An estimated 85% of the electricity distribution network in Alborz Province has been equipped with aerial bundled cables (ABC) prevent theft, head of the region’s Electric Power Distribution Company said.
“The province has 12,000 km of power distribution network and we are equipping the network with self?supporting aluminum cables,” Bargh News quoted Ramin Faraj as saying.
“There are 17,000 substations in the province. Renovation and expansion started three years ago and aerial bundled cables have replaced copper wires,” Faraj said, hoping that with proper access to funds work would be completed soon.
Theft of copper cables has been disrupting power supply in province creating problems for the people, businesses and industries.
In related news, managing director of Kohgiluyeh-Boyerahmad Electric Power Distribution Company said 100 kilometers of conventional cables in the local electricity distribution network has been replaced with aerial bundled conductors.
“The network is being upgraded to alleviate power outages, provide sustainable electricity and curb voltage fluctuation, especially during summer,” Jamal Motamedizadeh was quoted as saying by Bargh News.
Replacing worn-out conventional bare uninsulated cables with aerial bundled cables has other advantages like preserving the environment, reducing power waste, and increasing safety of infrastructure during natural disasters.
Aerial bundled conductors are overhead power lines using several insulated phase conductors bundled tightly together usually with a bare neutral conductor.
This contrasts with the traditional practice of using uninsulated conductors separated by air gaps. The variation of bundled conductors utilizes the same principles as overhead power lines, except that they are closer together to the point of touching but each conductor is surrounded by an insulating layer.
The main objections to the traditional design are that the multiple conductors are considered unappealing, and external forces (such as high winds) can cause them to touch and short circuit. The resultant sparks have been a cause of bushfires in drier climates.
Aerial bundled is ideal for difficult terrain such as hilly areas, dense forests, and coastal regions. These lines can also be laid without cutting or trimming of any trees.
Iran's electricity sector has been facing the issue of stealing copper cables for years. According to reports about $2 million worth of copper wires are stolen annually across the country. The high price of copper is the clear motive for stealing the cables. However, some thieves lose their lives due to electrocution while committing the crime.
Copper wires can be easily sold in the market. The buyers remove the cover to prevent the stolen cable from being identified, and then the copper is melted.
