News Release
Order Received for Underground Aluminum Power Transmission Cable, for Use with Japan's Largest Photovoltaic Power Plant
- Development completed for 22 kV class aluminum conductor CV cable and connectors -
February 18, 2016
Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. has completed development for 22 kV class aluminum conductor cross-linked polyethylene insulated vinyl sheath cable(note 1) ("aluminum conductor CV cable" below) and connectors, and has received an order for said cables for use as underground aluminum power transmission cables in a large scale photovoltaic power plant.
This order marks the first such use of 22 kV class cable in Japan, and is the largest order of special high voltage class cables (from 22 kV to 66 kV) placed in Japan thus far.
Background
Underground power transmission cables are power cables that are run inside conduits or other protective containers and installed underground. They are mainly used in urban areas and other locations where it would be difficult to install new transmission line towers. They are mostly unaffected by rainstorms and other natural disasters, and are thus able to transmit power safely and reliably.
Although copper is generally used as the electrical conductor for underground power transmission cables, the metal has two major drawbacks: there is a significant risk that its value could fluctuate, and there is also the danger that supplies could become depleted in the future. Furthermore, the recent lack of workers on construction sites has become a chronic issue, and this has had the effect of increasing demand for ways to reduce the amount of labor in power transmission construction work.
Content
22 kV aluminum CVT cable cross-section
Furukawa Electric has completed development for 22 kV class aluminum conductor CV cable that uses aluminum material as its electrical conductor, as well as connectors for the cable. The first order in Japan for these cables has been placed, and the product will be used as underground power transmission cable in a large scale photovoltaic power plant that boasts a total output of 30.24 MWAC.
Using aluminum as the electrical conductor means there is less of a risk of fluctuating manufacturing costs and prices compared with copper. Aluminum is also lighter, and will help to reduce the amount of labor required for power transmission construction work.
Development of the aluminum conductor CV cable and connectors was made possible thanks to the unique combination of insight and technology the Furukawa Electric Group has accumulated over many years in the underground power transmission cable field. The aluminum conductor CV cables were manufactured by VISCAS Corporation (main office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Susumu Sakuma), while the cable connectors were developed and manufactured in collaboration with Furukawa Electric Power Systems Co., Ltd. (main office: Yokohama, Kanagawa; Representative: Michio Okuno).
The Furukawa Electric Group plans to expand its sales of products mainly in the renewable energy sector to at least 500 million yen by 2018 FY, by developing, manufacturing, selling, and offering technical support for a wide range of aluminum conductor CV cable and connector products that also include the 22 kV class, ultimately covering the entire range from low to ultra high voltage.
Overview of received order
Supply site:
Pacifico Energy Mimasaka Musashi Mega Solar Plant (total output of 30.24 MWAC)
Construction companies:
Toyo Engineering Corporation, Sankyu Plant Techno
Supplied products:
Cable: 22 kV AL-CVT 3 x 250mm
2 (approx. 11,000m)
Terminal connectors:
Three indoor sets and two outdoor sets for 22 kV AL-CVT 3 x 250mm
2
Straight line connectors: Approx. 40 sets for 22 kV AL-CVT 3 x 250mm
2
Total value of order:
Undisclosed
(note 1)Cross-linked polyethylene insulated vinyl sheath cable:
A power cable that uses cross-linked polyethylene as the insulation material and vinyl chloride for the sheath (anti-corrosion layer). It is capable of transmitting more power than OF cables that use oil-based insulation material.
Back to Main Content
About Furukawa Electric Group
Furukawa Electric (TSE; 5801, ISIN; JP3827200001) Group started business in 1884, when its copper-smelting facility and wire manufacturing factory was established. Since then Furukawa Electric has become pioneers in the latest technologies by addressing diverse technological issues.
Furukawa Electric has released products in a number of areas, including telecommunications, electronics, automobiles, and construction, with the three types of materials it works with at their core, namely, optics, plastics, and metals. Many of these products have attained the top global market share, and all of its products have contributed to society in numerous business areas. Furukawa Electric reported consolidated revenues of JPY 867.8 billion (approximately USD 8.2B) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015.
