How Does Temperature Impact Sag in Overhead Lines?

Effects of Temperature on Sag in an Overhead Line

The sag in an overhead line, which refers to the vertical distance between a conductor and the straight line between its two supports, is affected by temperature changes. The sag and stresses of line conductors change in response to temperature fluctuations due to thermal expansion and contraction. The effects of temperature (neutral phenomena i.e. sunlight, snow and ice coating, wind) on sag in overhead lines are as follows:

Temperature Increase:

• • When the temperature of the conductor increases, the conductor expands. As the conductor expands, its length increases, leading to a decrease in sag. This is because the conductor becomes longer, and the distance between the supports effectively increases.

Temperature Decrease:

• • Conversely, when the temperature decreases, the conductor contracts. As the conductor contracts, its length decreases, resulting in an increase in sag. In colder conditions, the conductor becomes shorter, and the distance between the supports effectively decreases.

Thermal Expansion Coefficient:

• • The material of the conductor plays a crucial role. Different materials have different coefficients of thermal expansion. The coefficient of thermal expansion is a measure of how much a material expands or contracts for a given temperature change. Conductors with higher thermal expansion coefficients will experience more significant changes in sag for a given temperature change.

Sag Tension Relationship:

• • The relationship between sag and tension in the overhead line is influenced by temperature. The sag-tension relationship is typically represented by a curve. Changes in temperature can shift this curve, affecting the sag at a given tension level.
  • The curves and equations for sag-tension relationship can be seen in the detailed post on “Sag in overhead powerlines” Where sag calculations are provided for situations where structures and poles are at equal and unequal levels, as well as the effects of ice and wind on span and tension (sag) in overhead lines.

Compensation Devices:

• • Overhead lines often incorporate devices such as compensators or automatic tensioning systems to counteract the effects of temperature on sag. These devices help maintain the desired tension and sag levels, ensuring the proper functioning and safety of the overhead line.

Understanding and managing the effects of temperature on sag is crucial in the design, installation, and maintenance of overhead power lines to ensure their reliability and safety. Engineers consider factors such as the conductor material, thermal expansion coefficients, environmental conditions and local area codes to design and determine the appropriate sag-tension relationship based on standard ground clearance of sag for a given application.

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