Deformation processed Al/Ca nano-filamentary composite conductors for HVDC applications
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Abstract
Efficient long-distance power transmission is necessary as the world continues to implement renewable energy sources, often sited in remote areas. Light, strong, high-conductivity materials are desirable for this application to reduce both construction and operational costs. In this study an Al/Ca (11.5% vol.) composite with nano-filamentary reinforcement was produced by powder metallurgy then extruded, swaged, and wire drawn to a maximum true strain of 12.7. The tensile strength increased exponentially as the filament size was reduced to the sub-micron level. In an effort to improve the conductor's ability to operate at elevated temperatures, the deformation-processed wires were heat-treated at 260°C to transform the Ca-reinforcing filaments to Al2Ca. Such a transformation raised the tensile strength by as much as 28%, and caused little change in ductility, while the electrical conductivity was reduced by only 1% to 3%. Al/Al2Ca composites are compared to existing conductor materials to show how implementation could affect installation and performance.
Comments
This proceeding is published as Czahor, C.F., Anderson, I.E., Riedemann, T.M., and Russell, A.M., “Deformation processed Al/Ca nano-filamentary composite conductors for HVDC applications.” IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering (219) 2017: 012014, doi:10.1088/1757-899X/219/1/012014. Posted with permission.