Advanced Composite Materials: A Panacea for Improved Electricity Transmission

Abstract

The demand for electricity has increased drastically due to population explosion globally. Unfortunately, supply does not meet the demand. Consequently, the transmission grid becomes overloaded, culminating in frequent power outages. Worse still, the transmission grid lacks adequate maintenance, and this has led to energy crisis in Africa and some parts of Asia. In this review, studies on the strength and weaknesses of existing transmission conductors were conducted. Further studied were natural and artificial phenomena that attack the overhead transmission networks. It was observed that besides inherent conductor defects, overloading, bush fire, short-circuit, harsh weather, and lightning were the factors that ravage the transmission grid. Hence, there is the need to develop more robust conductor materials that can withstand these challenges. The conventional conductors such as all aluminum conductor (AAC) and aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR) are challenged by low operating temperatures, among others. High-temperature low-sag (HTLS) conductors that were invented to tackle these shortcomings certainly have higher ampacity and better thermal rating than the conventional conductors. However, some challenges still devastate them. So, from the study conducted, it was discovered that developing advanced nano-based Al-composite conductor would help in ameliorating the challenges prevalent in the transmission grid. Such an Al-nanocomposite conductor would possess higher ampacity and better thermal stability and would be more durable and cost effective.