OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF TRANSMISSION LINE CONDUCTOR

Resumo

The transmission line conductor is an essential element of an electrical transmission system, once it
defines the system efficiency, in terms of electrical conductance. However, the choice for the best material for a
transmission line conductor does not consider just electrical properties, but also mechanical properties, as
strength and stiffness. In terms of design, material cost is also an essential factor. Taking in account only electrical
and mechanical properties, copper would be the best choice. However, it presents a high price, which makes the
aluminum conductor steel reinforced the most common solution for a transmission line. The combination of these
two materials overcomes the limited mechanical properties of the aluminum. In this study, optimization techniques
are employed at the design of aluminum conductor steel reinforced to minimize the conductor’s weight, based on
a strength material approach, considering only its self-weight. In the optimization procedure, the aluminum and
steel cross-sectional areas and the wire sag are the design variables, the conductor’s weight is the objective
function, and some electrical and mechanical considerations are adopted as restrictions. Thus, this study proposes
a framework for an optimized design of transmission line conductors.