Dual-Layer Clamp Arm Liner for High-Temperature Corona Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamp liners for overhead high voltage power transmission systems are unable to withstand the high temperatures of composite core conductors and maintain effective electrical semi-conductive properties, leading to potential damage and increased corona discharge.

Innovation Solution

A dual-layer clamp liner composed of different semi-conductive elastomeric materials, with an outer portion made from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and an inner portion made from vinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene (FKM) or perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), providing a secure grip and damping at temperatures up to 200°C or 250°C, respectively, while maintaining slip resistance and corona-free performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a single-material clamp liner is used, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the liner cannot withstand high temperatures while maintaining electrical semi-conductive properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature resistanceVSAvoidelectrical semi-conductive property
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp liner is constructed as a composite structure with an inner layer made of high-temperature resistant material (such as PTFE or ceramic-coated metal) and an outer layer made of elastomeric material with good electrical semi-conductive properties. This composite construction allows the liner to simultaneously withstand high temperatures and maintain effective electrical semi-conductive properties, resolving the contradiction between temperature resistance and electrical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the clamp liner are made from different materials optimized for their specific functions: the inner layer contacting the cable is made of high-temperature resistant material to protect against thermal damage, while the outer layer is made of elastomeric material to provide electrical semi-conductivity and grip. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction by assigning each material to the region where it is most effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If silicone rubber is used for high temperature resistance, then the temperature withstand capability is improved, but the electrical semi-conductive properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature withstand capabilityVSAvoidelectrical semi-conductive property
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using silicone rubber alone, the invention combines high-temperature resistant materials (such as PTFE, ceramic coatings, or heat-resistant polymers) with elastomeric materials that provide electrical semi-conductivity. The inner layer uses the high-temperature resistant material to withstand thermal conditions, while the outer elastomeric layer maintains the necessary electrical properties, thus resolving the contradiction between temperature resistance and electrical semi-conductivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The liner structure assigns different material properties to different layers: the inner layer uses materials optimized for thermal resistance, while the outer layer uses materials optimized for electrical semi-conductivity and mechanical grip. This local quality differentiation allows the system to achieve both high temperature resistance and effective electrical semi-conductive properties simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a dual-layer clamp liner is used, then the temperature resistance and electrical properties are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance at high temperatureVSAvoidliner structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-layer composite structure, while more complex than a single-material liner, provides superior performance by combining the thermal resistance of the inner layer with the electrical semi-conductive properties of the outer layer. The complexity is justified by the significant improvement in reliability and performance at high temperatures, particularly for composite core conductors operating above 120°C.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The liner is segmented into two functional layers, each optimized for its specific purpose. The inner layer handles thermal exposure, while the outer layer handles electrical and mechanical functions. This segmentation allows each layer to be made from the most appropriate material for its function, improving overall performance despite the increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The dual-layer clamp liner effectively grips and dampens composite core conductors at high temperatures, preventing damage and ensuring corona-free operation at voltages above 340kV phase to ground, with improved slip resistance and electrical conductivity.

Implementation Method 1

an inner portion made from vinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene (FKM) or perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), providing a secure grip and damping at temperatures up to 200°C or 250°C, respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal resistance: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

provide a controlled electrically semi-conductive path between the spacer clamp and the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

providing a secure grip and damping

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3381098B1Cable spacer clamp arm liner
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY
  • EP3381098B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3381098B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3381098B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A liner for use with a cable spacer clamp arm is provided. The liner includes a first portion formed in an arcuate configuration and made from a first elastomeric material. A second portion is formed in the arcuate configuration and is receivable within the first portion. The second portion is made from a second elastomeric material different from the first elastomeric material. The first portion attaches to the second portion.