HVCRC® LITE is a unique Standard Temperature Low Sag conductor technology.
This patented composite core conductor takes advantage of the properties of carbon fiber without the cost premium associated with composite HTLS conductors.
It is especially optimized for new lines (with significant CAPEX savings thanks to the reduction of foundations & towers) as well as private developers or utilities looking to minimize their electrical losses and CO2 emissions.
Why HVCRC® LITE?
Even though HVCRC® conductors are sometimes used in the construction of new overhead lines, when building a new line it is generally possible to design it in a way that accommodates the thermal limitations of traditional metallic conductors (ACSR, ACSS, AAAC…), with lower upfront expenses than when using HTLS conductors such as HVCRC®.
For this reason, HTLS conductors are primarily used for reconductoring, where their low sag and superior conductivity makes them particularly advantageous, and where the higher cost of the conductors is by far offset by other benefits.
By maintaining the high dimensional stability of composite cores while adapting the conductor design to standard operating temperatures, it is possible to achieve significant reductions in the overall cost of new line construction.
To provide grid operators with an advanced conductor option specifically designed for new line construction, Epsilon Cable has developed and patented the HVCRC® LITE technology. This range of composite-core conductors is designed to operate at standard temperatures (up to 90°c, or 120°C according to requirements).
HVCRC® LITE conductors are a particularly attractive option for new transmission and distribution lines, offering a short and long-term optimized solution in terms of flexibility, efficiency, resilience, and cost-effectiveness.
Despite a generally higher conductor cost, HVCRC® LITE helps reduce total project expenses. Its low thermal expansion enables significant savings on the foundations and towers by minimizing their size and/or allowing for increased span lengths, significantly reducing both costs and environmental impact.
We contracted EFLA, an independant design office to do a complete study comparing ACSR, Al59 and HVCRC LITE conductors for the construction of a 400kV line following specific design rules and various options.
Request to access the results of the EFLA study
HVCRC® LITE conductors can also be designed to minimize electrical losses, offering a ROI over a few years which can be especially interesting for private developers, or utilities willing to reduce their greenhouse gas emission.