Uncertainties in the Testing of the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Overhead Conductors

Abstract

Overhead lines can be replaced by high temperature low sag (HTLS) conductors in order to increase their capacity. The coe cients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the HTLS conductors are lower than the CTE of conventional conductors. The utilities and conductor manufacturers usually carry out the verification of the CTE of the overhead conductors in an actual size span. The verification is based on the observation of the change of the conductor length as a result of the conductor temperature change. This process is influenced by the coe cient of thermal expansion to be verified. However, there are other factors that also a ect it. This paper analyzes the e ect of some of the uncertainty sources in the testing of the coe cient of thermal expansion of the overhead conductors. Firstly, the thermal expansion process is described and the uncertainty sources related to the conductor and the line section are identified. Then, the uncertainty sources and their e ect on the CTE testing are quantified.