Optimising efficiency in bare overhead power conductors

Emam Jalal, Midal Cables Ltd, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain An introduction is presented on the new technology of carbon fibre composite conductors and the use of aluminium composite cores to reduce power losses and increase throughput. The development of this conductor is described, involving the innovative use of aluminium along with carbon fibre to provide the electrical conductor with high current capacity and greater thermal capacity, resulting in higher throughput in electrical power transmission. Specific case studies and ROI data are presented that demonstrate how the new technology has resulted in significant performance improvements compared with existing conductor materials.