Analysis of all aluminum conductor (AAC) and all aluminum alloy conductor (AAAC)

The demand of electricity is ever increasing and gives a high pressure on the existing transmission network. With the existing conductor, there will be more losses occur in all aluminum alloy conductor (AAAC), compared to all aluminum conductor (AAC). To overcome this problem, conductor as transmission line with capability to conduct more current is needed. Aluminum is a good current conductor; low in cost and lighter weight compare to copper. These advantages enhance the usage of aluminum conductor as overhead line of transmission system. But the weakness is on mechanical part, which is not practical to ambient condition. This paper focuses on the factors that influence the conductivity and current carrying capacity of aluminum conductor. From the metallographic and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis, it shows the reason why the conductivity property of AAAC is higher than AAC. Some experimental results that verify the theoretical values are presented.