3m™ Accr - Protecting grid integrity

For over a century, transmission engineers have been keeping the power flowing and the lights on for all of us. But today, more than ever, protecting grid integrity means new challenges The old tools are no longer enough. We need new options, like 3M brand Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced, or 3M ACCR 3M ACCR is a high capacity, highly reliable overhead transmission conductor It's most important feature is that it can often increase the capacity of existing transmission lines -- up to 2 times or more -- using existing structures and rights of way ACCR is able to accomplish this because of a unique composite material. This composite material is made up of pure ductile aluminum embedded with alumina fibers that run the entire length of the cable. These fibers have been used in applications in which high strength, light weight and high heat resistance are essential, including satellites and race car engines By embedding these fibers in aluminum the conductor system is greatly improved, compared to steel core conductors, by: - Increasing temperature rating - Decreasing the weight - Maintaining the strength - And Reducing the thermal expansion All of these factors reduce line sag, which is a major factor in transmission line capacity Utilities must maintain certain clearances under transmission and distribution lines As electricity flows down a line, the metal heats up and expands causing the conductor to sag. A line can only sag so far before it violates the clearance limit. The line is thermally limited and therefore, capacity limited. With 3M ACCR, the coefficient of thermal expansion is less than steel core conductors, resulting in less sag. In addition, the conductor retains it properties at temperatures as high as 240 degrees Celsius, and it has the same strength, but with less weight. How does this help you maintain the integrity of the grid? You can use this conductor as a replacement for the existing conductor on existing lines and greatly improve the capacity while minimizing new structures or rights of way. Capacity is increased and clearances are maintained or improved Because it works on existing infrastructure and rights of way, using ACCR can improve the installation time from years to months. That way you get the power you need -- faster and often at less cost The stability and reliability of the system are improved by using a product that is backed up by years of lab, field and independent research; a trusted company that's been around for over 100 years and a record of successful, reliable installations that spans more than a decade. In addition, as existing power plants are retired and alternative energy sources come online, you can better utilize the existing infrastructure to accommodate changing power flows while protecting grid integrity. ACCR lets you increase capacity and save time and money ...while protecting the integrity of the grid ...More Amps -- More Confidence 3M ACCR Contact us at accr@mmm.com or visit us at 3m.com/accr