Reconductoring Considerations and Impact

Keeping up with the rising demand for power supply and the increased need for reliable telecommunication systems is always a priority for utilities. A utility company must be able to provide these essential services, no matter how much demand goes up. Reconductoring is a cost-effective method of upgrading systems to have greater transmission capacity — boosting a grid's efficiency and resilience. 

Power transmission and distribution (T&D) systems include many essential components to operate. Power companies rely on everything from transmission lines and substations to service transformers, breakers, fuses and more to deliver power to customers. The same is true for telecommunications. Both infrastructures span wide areas and must be secure and reliable. 

But because of the scale of power and telecommunication systems, aging infrastructure is one of the most significant challenges facing utilities. Reconductoring to replace outdated infrastructure helps avoid grid failure and disruptions in power supply or communications. 

Another consideration is how transmission grid upgrades can positively impact the economy. Advanced reconductoring can deliver twice the current of existing cables of the same size and boost transmission capability — without having to replace or rebuild the existing structure.

Innovations in reconductoring have become increasingly vital to make power grids more sustainable. By updating systems to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, advanced ACSS conductors can be up to 40% more efficient to save energy.

New materials, techniques and methods are all crucial elements in reconductoring projects. Key elements to consider when reconductoring include:

DLR refers to the temperature of conductors and is important for calculating the maximum electric load. DLR also impacts equipment preparation due to higher currents and the load flow of the grid. You will also need legal clearance to run lines at higher currents.

High-temperature low-sag (HTLS) conductors, like ACSS conductors, are designed using alloys that can withstand temperatures up to 410°F — making them ideal for carrying greater electric current. By way of comparison, most standard conductors can withstand temperatures of 176 to 194°F. Utilities use HTLS conductors in reconductoring for upgrading lines or for new lines. HTLS conductors are project-specific and customized accordingly. 

Protecting power and data transmission systems is of utmost importance for utilities. Power and transmission systems are susceptible to a number of risk factors, including equipment failure, extreme weather and natural disasters, overloads and other system faults, and even sabotage. It's critical to protect these systems in order to minimize outages, potential financial loss, safety hazards and damage.

Static shield protects systems from extreme weather like lightning strikes by redirecting current away from power and data transmission cables. 

There has been an increase in high-voltage networks, and environmental impact and compliance are significant considerations in reconductoring.

Upgrading power and data transmission systems can be a massive undertaking that affects local communities due to the vast amount of land required. Any project related to reconductoring and using advanced conductors must comply with safety regulations enforced by the local jurisdiction, as well as comply with regulatory mandates to keep those working on the lines safe. All reconductoring initiatives must also be compliant with local and state regulations.

Other advantages of reconductoring include: 

• Enjoy a greater return on investment: Companies can see a higher return on investment and much lower costs in the long term when systems are upgraded to be more efficient and advanced.
• Meet customer demand: With increased transmission capacity, utility companies can be better equipped to meet rising demand. Reliable, stable grids can also mean fewer drops in voltage. 
• Connect to renewable energy sources: A future trend is to build new transmission lines that connect to renewable resources instead of power grids, contributing to sustainability initiatives. Advanced reconductoring techniques can help utilities meet more than 80% of the transmission needed to reach over 90% clean electricity goals by 2035.