Evaluation of the vibrational behaviour of a system of two spans coupled with a bretelle damper

Dynamic stresses in transmission lines mainly originates from the winds. To control these vibrations and stresses, damper devices are commonly used. In some countries, including France, bretelle dampers are used. Bretelle damper is a low tensioned pieces of conductors that is attached to the overhead conductor spans near the span-ends by means of clamps. Bretelle damper reduces the vibration amplitude due to the energy imparted by the wind using two main mechanisms: First, by its self-damping (frictional forces between the wires of the strand) and second, by transferring part of the energy to the adjacent spans before reaching critical points such as end-span clamps. This type of damper is low-priced, easy to manufacture and can effectively reduce the vibration amplitude in overhead conductors. Very few studies have been conducted on the vibration behavior of single conductors with bretelle dampers and they are mainly experimental researches. Experimental tests are time-consuming and costly. Thus, it is beneficial to develop a finite element model of the system and study the effect of different parameters in the vibrational behavior of the system and evaluate the performance of damper. This FE model will be validated by a simpler analytical model of the system.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sébastien Langlois

Student:

Partner:

Université de Lyon (ENTPE)

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Energy and Utilities; Technology; Indigenous Affairs

University:

Université de Sherbrooke

Program: