3M ACCR Launched to Support High Voltage Power Transmission

U.K.-based diversified technology company 3M announced the launch of 3M ACCR, or the aluminum conductor composite reinforced conductor in the United Kingdom, as a replacement for existing electrical conductors used in overhead power transmission.

 

The launch of 3M (News - Alert) ACCR will be aimed primarily at supporting 110-400kV-power transmission nationwide.

 

3M ACCR features advanced multi-strand aluminum composite core design. The conductor weighs just half as much as steel core conductors and is able to continuously handle 210 degrees Celsius with considerably less sag than traditional conductors, 3M officials said.

 

Developed with the support of the US Department of Energy and with early contributions by the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency, 3M ACCR conductor contains wires and each core wire contains many thousands of very high-strength aluminum oxide fibres. 

 

These ceramic fibres are continuously oriented in the direction of the wire and are fully embedded within high-purity aluminum.  The composite wire looks externally similar to traditional aluminum wire, but has mechanical and physical properties far superior to those of aluminum and steel. 

 

Having the capability to double the transmission capacity of the power transmission line, 3M ACCR conductor could help the power industry in the United Kingdom to meet the government’s renewable energy targets as well as overcome some of the issues related to connecting offshore wind farms to the onshore grid.

 

Most of the national grid in the United Kingdom is based on steel core conductors, which affects the amount of power that can be transmitted before performance is impacted. With the help of 3M ACCR, the U.K. power industry will be able to increase the power capacity without the need for rebuilding or addition of new substations.

 

With this, there will be minimal impact on the environment and will also help to overcome the delays frequently caused by planning objections from pressure groups and land owners, company officials said.

 

Apart from eliminating major tower modifications or construction of new towers, 3M ACCR conductors also address renewable energy deployment. Separate from allowing offshore wind farms to connect to national power networks, 3M ACCR has other applications such as spanning long river valleys, providing additional capacity in urban areas and helping to maintain service during line failure.

 

Even though 3M ACCR is new to the United Kingdom, it has already been deployed in over 20 power networks else where across the globe, including Brazil, Canada, the United States and countries in Asia, and is currently in trial across Europe.