Aluminium Cable Conductors "Work Hardening"
Aluminium Cable Conductors "Work Hardening"
(OP)
I am currently putting together a justification to install aluminium conductor 6.6kV cables on a relatively large project we are working on. The major advantage being the significant cost savings that can be made using the aluminium conductor cables rather than copper.
A query has been raised about aluminium cables "work hardening" due to the vibration at the connection of large electric motors. This may lead to conductors becoming brittle over a period of time and ultimately "cracking".
The motors (range between ~1MW and 2.5MW) drive conveyors, so vibration should not be "abnormal". I did not consider this in my justification and wondered if anyone had any experience with this (or any other concerns) that I should consider (or maybe point me to any published literature).
Thanks
A query has been raised about aluminium cables "work hardening" due to the vibration at the connection of large electric motors. This may lead to conductors becoming brittle over a period of time and ultimately "cracking".
The motors (range between ~1MW and 2.5MW) drive conveyors, so vibration should not be "abnormal". I did not consider this in my justification and wondered if anyone had any experience with this (or any other concerns) that I should consider (or maybe point me to any published literature).
Thanks






RE: Aluminium Cable Conductors "Work Hardening"
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RE: Aluminium Cable Conductors "Work Hardening"
I have had to conclude that the concerns were fueled by poor workmanship or possibly utilising an incorrect technique or non-compatible cable accessory. Further it appears that modern alloys have also enhanced the meleability and flexibility of the product.
I attach two datasheets, one indicating the different properties of the different aluminium alloys that are available and their advantages with the second a comparison of aluminium against copper that was quite useful:
http://www.daycoindustries.com/pdfs/Aluminum_Alloys_Temper_Designations.pdf
http://www.ucable.com.my/catalogue/aluminium_rod.pdf