3M™ Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced Customer Installations - Harsh Environments

In 2002, 795-T16 (418 mm²) 3M ACCR was installed by Western on the Fargo-Jamestown 230 kV line near Fargo, North Dakota. The climatic conditions exposed the cable to high winds, extreme cold, ice loading and conditions conducive to Aeolian vibration. ACCR was installed on a 1-mile stretch of the circuit. In the winter of 2005/2006, ice built up on the conductor, doubling the span’s mechanical loads. Despite the ice loading, there have been no problems since the line was installed. The line data follows the predictions made by models for sag, tension, and rating.

Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) installed a 477-T16 (238 mm²) 3M ACCR on a 46 kV line located on the North Shore of Oahu for the evaluation of 3M ACCR corrosion resistance, while also increasing the ampacity along the existing right-of-way by approximately 72%. The area is known for its highly corrosive environment. The 3M ACCR conductor has been operating with no sign of deterioration since 2001. As part of the field trial, the conductor was taken down in 2013 for testing. The results showed that, after 12 years, the conductor showed no signs of corrosion.

Chita Energo needed a large capacity upgrade to serve an industrial area in Siberia. Besides needing to install the upgrade without disturbing under-built facilities, the conductor had to be installed and operated in extremely cold ambient temperatures and short periods of daylight. Chita chose 477-T13 (238 mm²) 3M ACCR because of its demonstrated durability, as well as its ability to more than double the capacity on the existing towers.