Economic measures of bare overhead conductor characteristics

The most important electrical and mechanical parameters of bare overhead stranded power conductors are defined. A sophisticated line design package (TLOP), which incorporates a structural analysis program applicable to waisted steel lattice structures, is used to estimate the economic value of changes in these conductor parameters. The design cases considered are for a single- and double-circuit 345 kV line in an NESC heavy loading area with a two-conductor bundle of 45/7 ACSR. Maximum cost savings results from increased conductor tension, reduced thermal elongation of aluminum strands, and reduced conductor diameter. Reductions in the thermal elongation of the steel core, reduction of creep elongation and increased elastic modulus have little or no impact on line cost for the particular line design situation studied