Delivering Reliable Energy
3M™ Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced received the R&D 100 Award for recognition as a technological breakthrough.
About 3M™ Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR)
Reliability matters. Power lines must have the capacity and connectivity to transmit electricity on demand as requirements for increased ampacity and contingency lines grow. Enter 3M™ Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR) all-aluminum composite overhead conductor with an all-aluminum composite core.
A lighter weight, high temp low sag conductor (HTLS) with twice the ampacity (or more), 3M ACCR doesn’t place extra weight or force on towers while meeting mechanical and clearance requirements. It carries more power in the same size cable and can run at higher temperatures without additional power line sag.
Designed as an alternative to replace ACSR, ACSS and AAC on existing structures, 3M Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced is designed to be a less labor-intensive and less expensive option for installer to reconductor power lines.
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The extremely stable material is corrosion resistant and tolerant in extreme weather conditions, which helps it stand the test of time in nearly any locale, even harsh environments. With proven reliability and versatility – and minimal environmental disturbance – it is one of the most trusted new grid technologies.
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Cable Installation and Cable Upgrade Support
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Equal in strength to steel and with a familiar conductor design and hardened outer aluminum strands, 3M™ Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced is durable yet easier to install than other HTLS conductors and less likely to birdcage. These cable installation accessories are engineered to withstand higher temperatures, and are based on conventional industry designs and installation methods.
Since conductor installation follows similar IEEE 524 procedures for ACSR and ACSS, an upgrade may not require new land acquisitions or lengthy construction and permitting processes. That means service can be online faster – possibly without added costs.
From project planning and logistics to training and onsite support, we work with you every step of the way.
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We work alongside you to:
- Design the project based on your plan profile and transmission line requirements
- Select an effective, economical cable configuration that achieves your desired results
- Build a list of required materials and accessories (BOM), package and deliver them
- Determine cable lengths, difficult pulling angles, and sheave choices
- Assist with identifying pull sites, equipment and splice locations
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We’ll even stay onsite during installation until the contractor is comfortable with the process.
For additional support, we can perform hands-on demonstrations and cable installation training, bring utilities and contractors together to coordinate the project, and provide follow-up training for utility maintenance crews.
With proven success in conductor installations worldwide since its inception in 2001, we’ll help you meet reliability standards on budget and on time using cables that can perform for many years.
See how we support cable installation from start to finish.
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1 R&D Magazine, R&D 100 Awards, ##discLink1##, September 2003. 2 Lee, Dominic F., Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Burwell, Malcolm and Stillman, H., International Copper Association, “Priority Research Areas to Accelerate the Development of Practical Ultraconductive Copper Conductors,” ORNL/TM-2015/403, ##discLink2##, September 2015, Page 19.
ACCR Resources
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3M ACCR Technical Information
- Typical Properties
- Product Data
- PLS-CADD™ Cable Files
- SAG 10®
- Field & Lab Tests
- Installation Guides
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3M ACCR Customer Installations
3M ACCR has been installed to solve challenging issues in a variety of environments and operating conditions around the world.
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3M ACCR Frequently Asked Questions
What is ACCR? What are the typical uses for the conductor? How is 3M ACCR different from other conductors claiming high temperature, low sag performance? Answers to these and other frequently asked questions.
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3M ACCR’s secret is the unique material used in its core. The core is stranded from all metal composite wires of high purity aluminum reinforced with alumina fibers. The outer, current carrying wires are a hardened aluminum zirconium alloy. Compared to the same diameter steel core conductors, 3M ACCR has:
- the same strength
- less weight
- less sag at high energy loads
It also retains its performance over decades of high temperature use and is stable in a wide range of environmental conditions.
These attributes can result in two or more times the ampacity while maintaining or improving clearances, tensions and mechanical loads on structures – maximum amps with no compromises.
With 3M ACCR, you make no compromises on your design, operating or installation standards. You get the capacity increase you need and can rely on for decades, even after continuous high temperature operation.
Managing Grid Integrity
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Managing Grid Integrity and Affordability in a Changing World. An Executive Overview.
This paper looks at one element of the system – the transmission grid – and how an advanced conductor technology from 3M can help utilities manage grid integrity and affordability in a changing world.
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A Simple Solution for a Complex Issue: NERC Reliability Standards and 3M ACCR
This paper looks at a subset of the new standards – facilities ratings, transmission planning and special protection systems – and how an advanced 3M conductor technology, 3M ACCR, can help simplify compliance and make it more cost effective, while protecting the reliability of the system.
