Aluminium Conductor Steel Supported (ACSS/TW)

ACSS/TW conductors utilize trapezoidal aluminium wires instead of conventional round wires. While conventional ACSS conductors employ circular aluminium strands, the utilization of trapezoidal-shaped aluminium strands offers enhanced current transmission, reduced energy loss, compact design, and reduced diameter. Trapezoidal aluminium strands boast a larger cross-sectional area. This unique property translates to an increased capacity for current transmission or, conversely, a reduction in energy loss. 

While conventional ACSS conductors employ circular aluminium strands, the utilization of trapezoidal-shaped strands offers two primary advantages:

1- Enhanced Current Transmission and Reduced Energy Loss:
In comparison to conductors with circular aluminium strands of the same diameter, those equipped with trapezoidal aluminium strands boast a larger cross-sectional area. This unique property translates to an increased capacity for current transmission or, conversely, a reduction in energy loss. Additionally, the adoption of trapezoidal aluminium strands leads to a notable decrease of around 10% to 15% in electrical resistance.

2- Compact Design and Reduced Diameter:
When considering conductors with an equivalent cross-sectional area, the incorporation of trapezoidal aluminium wires results in a more compact conductor configuration. Consequently, the overall diameter of ACSS/TW (Aluminium Conductor Steel Supported/Trapezoidal Wires) conductors is notably smaller approximately 10% to 15% compared to conductors utilizing circular aluminium wires. This reduction in diameter yields several benefits: mitigated effects of ice and snow mass, diminished aerodynamic forces acting on the conductor, decreased conductor sag, reduced tower weight, and the potential for longer span lengths. These combined advantages contribute to cost savings in the line's construction and maintenance.

Furthermore, the compact arrangement of trapezoidal aluminium wires results in minimal gaps between strands and layers. This compactness serves to limit the ingress of dust, aerosols, and other foreign particles into the conductor. This reduction in penetration helps extend the conductor's lifespan and contributes to its overall durability.

ACSS/TW conductors exhibit significant improvements in heat transfer due to the use of trapezoidal-shaped aluminum strands. This enables the conductors to carry higher currents at elevated temperatures without a significant increase in their temperature, a critical feature for warm environments and areas with high thermal loads. Moreover, the more compact structure of these conductors reduces corona effects, resulting in lower noise and energy losses in power transmission lines. Additionally, the use of galvanized steel cores in these conductors not only enhances corrosion resistance but also provides greater flexibility in the face of mechanical and thermal stresses. These features make ACSS/TW conductors an ideal choice for large-scale power transmission projects seeking to increase transfer capacity and reduce maintenance costs.