ACSS/TW-an improved high temperature conductor for upgrading existing lines or new construction

This paper discusses the properties and performance characteristics of an improved overhead conductor, ACSS/TW. ACSS/TW is constructed of fully annealed aluminum wires formed into a trapezoidal shape. The aluminum wires are stranded around a steel core of seven or more wires as described in ASTM B-857. The improved conductor can operate continuously at temperatures up to 250/spl deg/C without loss of strength or detriment to the conductor. The final sags are not affected by creep and the change in sag with temperature is less than that of conventional composite conductors. It also has excellent self-damping characteristics. ACSS/TW can be designed with both equal area or equal diameter, compared to conventional round stranded conductors, to optimize line design options.