Beyond traditional conductors: Aluminium conductor composite core's role in next-generation high temperature-low sag technologies – A review

The Aluminium Conductor Composite Core (ACCC) conductor, a type of High Temperature-Low Sag (HTLS) conductor, is designed to offer superior mechanical and electrical performance for modern power grids. The structural composition and properties of the hybrid composite rod at the core of the ACCC conductors, which is comprised of carbon and glass fibers with an epoxy resin matrix, are reviewed in this work. Key findings include the increased ampacity, improved tensile strength, low thermal expansion, and excellent corrosion resistance of ACCC conductors which make them ideal for high temperature operation with little sag. This review also discusses environmental and economic benefits of ACCC conductors in reducing energy losses and CO2 emissions. The review ends with a discussion of challenges and opportunities for future research, including on thermal aging, mechanical performance and manufacturing innovation.