Spiral-elliptic conductor with low-drag coefficient [for overhead power lines]

The authors have developed a new conductor, characterized by an elliptical cross-sectional geometry, spirally twisted along the axial position. One of the merits of this conductor is its reduction of wind loading. It was confirmed, during wind tunnel tests, that this new conductor reduces the drag coefficient of a standard conductor (of the same cross-sectional area) by about 20%. Moreover, the experimental results revealed that the aeolian noise of this conductor is smaller by 10-dB than that of the standard conductor. Utilizing this conductor for new overhead transmission lines will decrease the wind loading on a steel tower and reduce the conductor swing width. Accordingly, transmission lines can be made more compact.