In March this year, CTC Global, the owners of the patented ACCC (aluminium conductor composite core) conductor technology, launched the ACCC InfoCore™ System aiming at full-proof testing of ACCC conductors. In this exclusive exchange, we have Dave Bryant, Director – Technology, CTC Global discussing the ACCC InfoCore™ System in detail, and explaining how this has made the overall ACCC architecture comprehensive and much more efficient. An interview by Venugopal Pillai.
When was the ACCC InfoCoreTM System launched for commercial operations? What was the basic rationale behind the launch?
After several years of development, testing and field trials, CTC Global completed the first commercial ACCC InfoCore™ System project in Europe in March 2020. Before the product was commercialized, we wanted to be 100 per cent certain that the system would meet all design objectives and exceed our customer’s expectations.
We appreciate that ACCC InfoCore™ System is a quick and economical method to gauge the health of an ACCC Conductor installation. Please describe how it works.
The ACCC InfoCore™ System uses special fibers embedded in the ACCC Conductor’s composite core. The InfoCore™ System consists of various devices that collect and record data to confirm conductor integrity.
What are the parameters tested? Please discuss how the relatively common problems are typically addressed.
The ACCC InfoCore™ System is designed to detect damage to the composite core that may have happened as a result of shipping damage, incorrect installation handling or installation equipment failure. The System is extremely easy to use, very quick to operate and gives extremely accurate data. It is also a common practice to run the system prior to the conductor being pulled in to ensure that it was received in good order.
Can we assume that the system is meant for ACCC conductors only? Are there plans to extend the same to conventional conductors as well?
The ACCC InfoCore™ System was developed specifically for the ACCC® Conductor. There are no current plans to use this system on conventional steel core conductors.
How does the ACCC InfoCore™ System compare with conventional testing methods?
Conventional testing and inspection methods include visual inspection from the ground, helicopters and/or drones, thermal, corona and UV cameras, X-Ray and CT equipment, and novel magnetic pulse generators. As you can imagine, these devices are relatively slow and expensive to operate and in many instances the equipment operators need to be able to interpret very raw data. The ACCC InfoCore™ System provides highly accurate results that require no interpretation, literally at the speed of light.
Is this a service provided by CTC Global to its customers, or is this a readymade kit that a customer uses on his own? Please also tell us about the training offered by CTC Global in using the ACCC InfoCore™ System.
The ACCC InfoCore™ System is packaged in a compact, durable lightweight case that contains all equipment necessary to perform the test(s). While CTC Global actively supports many customer installations, and are available to provide installation support and training, we also have a number of authorized and approved installation contractors and partners that cover various territories, worldwide. InfoCore™ Training takes less than an hour and can be done remotely in some cases. Those in need of more information may write in to info@ctcglobal.com
How has been the deployment of the ACCC InfoCore™ System thus far? Which countries do you anticipate will be the biggest customers? We presume that the COVID-19 pandemic could have disrupted marketing endeavours.
While the Covid pandemic has fettered traveling to some degree, as of late October, 2020 there were 57 active ACCC Installations underway all over the world, with 97 additional projects slated to begin by January, 2021. When I say active, I mean projects where ACCC Conductor is actually being installed. The pandemic has sadly impacted many lives and families, but our need for affordable and reliable power has not changed and CTC Global, its manufacturing partners and installation contractors have continued to work throughout this very difficult time.
The ACCC InfoCore™ System, to date, has been deployed to Indonesia, the U.S., Vietnam and some parts of Europe. While the ACCC InfoCore™ System is not mandatory, it can help ensure that projects were completed successfully without error. This offers different benefits to different customers for different reasons, but the bottom line is that it adds a level of confidence which is not a bad thing, particularly on critical lines or when less experienced workers are employed.
In the same regard, how do you see the market in India for InfoCore?
CTC Global is very keen to continue to help Indian utilities improve the efficiency, capacity, reliability and resilience of the Indian power grid. We have developed very close relationships with many utilities throughout India and neighboring countries and we are very proud of our accomplishments. Our plan is to continue to invest heavily in technology, our partnerships and relationships, while also defending our patented technology from copycats.
A general question as we conclude: how was the Indian market for ACCC® Conductor in 2019 in terms of km supplied? Do you plan to rope in more stranding partners, adding to the existing three? In particular, how has the response from government utilities been?
To date, we’ve completed more than 100 projects in India for over 20 utilities, with several more underway. While all utilities are highly risk averse for good reasons, once they have experience with new technologies, they seem to greatly appreciate the attributes and understand the importance of leveraging modern conductors to solve modern problems. We have had very positive response from state owned as well as privately owned utilities and commercial customers.
What is the global footprint of ACCC conductor as of today, in terms of number of countries and km-length of conductor? Are there new geographies that CTC Global plans to tap?
We currently have installed ACCC Conductor at approximately 850 projects in 60 countries representing well over 100,000 km of ACCC Conductor in service today. We will certainly close in on the 1,000 project mark by the end of next year!
