You are on page 1of 22

IEEE STD 1368 - 2006

Guide for Aeolian Vibration Field


Measurements of Overhead Conductors

Tom Alderton
Powerline Products , Inc.
June 26 2007
Marriott Waterside,Tampa
Conductors WG
Towers, Poles & Conductors Meeting

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Purpose of the Guide


q The measurement of Aeolian Vibration of overhead
conductors is currently being carried out by use of a variety of
devices and methods.
q The only IEEE document on the subject was written in 1966
and was considered to be in need of review.
q In consultation with CIGRE and CEA we endeavored to
produce a document which will allow the average utility engineer
and the industry in general to improve their understanding of
this important evaluation procedure.

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Task Force Members


T.J.Alderton, Chairman
L.Cloutier
T.Gardiner
C. Hardy
G.A. Jackson
C.J.Pon
J.L.Reding
D.C. Sunkle

D.A Douglass
A. Haldar
D.G. Havard
J. Olenik
C.B. Rawlins
P.L. Springer
W.B. Zollars

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Intended Users of the Guide


q are those who desire to gather and compile overhead conductor field
vibration data.
q typically, field vibration measurements gathered for overhead
transmission lines are useful to either:
determine the cause of visible conductor fatigue damage,
identify existing vibration levels,
assess the likelihood of future conductor fatigue damage,
evaluate the damping performance of conductors and any attached
vibration damping systems.

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Conductor Fatigue Damage


q when visible conductor fatigue damage is found on an overhead line,
questions concerning the source and extent of the damage are of
immediate concern.
q additionally, schemes to prevent further vibration damage and a
determination of whether the damage is isolated to a single event or part
of a larger systemic problem are also required.
q identifying the damage source and mechanism, developing a mitigation
scheme, and determining the necessary extent of its application are often
challenging, with potentially large cost implications.

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Typical Inter-Layer Fatigue Damage


(outer layer removed)

ease of installation
availability of spare parts and batteries
ease of recorder software configuration
clearly written operating manual
minimum electric field effect on measurement
supply of calibration data
technical support from manufacturer
warranty
cost

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Bending Amplitude as Primary Measured Parameter:


q it is well known that fatigue in conductors is caused mainly by the presence of
alternating stresses [3].
q n stranded conductors, the alternating stresses result from the bending back
and forth of the conductor at the supporting clamp during vibration. However,
that bending also causes the strands of the conductor to slip relative to each
other in the vicinity of the clamp, and also relative to the clamp and armor rods.
q the slipping is opposed by friction forces, and that has two effects. First, the
frictional forces induce shear stresses where the strands contact one another or
the clamp seat or armor rods. Second, the frictional forces combine with the
relative motion to cause fretting of the strand surface at these contacts.

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

EPRI Fatigue Limit


q a major development in determining safe bending amplitude levels was the
inclusion in an EPRI Transmission Line Reference Book [3] in 1979*, of a large
collection of data from laboratory fatigue tests of conductors. (* recently revised)
q the collection was analyzed in terms of bending stress based upon the
Poffenberger-Swart Formula.
q the data collection was extensive enough that it was possible to infer approximate
maximum safe levels of vibration in terms either of calculated bending stress or
bending amplitude.
q the system comprised of the bending amplitude method, the Poffenberger-Swart
Formula and the collection of fatigue test data in the EPRI book [3], made it possible
to assess risk of fatigue on a rational basis.

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

When Field Measurement is Indicated


measurements collected with a vibration recorder are made to determine the risk
of future fatigue damage, or to determine the likelihood of vibration damage
already having occurred, or to investigate the mechanisms that caused damage that
has been found.
generally speaking, field measurements are made to resolve uncertainty. Since
they entail expense, there must be real concern about the condition of the line to
justify testing.
some information on the effect of design parameters upon experience with
vibration fatigue is provided in the guide and its references.
doubt can also arise from early warnings, such as line-crew reports of vigorous
vibration or visible damage to tower members, support hardware or dampers.

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Typical Clamp and Recorder Arrangement

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Location for Measuring Bending Amplitude


q the use of 89 mm (3.5 inches) as the measurement location (xb) was initiated by
Tebo [7]. The choice was influenced by the need to remain close enough to the
clamp that the shape of the conductor was governed by stiffness effects alone, and
not by inertial forces due to the conductors acceleration in the vibration loops.
q however, it was necessary to sense the bending far enough from the clamp to
find displacements large enough to be measured accurately.
q Tebos initial choice was adopted in subsequent work in order to facilitate
comparison of test results with measurements from earlier programs, and its
continued use is recommended here for the same reason.
q the distance from the last point of contact between the conductor and the
metallic suspension clamp is referred to as the lever arm [1].

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Distance from Clamp and Conductor Contact to Yb


Measurement Point.

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Limitations of Measurements at Elastomer Lined Clamps


q The conditions at the suspension clamp are sometimes different from the
referenced one, a conductor in a metallic clamp with a smooth internal profile.
q Such is the case for clamping devices, designed to afford more tolerance to
higher vibration conditions, such as elastomer lined clamps, with or without
helical-rod attachments.
q Elastomer lined clamps do not come under the system described above for
several reasons.
q The collection of fatigue test data in the EPRI book [3] pertains only to
conductors in rigid metal clamps.

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Recorder Attached to Elastomer Lined Clamp

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines
ESTIMATED BENDING AMPLITUDE ENDURANCE LIMITS FOR
ACSR from EPRI ORANGE BOOK
Te nsion i n Perce nt of Rate d Stre ngth*
15%

C onductor
Siz e
Name

25%

Yb

(kcmils)

Stranding

mm

35%

Yb
mils

mm

Yb
mils

mm

mils

Ruddy

900 45 / 7

0.3

12

0.26

10

0.23

Canary

900 54 / 7

0.31

12

0.27

10

0.24

Catbird

954 36 / 1

0.29

11

0.26

10

0.24

Rail

954 45 / 7

0.29

12

0.26

10

0.23

Cardinal

954 54 / 7

0.3

12

0.26

10

0.24

Ortolan

1033.5 45 / 7

0.29

11

0.25

10

0.23

Curlew

1033.5 54 / 7

0.3

12

0.26

10

0.23

Bluejay

1113 45 / 7

0.28

11

0.25

10

0.22

Finch

1113 54 / 19

0.28

11

0.24

0.22

Bunting

1192.5 45 / 7

0.28

11

0.24

10

0.22

Grackle

1192.5 54 / 19

0.27

11

0.24

0.21

Bittern

1272 45 / 7

0.27

11

0.24

0.22

Pheasant

1272 54 / 19

0.27

11

0.24

0.21

0.27

11

0.24

0.22

Dipper

1351.5 45 / 7

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Possible

Sources of Measurement Inaccuracies

As with any kind of measurements there are sources of measurement error, and
the person conducting bending amplitude measurements should be aware of
them in order to assess the accuracy of the measurement results.

q recorder mass
q temperature changes
q electrical noise
q component aging
q calibration errors

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Other Measurement Techniques


q the measurement techniques described in this Guide refer to
bending amplitude measured by vibration recorders.
q early vibration recorders used mechanical means to transmit
vibration information to the recording media.
q newer units use electronic data recording.
q there are numerous other techniques that are suitable for special
studies, but are outside the scope of this guide.

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

1 Measurement Location
Generally, measurements should be made at the location in the line where
vibration is expected to be most severe, it is best to choose a section of the line
that runs perpendicular to the normal wind flow; i.e. if the wind is
predominantly north/south, find a section of line that runs east/west.
q test periods of 2-4 weeks are most desirable
q flat open lands, with few obstructions, particularly near water, especially
river crossings.
q slightly rolling hills with light vegetation.
qdeep valleys between large hills or mountains.
q hilly or mountainous terrain with heavy vegetation.

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Summary of Common Problems With Field Recording


Nothing can prepare the potential user for the perils and pitfalls of
recorder usage by the industry to date.
q user objective - realistic
q practical considerations - black boxes
q design calibration
q field performance waterproof -robust

ease of installation
availability of spare parts and batteries
ease of recorder software configuration
clearly written operating manual
minimum electric field effect on measurement
supply of calibration data
technical support from manufacturer
warranty
cost

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Primary Factors to Consider When Selecting a


Vibration Recorder

accurate and reliable data


reliable and adequate power supply
ease of data retrieval and interpretation
ease of installation
availability of spare parts and batteries
ease of recorder software configuration
clearly written operating manual
minimum electric field effect on measurement
supply of calibration data
technical support from manufacturer
warranty
cost

ease of installation
availability of spare parts and batteries
ease of recorder software configuration
clearly written operating manual
minimum electric field effect on measurement
supply of calibration data
technical support from manufacturer
warranty
cost

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Summary
this guide brings the practice of vibration field measurements up to date with
current technology.
the IEEE report from 1966 has served as a valuable tool for the industry
it was dated by its sole reference to the Ontario Hydro Recorder.
since the beginning of this task force the industry has seen the emergence of
new types of recorders and the disappearance of others.
at the time of completion of this guide, there has been a significant decrease in
the number of vibration recorders available on the market.
similarly there is a reduction in the number of qualified individuals who have
the necessary experience to conduct effective field measurements.

ease of installation
availability of spare parts and batteries
ease of recorder software configuration
clearly written operating manual
minimum electric field effect on measurement
supply of calibration data
technical support from manufacturer
warranty
cost

IEEE 1368-2006
Guide for Aeolian Field Measurements of
Overhead Lines

Conclusion
The task force feels strongly that it is not its place to publicly evaluate
the advantages and disadvantages of each of the recorders currently
available. The task force does caution potential recorder users that even
with a perfect recorder there are still possibilities of inaccurate
recordings or no recordings at all.

You might also like