Deformation processed Al/Ca nano-filamentary composite conductors for HVDC applications

Journal Article · 01 August 2017 · IOP Conference Series. Materials Science and Engineering

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/219/1/012014 · OSTI ID:1464478

Czahor, C. F. ^[1]; Anderson, I. E. ^[2]; Riedemann, T. M. ^[3]; Russell, A. M. ^[2]

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1. Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States); Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States). Materials Science and Engineering; Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States). Wind Energy Science, Engineering, and Policy
2. Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States); Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States). Materials Science and Engineering
3. Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States)

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. In conclusion, 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.

• Research Organization: Ames Laboratory (AMES), Ames, IA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC02-07CH11358
• OSTI ID: 1464478
• Report Number(s): IS-J-9725
• Journal Information: IOP Conference Series. Materials Science and Engineering, Vol. 219; ISSN 1757-8981
• Publisher: IOP PublishingCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English