Power Transmission Solutions, Inc.

3254 Adeline St., Suite #205

Berkeley, CA 94703
510.910.4695
[email protected]
www.PTranSolutions.com

DESIGN CRITERIA, STANDARDS & TESTING

FOR THE
SAGGING LINE MITIGATOR (SLIM)
Design criteria, standards and considerations for the SLiM device are listed in tables 1-5.

Table 1: List of environmental considerations for SLiM

Description Min Max Typical Issue Notes

Ambient Temperature -40°F 130°F 70°F Materials Current induced temperature not included.
Maximum operating temperature 400°F
Wind Speed and 2.0 ft/s 176 ft/s N/A Vibration, Direction of wind with respect to conductor varies
from parallel to cross-flow.
direction Temp effect
Seismic N/A 0.45 g (H) N/A Strength & Per Uniform Building Code. Seismic loading may
not be an issue.
0.3 g (V) Clearance
Pollution (rain & Light – Heavy – Use Insulating For leakage length of line insulators. Frequency or
amount of rain not needed – current regional
pollutants) 16mm/kV 31mm/kV Max properties & selection tables are available with pollution and
Corrosion rainfall factors combined for selection of insulator
design parameters.
Precipitation – Snow N/A 50mm N/A Ice Loading Max design parameter used for all cases where ice
buildup is possible. Dimension given is for radius
& Ice (Hoarfrost) Radius of buildup around conductor circumference.
Ozone N/A N/A N/A Corrosion/ All components to be resistant to ozone attack.
Degradation
Intensity of Solar N/A N/A N/A Corrosion/ All components to be resistant to UV exposure.
Radiation (UV) Degradation
Wildlife (animal N/A N/A N/A Loading/ Wildlife factors to be considered.
contact, nesting, etc.) Corona/
Corrosion

Standards-1
 Power Transmission Solutions, Inc.
3254 Adeline St., Suite #205
Berkeley, CA 94703
510.910.4695
[email protected]
www.PTranSolutions.com

Table 2: List of mechanical considerations for SLiM

Design Condition Description
Strength Device components must withstand the ultimate tensile load of conductor. Also the strength
of the splice joint attachment to SLiM must be considered for ultimate strength of device.
Overall, SLiM is designed such that the device will not fail before the conductor.
Deformation The only constraint is to maintain functionality of device during its intended design life.
Design Life Serviceable Lifetime: Device should match industry standard for transmission line hardware. A
target life span of 30-50 years is established for design.
Aging Mechanisms: • Corrosion/Material Degradation: Caused by moisture, pollutants, UV, and ozone.
Materials used in construction of device are corrosion resistant.
• Fatigue: Device endures more than 500 full electrical current operating cycles (per IEC) –
minimum to maximum loads caused by the conductors’ expansion/contraction. Material
of the device also comply with existing mechanical fatigue test and vibration standards.
• Creep: Device, over its life span, does not fail or creeps such that it affects the ability of
the device to function properly in mitigating the conductor sag.
• Wear: Moving and contacting parts of the device engineered such that its functionality
does not degrade over the life span of the device.

Table 3: List of electrical considerations for SLiM

Design Condition Description
Corona Effect Device design to limit electric field gradient to a maximum of 20kV/cm1. For 230kV and below voltages,
the device is designed with “rounded” edges which satisfies this limit. For higher voltage lines (345kV
and above), Corona rings will further limit electric field gradient to meet the above limit.
Current Flow Device designed and constructed to withstands:
• Nominal current flow of approx. 1400 A.
• Short circuit current of 31.5 to 50 kA for ~6 cycles ≈ 100msec.
• Asymmetric transient conditions of twice short circuit current for ~3 cycles.
Voltage & Frequency Variations in voltage and frequency are minimal and have a negligible effect on the device. Therefore,
these parameters need not be considered for design.
Magnetic Field 2-parallel conductors in-phase will repulse each other due to the magnetic fields created around each
conductor. This force may have to be accounted for in SLiM device.
Lightning A lightning strike to a tower can cause an arc to occur between the conductor and the tower over the
insulator. This in turn creates two conditions for consideration:
1. The arc generates locally high heat that insulating components must not be susceptible to, i.e.
thermal shock, melting, insulator surface degradation, or combustion.
2. The arc creates a short circuit condition in the conductor as described above.
SLiM device is designed for short circuit conditions and can tolerate high temperatures.
Electrical Transients The device was designed to ensure that it does not create a discontinuity in the impedance characteristics
Magnification of the transmission line and, hence, cause magnification of switching or lightning induced electrical
transients in the transmission system.
Fire Wildfires in proximity to conductors can cause arcing to ground, as the combustion gases produce a
conductive path to ground. This, in turn, creates a short circuit condition in the conductor. Device
designed to tolerate high temperatures and short circuit conditions.
Insulation N/A for the design of the device (no insulators).
Electrical Clearance All clearances are kept within safety limits as published by industry as specified in Table 8.

1
Per “rule of thumb” used by utility engineers (Ref. 1)

Standards-2
 Power Transmission Solutions, Inc.
3254 Adeline St., Suite #205
Berkeley, CA 94703
510.910.4695
[email protected]
www.PTranSolutions.com

Table 4: List of Emergency considerations for SLiM

Design Condition Description

Tower Failure It is known that at times conductors have supported a failed tower. Since the SLiM device
is stronger than the breaking strength of the conductor, the SLiM device will not contribute
to this failure scenario.
Line Disconnect N/A as the device is made to be stronger than the conductor.
Vandalism (e.g. gunfire) Device materials selected to minimize the susceptibility to damage from vandalism. SLiM
design does not make it stand out as an ‘attractive’ target.
Force Majeure & Reasonable effort used to consider any design parameters. However, it is not practical to
Negligence design against an event that is completely undefined and unpredictable. SLiM’s design and
construction assumes reasonable care and prudent utility practice for installation and
operation and maintenance.

Table 5: List of miscellaneous considerations for SLiM

Design Constraint Description

Size During the design phase, linemen were consulted to make sure the design allows for ease of
handling and keeping minimum clearances during installation, operation, and maintenance.
Weight In-Line: Device weight was considered for ease of handling for assembly, testing, shipping, and
installation. The device does not create additional line sag or compromise the tensile strength of
the conductor.
Performance The device designed with enough degrees of redundancy such that the integrity of the line is not
jeopardized upon failure of device components.

Standards-3
 Power Transmission Solutions, Inc.
3254 Adeline St., Suite #205
Berkeley, CA 94703
510.910.4695
[email protected]
www.PTranSolutions.com

Summary of Requirements

Since the SLiM device is an overhead transmission line accessory, it meets the requirements and standards for such
components. A review of standards for these components led to a list of the applicable Codes and Standards listed in
Table 6 used in the design of SLiM. According to these standards the requirements for the design and testing of SLiM
device include:

1. Size: The size of the device is such that it will meet all requirements for clearance during installation, maintenance,
and operation. Also, size constraints for handling, installation and maintenance were observed.

2. Materials: Materials used for the device satisfy the design requirements. Specifically:
• Strength: None of the components fail under cable breaking load (see #3)
• Stiffness: Stiffness is such that device deformation does not prevent proper function.
• Fracture Toughness: While only reasonable toughness was required, all materials used have very high fracture
toughness and resistance, far in excess of common materials used for line hardware.
• Corrosion resistance: Materials selected with extremely good corrosion resistance against environmental
conditions – far superior to common materials used for line hardware.
• Fatigue and creep properties: See items below in this section.
• Electrical properties: Materials with appropriate electrical properties (e.g. resistivity and dielectric strength) are
selected to meet the device’s intended function.

If a new material is to be developed for a component of the device, such material must be subjected to all required
testing to demonstrate its compliance with the established criteria.

3. Breaking Load/Strength: The device shall meet the requirements of ANSI and/or IEEE Standard for Conductors
(ASTM B232-74) and for Insulators.

4. Corrosion Protection: Not required as all materials used have very high corrosion resistance.

5. Connections:
• Connections/joints carrying electrical meet ANSI Standard #C119.4 1991 for electric connectors.
• Connections carrying mechanical loads meet the requirements of IEEE Standard #C135.61 1979 for line
hardware testing.

6. Corona: The design of the device meets NEMA 107, CISPR 16-1 and CISPR 18-1 for Radio Interference Voltage
(RIV) Performance of Line Hardware.

7. Vibration and Fatigue: The device design meets the IEC standard 61897 concerning the Stockbridge type aeolian
vibration dampers or spacer damper.

8. Creep Strength and Deformation: No standards are available that apply to creep of line hardware. The materials
used in the device are not susceptible to creep deformation or failure at operating conditions.

9. Live-Line Work Procedures: Since the device was designed to be installed while the line is energized, it satisfies the
IEEE 516-1995 concerning maintenance methods on energized power lines.

Standards-4
 Power Transmission Solutions, Inc.
3254 Adeline St., Suite #205
Berkeley, CA 94703
510.910.4695
[email protected]
www.PTranSolutions.com

TABLE 6: LIST OF CODES AND STANDARDS CONSIDERED FOR SLIM DEVICE

Standard # Description
ASTM A-148 Standard Specification for Steel Castings, High Strength, for Structural Purposes
ASTM B-108 Standard Specification for Aluminum Alloy Permanent Mold Casting
IEEE C135.61-1977 Standard for the Testing of Overhead Transmission and Distribution Line Hardware
IEEE STD 516-1995 Guide for Maintenance Methods on Energized Power Lines
IEEE STD 1234-1997 Guide for Improving the Lightening Performance of Power Lines
ANSI C135.1-1979 American National Standard for Galvanized Steel Bolts and Nuts for Overhead Line
Construction
IEEE STD 738-1993 Standard for Calculating the Current-Temperature Relationship of Bare Overhead Conductors
ANSI C29.1-1982 American National Standard Test Methods for Electrical Power Insulators
ANSI C29.11-1989 American National for Composite Suspension Insulators for Overhead Transmission Lines-
Tests
IEC TC 36B WG10 Project Composite Line Post Insulators for AC Overhead Lines with a Nominal Voltage Greater than
1952 1000V
IEC TC 36 WG07 Project Composite Insulators-Hollow Insulators for Use in Outdoor and Indoor Electrical Equipment
IEC 1462 Ed.1
ASTM B232-74 Conductor breaking strengths
CEI Publication 815 Guide for the Selection of Insulators in Respect of Polluted Conditions
CEI IEC 61466-2-1998 Composite String Insulator Units for Overhead Lines with a Nominal Voltage Greater than
1000V
CEI IEC 61897-1998 Requirements and tests for Stockbridge aeolian vibration dampers
ASCE TK3242 G833 1991 Guidelines for Electrical Transmission Line Structural Loading
CEI IEC 383-2 Insulators for Overhead Lines with a Nominal Voltage Above 1000V
Definitions, test methods and acceptance criteria
CEI IEC 826 Loading and Strength of Overhead Transmission Lines
CEI IEC 61284 Overhead Lines requirements and tests for fittings
ANSI C119.4 1991 Electric Connectors - Connectors for use between Al to Al or Al to Cu Bare overhead
conductor
IEC CISPR 16-1 Radio interference characteristics of overhead power lines and high voltage equipment
CISPR 18-2
NEMA 107-1989 Methods of measurement of radio influence voltage (RIV) of high voltage apparatus
ANSI C63.2-1996 Electromagnetic noise and field strength instrumentation, 10Hz to 40Ghz specifications

Additional standards that were considered for SLiM Design:

ANSI / IEEE 935-1989 Guide on Terminology for Tools and Equipment to Be Used in Live Line Working
IEEE STD 539-1990 IEEE Standard Definition of Terms Relating to Corona and Field Effects of Overhead Power Lines
IEEE STD 563-1978 Guide on Conductor Self-Damping Measurements
ANSI C29.6-1977 American National Standard for Wet-Process Porcelain Insulators (High-Voltage Pin Type)
ANSI C29.7-1977 American National Standard for Wet-Process Porcelain Insulators (High-Voltage Line-Post Type)
ACE LWIWG-01 (91) Suspension Composite Insulator Testing
IEEE STD 524-1992 Guide to the Installation of Overhead Transmission Line Conductors

Standards-5
 Power Transmission Solutions, Inc.
3254 Adeline St., Suite #205
Berkeley, CA 94703
510.910.4695
[email protected]
www.PTranSolutions.com

LIST OF TESTS FOR SLIM DEVICE

SLiM has gone through extensive testing at a component level, prototype level and final pre-production design level. It
has passed both laboratory and live-line tests.
A summary of the overall testing philosophy follows:

1. Functionality testing: This test aims to demonstrate the functionality of the device to control conductor sag. For
this purpose two equal length conductors (front and back) will be installed between two poles with dead end
insulators. Only one path will be equipped with the SLiM device. A current source of sufficient capacity will be
used to vary the conductor temperature between the ambient to 100oC. The conductor will be a common type
used in 230kV lines. During the testing, line tension, sag, conductor temperature, and atmospheric conditions will
be gathered.
2. Electric connectors testing: Since the In-line device will be installed in the same manner as a conductor splice, the
current-carrying and mechanical performance must be checked. Five hundred full heating-cooling cycles will be
applied to the device via an electric current per ANSI C119.4 standard.
3. Short circuit testing: As the device may be subjected to a line fault, it must resist, electrically and mechanically, an
asymmetric short circuit current. Local and general current induced heating and magnetic forces within the device
will need to be evaluated. A test procedure will be developed to address this requirement.
4. Breaking load testing: Once all other tests have been conducted, the device will be mechanically loaded until failure.
This test will help establish the inherent safety factors and identify components that may require further
improvement.

The SLiM has passed the tests listed in Table 7:

Table 7: List of Tests that SLiM has Passed

Test Description
Prototype Testing Research and development of SLiM included small-scale prototype testing to prove the
feasibility of SLiM. Shape memory alloy used in the actuator was tested for both behavior
and fatigue life. Extensive component testing on key components was performed.
Functionality testing was then performed in a laboratory on a full-scale prototype.
Shape Memory Alloy The SLiM actuator is a key component and has passed extensive research and testing. The
Testing selection of the NiTI alloy was based on research and testing of 6 alloys for transformation
strain, transformation temperatures, hysteresis, cyclic creep and cost. Fatigue tests were also
performed on the two final alloy candidates.
Functionality Testing Functionality testing was performed at Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Livermore
testing facility to test the full scale prototype to prove that SLiM performs as designed and
maintained full functionality in an environment that closely matched actual overhead
transmission lines. SLiM’s actual performance matched predicted performance.
Reliability Testing Several reliability tests were performed on SLiM including:
o) Short Circuit Test (40 kA (rms) – Tested per IEC at Kinectrics),
o) Load test for mechanical load (> 49,000 lbs. (218 kN) – Tested per IEC at Kinectrics),
o) Corrosion tests (tested for salt and acid environments at MIS),
o) Electrically resistance and connectivity tests (Test at MIS),
Live-Line Test SLiM has been installed on a San Diego Gas and Electric Company overhead transmission
line since May, 2004. It was monitored extensively for performance as well as evaluated for
ease if installation. Installation proved to be straight-forward. It has operated as design
since installation. Upon removal by SDG&E, PTS will perform post-live line inspections
on the SLiM device to examine the device for corrosion, fatigue, resistance and maintenance
of functionality.
Test results are available on the PTS website: www.ptransolutions.com

Standards-6
 Power Transmission Solutions, Inc.
3254 Adeline St., Suite #205
Berkeley, CA 94703
510.910.4695
[email protected]
www.PTranSolutions.com

Other Common Rules and Practices used by the Utility Industry and
Considered in SLiM Design

As SLiM devices will be installed and maintained by the utility transmission line personnel, we identified and considered
some general guidelines. These guidelines are defined based on common rules and practices exercised by linemen in
Live Line Work. In general, the device should be designed to facilitate safe and convenient handling. For this purpose:
• The device should not be heavier than typical hardware and preferably should be portable by a small crew of
linemen.
• The size of the device shall be such that the risk of reducing “approaching clearance” is limited. Furthermore, for
portability purposes, the device shall be small enough to be carried by one lineman.
• The device should contain protective covers, rounded edges, etc. Handles and attachment points may be added to
assist installation and maintenance. If appropriate, warnings will be posted or printed on the device.
• Finally, the installation of the device should not require de-energization of the transmission line.

Standards-7
 Power Transmission Solutions, Inc.
3254 Adeline St., Suite #205
Berkeley, CA 94703
510.910.4695
[email protected]
www.PTranSolutions.com

TABLE 8: CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINE COMPONENTS

Line Design Minimum Design Phase Minimum Minimum Number of Insulator

voltage Phase to Design Phase to Phase Design Phase clearance for units/
(kV) ground to ground clearance/Mi to Phase hot line gap distance of insulator
clearance clearance due nimum clearance due maintenance string (m)
(m) to the wind (m) to the wind (m)
(m) (m)
69 0.80 0.15 1.00/0.70 0.25 0.90 4 /1.06 or 4/1.12
120 1.20 0.30 1.60/1.10 0.50 1.15 6/1.68 or 7/1.778
160 1.50 0.35 1.90/1.50 0.60 1.35 8/2.24 or 9/2.286
230 2.00 0.45 5.00/1.90 0.75 1.70 10/2.80 or 12/3.048
315 2.30 0.60 5.00/3.20 1.00 2.15 14/3.92 or 16/4.064
735 6.00 1.40 12.00/10.00 2.30 3.95 28/7.84 or 33/8.382

Line voltage Steady state Short Leakage Lightning Switching Power Minimum conductor
(kV) circuit current distance insulation insulation frequency diameter
Transient use a (m) 1.1*(V50-3σ) (kV) insulation (cm)
factor of 2 to 3 V50=530*d (kV) mm2=0.5067x MCM
(kA) (kV)
69 32 1.16 350 140 0.65
120 40 2.11 550 230 1.50
160 31.5, 50 2.72 750 325 1.85
230 31.5, 50 3.92 950 395 2.77
315 31.5, 50 5.28 1175 850 450 2.54 x 2
735 40 12.24 2100 1425 830 3.56 x 4

Ultimate theoretical clearance

Line Voltage (kV) Minimum clearance with wind (m) Minimum clearance at rest (m)

69 0.03 0.35
120 0.10 0.62
160 0.15 0.85
230 0.24 1.28
315 0.34 1.87
735 0.88 5.47

Standards-8