Overhead transmission lines are used for transporting electric power from one substation to the next. They become more important in our society as electric power becomes a necessity in our lives. However, the overhead transmission lines oscillate due to wind and other disturbances in the air, and this oscillating motion can be a potential hazard and can damage equipment, the line itself, and the surrounding properties. Hence, people use dampers in transmission lines to suppress the motions and provide safety to the people, surrounding properties, and equipment.

In this article, we are going to explore more detail about dampers in transmission lines and recommend one of the best dampers available in the market for overhead transmission lines.

Commonly Used Dampers in Transmission Lines

Here are the two most used dampers in transmission lines:

1. Stockbridge Dampers

Stockbridge dampers were introduced by G. Stockbridge in 1920, and they are still in use today. This type of damper is also called a dog-bone damper because it resembles a dog bone. It consists of two masses connected by a clamp and cable. The clamp is attached to the mainframe, and the cable is connected to the masses where they can move freely in the up and down direction.

Stockbridge dampers work by dissipating kinetic energy in the system, which, in turn, can significantly reduce the system’s ability to vibrate. They have been used on structures like overhead power lines and long cantilevered signs, where it is desirable to reduce the amplitude of vibration caused by the wind.

2. Spacer Dampers

A spacer damper is composed of a frame and two or more conductor clamps at its ends. The frame is mounted between two or more parallel conductors, and each conductor is held on the frame with the help of clamping.

High-frequency vibrations caused by wind gusts often damage the conductors if they are not adequately isolated from one another. You can use spacer dampers in transmission lines to prevent such damage. Spacer dampers can control the vibrations on the conductors and helps to maintain proper spacing between conductors.

Optimization of Damper Location

The optimum location of the dampers in transmission lines is the one that reduces the maximum span length of the line under maximum critical wind load. It is the key to ensuring the optimum performance of the dampers in transmission lines. To solve this problem, you need to find a way to locate your dampers where they will reduce span length as much as possible without sacrificing too much efficiency or effectiveness in controlling power line vibrations.

The dampers should be located at the ends of the lines, where they can control the maximum force on each end of the line. This is because if the damper is located in the middle of the line, it will not be effective in controlling the maximum force experienced by either end of the transmission line where all the valuable equipment, like insulators and other structural members, are located. It could cause damage to these types of equipment due to excessive force. So, in the case of any of these two kinds of dampers in the transmission lines mentioned above, the best location would be at both ends of the line but not too close to the end.

Stockbridge Damper with Armor Rod From Henvcon

Henvcon’s stockbridge dampers with armor rods are designed to absorb vibration resulting from wind or other external forces. The dampers are made of stranded galvanized steel wire and aluminum alloy clamp to withstand huge force and weight, and the armor rod can improve the performance and safety of the cable.

Stockbridge dampers have a wide frequency range from 3Hz to 150Hz to absorb and reduce cable vibration efficiently. You can use Henvcon’s stockbridge damper in transmission lines on OPGW and ADSS cables. They are made in accordance with international standards to ensure high safety and reliable performance. Additionally, Henvcon can customize dampers to satisfy the specific requirements of customers.

Conclusion

Henvcon is a professional vibrating damper manufacturer in China with over 7 years of experience in this industry. All of our products test strictly before shipment, and every detail of the parts has undergone strict inspection. We also have a highly experienced R&D team who has never been afraid to make new breakthroughs. There will always be newer, better, and more suitable vibration dampers in transmission lines on the market for customers.