Finite Element Analysis of a Jumper Conductor Set Used in Power Transmission Towers Under Wind Effect

Abstract Jumper conductor sets are essential components in energy transmission lines, enabling the transfer of electrical energy between insulator strings positioned on either side of tension towers. In cases where the jumper conductor set is relatively long, it is secured to the tower cross-arm through an insulator arm at its mid-length to mitigate oscillations caused by wind. Additionally, counterweights are attached to the jumper conductor to reduce wind-induced lateral movements. However, the effects of counterweight quantity and positioning on the behavior of jumper conductors under lateral wind loads have not been fully investigated. Addressing this gap, the present study examines the behavior of a triple-bundle 1272 MCM ACSR jumper conductor set used in 420 kV energy transmission lines through finite element analysis (FEA). The primary objective is to assess how counterweight quantity and placement influence the lateral sway response of the conductor under wind-induced loading conditions. In the study, mechanical tests were conducted to determine the bending stiffness and sag behavior of jumper conductors, and the results were used to validate the FEA model. A parametric study on 1272 MCM ACSR jumper conductor set revealed that counterweights significantly reduce lateral sway from 32° without counterweights to 15° with 2 kN weights. Symmetrical counterweight placement further enhanced stability of the jumper conductor set. These findings emphasize the importance of counterweight placement in mitigating wind-induced oscillations and ensuring the stability of jumper conductor sets in high-voltage transmission lines. The study provides valuable insights for optimizing the design of counterweight systems to enhance the reliability and performance of transmission line structures.