How High-Performance Overhead Conductors Improve Grid Reliability

I recently stumbled onto a great overview of how high-performance overhead conductors can boost the overall reliability of the grid, and although I’ve never previously delved into the wonderful world of overhead conductors, I had to give it a read since maximizing reliability is the silver bullet in our industry.

Although the article was written by a company that sells overhead conductors, it had some great content and I learned a lot.  It’s clear that there are many benefits of utilizing high-performance conductors. 

Why High-Performance Overhead Conductors are Beneficial

One benefit is that they can help reduce conductor sag, as this condition can lead to trip outages.  In fact, according to the article, “sag trip outages” greatly contributed the massive 2003 east coast blackout. 

Another potential benefit is that high-performance conductors can increase transmission line capacity (i.e., they can carry more current).  Because of this increased capacity, power from lines in at-risk situations (such as those in the wake of a fire tornado) can be rerouted to lines in safe areas.  In other words, because the lines can carry more current, they have the capacity to take on power from additional lines when needed (one caveat is that maximum line capacity can only be achieved if certain substation upgrades are deployed).     

Finally, these devices offer environmental benefits in the form of reduced emissions and a greater ability to accommodate renewable energy sources.  According to the article, a recent AEP circuit upgrade reduced carbon monoxide emissions by 200,000 metric tons, equivalent to removing 34,000 cars from the road.  This, of course, certainly can’t hurt when it comes to global warming – every little bit helps. 

Note that these devices can also substantially reduce line losses (the aforementioned AEP project saw a 30% reduction), but this benefit is related more to economics than to emergency preparedness.

So, there you have it – a quick primer on the benefits of high-performance overhead conductors.  I hope you learned as much as I did!