The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has asked 3M (St. Paul, Minnesota) to lead an industry team to accelerate field testing and deployment of high-performance overhead conductors. These conductors transmit more electricity than current power lines and could increase the reliability and efficiency of America's electric power grid.

This advanced power-line conductor is expected to carry two to three times the power as the same size conventional conductor, while maintaining required safety clearances without increased structural loads. This allows for significant transmission upgrades on existing towers and over existing rights-of-way. With load growth straining existing lines and major challenges to establishing new power-line corridors, high-performance conductors may offer a key technology for upgrading the nation's electricity infrastructure.

Power transmission capacity in the United States relative to peak demand has dropped 17% in the past decade, according to recent estimates.

A key to the breakthrough high performance of 3M's Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR) is its core of aluminum-matrix-composite wires surrounded by temperature-resistant, aluminum-zirconium wires.

In addition to providing higher power capacity, the characteristics of the ACCR also offer benefits in long-span crossings, regions with heavy ice loads and for applications in corrosive environments. In most cases, utilities can install the new conductor using conventional methods and without modifying existing towers or foundations.

Under the DOE program, the industry team will conduct rigorous field tests to document performance of medium- and large-diameter conductors under various conditions, evaluate potential economic benefits and develop industry standards.

The program builds upon 3M-led research and development, including two successful single-span test installations with small-diameter conductors and operation at medium temperatures.

Within the next few months, the Western Area Power Administration will host a 1-mile (1.6-km) 230-kV installation near Fargo, North Dakota, which presents some of the nation's most challenging weather conditions, such as low temperatures, ice and high winds.
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