Development of Hexa spacer damper for 765 kV transmission lines' vibration damping

Abstract

In this paper, hexa spacer damper is proposed and its vibration damping effect on the 765 kV power transmission network under the influence of fluctuating wind (10-60 Hz) loading is validated. This asymmetrical loadings led the bundle of Zebra ACSR conductor to be twisted and hence, cause mechanical and electrical instabilities across the span length. These issues may be addressed using the undertaken spacer damper. This paper highlights design, development and field tests of the proposed solution. The product has been validated using CATIA V5 software tools and for the field trial - 27 numbers of these dampers have been placed at various sub-spans across the line at Hydro Québec Test Station, Canada. The damping efficiency has been recorded using system integrated data acquisition set up. The proposed products are an important item of overhead line hardware and are extensively used to ensure that bundled conductors to provide mechanical and electrical performance reliability in service.