Increased Power Transfer

When compared to an ACSR that can be strung on the same towers, ACFR conductors will carry about 28% more annealed aluminum in a trapezoidal configuration giving greatly increased conductivity; the carbon core provides increased strength and virtually eliminates high temperature sag allowing more efficient operation at up to 180°C. This can double current capacity (ampacity) over the ACSR.

Reduced High Temperature Sag

The coefficient of thermal expansion of ACFR conductor at its final condition is eight times less than typical ACSR, and the ACFR core is approximately two and a half times lighter than steel. ACFR conductors sag very little due to thermal expansion which eliminates this as a significant design consideration.

Energy Efficiency

Using more aluminum with better conductivity reduces losses at every temperature of operation. When operating as a High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductor, the higher operating efficiency can reduce line losses and their associated emissions by more than 35%. This results in more power delivered to be sold and can result in lower power generation costs.

Reduced Tensions on Towers

Lower initial sag at normal tensioning allows for lowering initial tensions on weaker towers and during line upratings or allows designing for smaller power towers on new lines.

Uprating lines and Building New Lines

Existing pathways can be reconductored with reduced, and often without, structural modifications; this reduces capital uprating costs and time to completion. New lines can be constructed with reduced numbers of towers taking advantage of the ACFR conductor lower sag profile, reducing tower capital costs significantly and time to completion. Often, better tower foundations can be sited due to the extra span reach, increasing line strength and reducing costs and time.

Ease of Installation

ACFR conductor installations use conventional installation methods, tools, and mostly conventional hardware; no expensive special tools are required and limited additional training is needed.

Corrosion resistance

The ACFR core resists environmental degradation: it will not rust or corrode, or cause degradation of the aluminum conductor or components. This makes it a conductor of choice for harsh or polluted environments

Aluminum conductor fiber reinforced