Analyzing Creep Behavior in Overhead Conductors: Experimental Insights and Discussion

Abstract

Improving the transmission and distribution infrastructure is essential given the increasing demand for electricity from consumers, the aging infrastructure, the impacts of climate change, and the evolving requirements of new technologies. Electric utility companies are continuously exploring methods to enhance their overhead lines (OHL), either by uprating with larger conductors or by adopting high-temperature low-sag (HTLS) conductors. The deformation of conductors, known as creep, significantly influences the performance of OHL. While creep behavior is typically investigated through time-consuming and costly experimental methods, this study examines experimental creep tests on various types of HTLS Aluminum Conductor Steel Supported (ACSS) and Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) conductors. Additionally, a novel straightforward relation is proposed based on existing standards and resources to predict the creep of steel-supported conductors reasonably accurately. The proposed relation is compared against diverse test results and subsequently discussed.