The installation of a 230 kV three phase transmission line by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) required the development of a special conductor to span the Columbia River in the south-central region of Washington.  PSE initiated the Columbia River Crossing project as a part of a larger major project to increase the capacity of their existing interstate power transmission line for the addition of wind power generation resources to their system.

As a long-standing supplier to PSE, Alcan Cable accepted the challenge to design and manufacture a very strong transmission conductor to meet the project’s unique performance requirements.  Known as the Kittitas- Wanapum Project, the three mile line includes a river crossing span of 4,000 feet with several hundred feet of elevation difference between the adjacent river crossing towers.

Working closely with the PSE personnel, Alcan Cable provided engineering design services and technical support for this unique transmission project.  Conductor performance requirements included excellent vibration endurance with anticipated line loading criteria and ampacity performance exceeding a bundled two-conductor 1272 kcmil conductor.  An aluminum alloy conductor steel reinforced (AACSR) conductor was custom designed by Alcan Cable and manufactured at its St. Maurice, Quebec plant.  As part of the technical support, Alcan also provided PSE with performance data including conductor stress-strain tests.    

 “Alcan Cable has enjoyed an 18 year relationship with Puget Sound Energy and we are honored to work with them to design a conductor for this unique application,” states Richard Baker, Director of Technology Development for Alcan Cable.  “Alcan engineers worked intimately with PSE and the installation consultant to arrive at a special cable design for this river crossing.  We are pleased to be an integral part of this successful project,” adds Baker.

The special river crossing conductor was installed as a three conductor bundle using lattice towers.  Installation of the cable occurred in July 2006 and the line was successfully energized in October 2006.

“The development of this unique river crossing conductor for Puget Sound Energy is just one example of the many ways we work closely with our customers to provide innovative solutions that deliver proven results,” states Jacques Fortin, Vice President of Sales for Alcan Cable. 

As a leading supplier of aluminum cable for over 100 years, Alcan Cable possesses the knowledge and technical expertise to assist the utility industry in its efforts to upgrade and expand North America’s transmission grid.  Alcan Cable manufactures a broad range of bare transmission and distribution conductors, overhead and underground 600V service cable and building wire products for the utility, commercial, residential, and OEM markets.