Iran Power Generation, Distribution and Transmission Company (Tavanir) plans to replace 34,000 kilometers of copper cables in the electricity distribution network with aerial bundled conductors, the head of the company said.
“So far, 5,000 km of cables have been converted and the figure is expected to reach 10,000 km by the end of the current Iranian year [March 2023],” said Arash Kordi.
As the distribution networks are more than 25 years old, their replacement has been placed on the agenda, he added. Preserving the environment, reducing power wastage, decreasing electricity theft and increasing the safety of electricity network in natural disasters are among the benefits of the project.
Aerial bundled conductors are overhead power lines that use several insulated phase conductors bundled tightly, usually with a bare neutral conductor. This contrasts with the traditional practice of using uninsulated conductors separated by air gaps. The variation of bundled conductors utilizes the same principles as overhead power lines, except that they are closer to the point of touching but each conductor is surrounded by an insulating layer.
The main objections to the traditional design are that the multiple conductors are considered unappealing and external forces (such as high winds) can cause them to touch and short circuit. The resultant sparks have been a cause of bushfires in drier climates. This is a potentially dangerous fault. With ABC, a simultaneous disconnection of all conductors is more likely. In humid climates, tree growth is a significant problem for overhead power lines. Aerial bundled cables will not arc over if touched by tree branches. Although persistent rubbing is still a problem, tree-trimming costs can be reduced.
Aerial bundling is ideal for difficult terrain such as hilly areas, dense forests and coastal regions. These lines can also be laid without cutting or trimming trees.
Iran's electricity sector has been facing the issue of copper cable theft for years. According to reports, about $2 million worth of copper wires are stolen annually across the country. The high price of copper is the clear motive for stealing the cables. However, some thieves lose their lives due to electrocution while committing the crime. Copper wires can be easily sold in the market. Buyers remove the cover to prevent the stolen cable from being identified and melt the copper.
