Sustainable End-of-life for Advanced Composite Core Conductors

The study compares three conductor types: traditional steel core (ACSR), single strand PMC core (ACCS), and multistrand PMC core conductors (ACCM), analyzing their full life cycles using real-world project data and established life cycle assessment tools. Although carbon fiber

(CF) production is energy-intensive and results in higher environmental impacts at the manufacturing stage, the reduced energy losses during decades of operation can offset these initial disadvantages. The paper investigates EOL scenarios for PMC cores, presenting several recycling methods:

thermal, mechanical, chemical recycling, incineration with energy recovery, and landfilling.

Mechanical and chemical recycling methods are found to be the most effective, offering high recovery rates and the lowest environmental burdens. These methods allow recycled CF to be reused in new products, further reducing the need for new raw materials and lowering the overall environmental footprint.

The paper concludes that the environmental benefits of these materials can be maximized by continued research and development of recycling processes, and the implementation of appropriate regulations. The paper recommends further efforts to optimize EOL management and to encourage the adoption of circular economy principles in the power transmission sector.