BARE OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION CONDUCTOR DESIGN OVERVIEW

Since the conductor is one of the major cost components of a line desi gn, it is essential that the most appropriate conductor type and size be selected for optimum operating efficiency [2], [3]. A systematic ap proach should be taken in the selection of the conductor, Factors such as tension loads, ice and wind loads, current loading of the line, vo ltage stability, environmental effects, electrical losses, ambient con ditions, and many others must be considered in the process, The goal i s to select a conductor that exemplifies the best conductivity-to-weig ht ratio and/or strength-to-weight ratio at a minimal cost for the app lication, The electrical and mechanical properties, thermal properties , and stress-strain relationship of the conductor will dictate the cho ice of conductor type and size for a given design, It is the purpose o f this paper to provide basic information concerning various conductor designs available to transmission and distribution engineers and plan ners.