereafter are converted to bending stress for the calculation of conductor lifetime estimate. The results of EBA are compared with field measurements, Results indicate that adequate lifetime estimates are produced by EBA as well as field measurements. Generally the EBA gives more conservative lifetime expectancy. This is believed to result from the additional damping existing in true suspension structures not taken into account by EBA. Finally, the correctness of the line design is verified using Cigre`s safe design tension approach.