Renewable Portfolio Standard? Smart Grid? Extra-high Voltage System?
Make the most of your investments with 3M™ ACCR.
To make the most of your investments, your system must be as robust and reliable as possible. 3M ACCR's unique properties can help you modernize today by getting you results quickly, cost effectively and reliably.
Getting renewables to load centers using existing structures and rights of way, where feasible, has several benefits:
maximizing the use of existing assets, rights of way and investments,
minimizing disturbances to the environment and community,
reducing permitting, schedule and cost risks associated with construction, and
getting the upgrade done fast.
Building new lines
Where new lines are necessary to bring renewables from remote areas to load centers, 3M ACCR can be installed on sections where permitting, environmental impacts, or aesthetics raise issues or cause delays. In those sections, 3M ACCR can be installed using existing, fewer or shorter structures. Then, construction can continue with conventional materials.
Advanced transmission conductors like 3M ACCR can work in conjunction with technologies that store power, manage voltage stability and provide data to utilities and their customers. Together, these technologies can help utilities maximize the efficiency, reliability and security of the grid by:
optimizing the use of existing structures and rights of way,
improving the conductivity of upgrades,
enabling the use of underutilized electricity generation capacity, including renewables, and
developing a robust system that can survive disruptions through alternative single and double contingency paths.
Transmission lines are usually rated using a single contingency standard, in which the rated capacity depends upon the ability of other lines in the path to support the system if the line is out of service. Therefore, the more robust the underlying system, the more energy is allowed to flow across the path. To get the maximum capacity, and the maximum value, from Extra High Voltage (EHV) investments, utilities must often upgrade lower voltage lines. The quickest, most cost effective and least impactful way is to reconductor using existing corridors and structures as much as possible.
