Overhead Conductor Segmentation for Sag Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for installing and repairing overhead high-voltage cables and catenary lines face challenges due to sagging issues caused by temperature increases, leading to reduced clear height or low tension, particularly with gap conductors which complicate installation and repair.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of clamping pieces and stoppers spaced along the conductor to immobilize the core and sheath, allowing for easier installation and repair by distributing tension differences over shorter lengths, enabling installation in unlimited lengths and simplifying the repair process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gap conductors are used to prevent cable sagging, then the clear height and tension are maintained, but the installation time is extended and repair becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclear height maintenanceVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conductor is divided into multiple segments with intermediate fixing points along its length. These fixing points create separate tension zones that can be independently managed, allowing the conductor to maintain proper clear height and tension without requiring complex gap conductor structures. The segmentation enables simpler installation and repair procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If gap conductors are used to maintain tension, then the conductor performance is improved, but the repair complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetension maintenanceVSAvoidrepair complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the conductor into segments with intermediate fixing points, the system isolates tension maintenance to specific zones. When repair is needed, only the affected segment between two fixing points requires attention, dramatically reducing repair complexity compared to gap conductors where the entire structure must be considered.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing points create localized zones where tension is controlled and maintained. Each segment between fixing points has consistent tension characteristics, allowing for standardized repair procedures and simplifying the repair process while maintaining overall conductor performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Length of moving object

If the conductor length is increased to cover longer distances, then the coverage area is expanded, but the cable sagging problem worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor lengthVSAvoidclear height
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The long conductor is divided into multiple shorter effective segments by introducing intermediate fixing points. Each segment maintains proper tension and clear height independently, allowing the overall conductor to span long distances without sacrificing clear height performance. This enables extended coverage while preventing sagging through distributed support points.

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

This approach allows for efficient installation and repair of conductors, reducing installation time, eliminating the complexity associated with gap conductors, and limiting the length of cable replacement, while maintaining tension and height requirements.

Implementation Method 1

the tension difference between the core and the sheath of the conductor is split over shorter lengths of the cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension distribution: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3430694B1Installation methods and systems for overhead conductors
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 LAMIFIL NV
  • EP3430694B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3430694B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3430694B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for positioning a conductor for an overhead energy transport, the obtaining of a conductor with an elongate core and an elongate sheath situated around the elongate core. The method comprises the step of fixing the elongate sheath to the elongate core at a position which is not at the ends of the conductor, by means of at least one clamping piece.