Abstract
High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors are introduced with the intention of mitigating some of the disadvantages of the conventional overhead conductors. When compared to conventional conductors, HTLS conductors have better electrical and mechanical characteristics and by using these conductors in overhead transmission lines, some of the complex issues related to power transmissions could be resolved. However, most of the utilities are still in a quandary about using these conductors in place of conventional overhead conductors which have provided a commendable service to them over a period of a century or so. It is because of their lack of experience in using them in the field as well as because of the novel appearance of the conductors. Almost the entire transmission system in Sri Lanka comprises of overhead lines constructed using conventional conductors, especially ACSR conductors. Utility engineers therefore do not have much knowledge on HTLS conductors and also have very little experience in using them. This paper discusses the possibility of adopting the HTLS conductor technology in the Sri Lanka’s transmission system. The properties, behavior and special characteristics as well as the technoeconomic feasibility of using HTLS conductors instead of the conventional conductors are discussed in depth. Lastly, the issues and challenges related to the application of HTLS conductors are discussed. The results of this research will provide valuable information on the possibility of using HTLS conductors in the Sri Lanka’s transmission system.
Highlights
Most of the overhead transmission lines in the transmission system in Sri Lanka have been developed using ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) conductors
Conventional ACSR conductors cannot be operated at high temperatures and their energy loss during bulk power transmission is significant
High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors have been formed to enable the core material to take up the entire tension beyond a certain temperature, which is known as the Knee Point Temperature (KPT)
Summary
Most of the overhead transmission lines in the transmission system in Sri Lanka have been developed using ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) conductors. The conventional types of conductors cannot be used to increase the capacity of existing lines mainly due to the mechanical limitations of towers. As existing towers have been designed for a particular type of conductor, conductors with higher cross sections which have a higher capacity cannot be strung on them without violating safety limits. To mitigate all these restrictions, conductor manufacturers have come up with a new technology called HTLS, and the conductors made using this technology are said to be of ACSR conductors have limitations.
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