Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ANTIGALLOPING DEVICE
BACKGROUND
[00011 A span of electrical transmission conductors between transmission
towers can
be large, often for example between 700 to 1200 feet, and during winter
storms, ice
accumulating on the electrical conductors can form aerodynamic lifting or wing
shaped
structures. As the wind passes over the ice wing shaped structures, the
conductors can lift,
causing galloping of the conductors up and down, which if not controlled, can
cause
damage to the conductors and the towers. One prior method of addressing such
galloping is
to connect an interphase spacer between the phase conductors, which can be
individual
conductors or can include bundles of conductors. In cases where the interphase
spacer is
connected between two bundles of conductors, bundle spacer rings or devices
are secured
to each bundle of conductors, for spacing the conductors in the bundle from
each other, and
the interphase spacer is connected to and between the bundle rings of the two
bundles.
Often, the interphase spacer includes two or more rigid elongate insulator
rods, which can
be connected together with joints. The distance between the conductor phases
can often be
about 24 to 33 feet apart, so that the insulator rod assembly must have the
same length.
This can make the interphase spacer expensive, as well as long, heavy and
unwieldy to
install, for example from a helicopter on high transmission lines.
SUMMARY
[0002] The present invention can provide an antigalloping device for
securement to
lines, cables or conductors, such as phase conductors, that are separated by
long distances,
where the device is less costly and easier to install than devices in the
prior art. The
antigalloping device can include first and second clamps, each having a
respective jaw for
clamping to respective first and second cables. A connecting assembly can be
coupled
between the first and second clamps. The connecting assembly can include an
elongate
insulator attached to a length of flexible cable. The length of flexible cable
is capable of
being bent and maneuvered during installation. At least one of the first and
second clamps
can be rotatably coupled to the connecting assembly. The elongate insulator
and the
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flexible cable are capable of being straightened along a longitudinal axis.
The at least one
of the first and second clamps can be orientatable in a position transverse to
the
longitudinal axis for being rotatable between the position transverse to the
longitudinal axis
and a position inline with the longitudinal axis, under opposed tension
exerted on the jaws
of the first and second clamps, for twisting at least one of the first and
second cables for
reducing galloping.
[0003] In particular embodiments, the length of flexible cable is flexibly
collapsible
under opposed compression. The first and second clamps can be rotatably
coupled to
opposite ends of the connecting assembly about respective clamp joint axes.
The elongate
insulator and the flexible cable can be rotatably coupled together about a
connecting
assembly joint axis. The jaws of the first and second clamps can have
respective jaw cavity
axes that are parallel to each other. The connecting assembly joint axis and
the jaw cavity
axes can be parallel to each other. The flexible cable can be flexible steel
cable. The first
and second clamps can include two clamp halves which can be secured together
by a
fastener. The elongate insulator can have an elongate insulator rod with a
series of sheds
secured thereto in spaced apart manner. The antigalloping device can be a
first
antigalloping device in an antigalloping system on a span of cables. The first
antigalloping
device can be secured to upper and middle cables at a 1/3 span distance, and
the system can
further include a second antigalloping device which can be secured to middle
and lower
cables at a 2/3 span distance, for reducing galloping of the cables.
[0004] The present invention can also provide an antigalloping conductor
span
including upper, middle and lower conductors, each having a span length. A
first
antigalloping device can be secured to the upper and middle conductors at a
1/3 span
distance. A second antigalloping device can be secured to the middle and lower
conductors
at a 2/3 span distance. The first and second antigalloping devices can each
include upper
and lower clamps, each having a respective jaw for clamping to respective
upper, middle
and lower conductors. A connecting assembly can be coupled between the upper
and lower
clamps. The connecting assembly can include an upper elongate insulator
attached to a
= lower length of flexible cable. The length of flexible cable can be bent
and maneuvered
during installation. The lower clamp can be rotatably coupled to the
connecting assembly
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at an end of the length of flexible cable. The elongate insulator and the
flexible cable are
capable of straightening along a longitudinal axis. The lower clamp can be
secured to
respective middle and lower conductors in an orientation that is transverse to
the
longitudinal axis. The lower clamp is capable of being rotated between the
position
transverse to the longitudinal axis and a position inline with the
longitudinal axis with
opposed tension exerted on the jaws of the upper and lower clamps, for
twisting respective
middle and lower conductors for reducing galloping of the conductors.
[0005] In particular embodiments, the length of flexible cable of the first
and second
antigalloping devices can be flexibly collapsible under opposed compression.
During
antigalloping operation, one of the first and second antigalloping devices is
capable of
being straightened along the longitudinal axis under opposed tension, and
substantially at
the same time, the length of flexible cable of the other antigalloping device
is capable of
flexibly collapsing under opposed compression. The upper, middle and lower
conductors
can be selected conductors in respective upper, middle and lower conductor
bundles.
[0006] The present invention can also provide a method of reducing
galloping in a span
of cables including securing an antigalloping device to first and second
cables. The
antigalloping device can have first and second clamps, each with a respective
jaw for
clamping to respective first and second cables. A connecting assembly can be
coupled
between the first and second clamps. The connecting assembly can include an
elongate
insulator attached to a length of flexible cable. The length of flexible cable
can be bent and
maneuvered during installation. At least one of the first and second clamps
can be rotatably
coupled to the connecting assembly. The at least one of the first and second
clamps can be
oriented in a position transverse to the longitudinal axis. The elongate
insulator and the
flexible cable can be straightened along a longitudinal axis and the at least
one of the first
and second clamps rotated between the position transverse to the longitudinal
axis and a
position inline with the longitudinal axis, under opposed tension exerted on
the jaws of the
first and second clamps caused by movement of the first and second cables away
from each
other, for twisting at least one of the first and second cables and reducing
galloping.
[0007] In particular embodiments, the method can include alternately
limiting amount
of movement of the first and second cables away from each other when the
elongate
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insulator and the flexible cable are straightened out, and flexibly collapsing
the flexible
cable under opposed compression caused by movement of the first and second
cables
towards each other. The first and second clamps can be rotatably coupled to
opposite ends
of the connecting assembly about respective clamp joint axes. The elongate
insulator and
the flexible cable can be rotatably coupled together about a connecting
assembly joint axis.
The jaws of the first and second clamps can be provided with respective jaw
cavity axes
that are parallel to each other. The clamp joint axes, the connecting assembly
joint axis and
the jaw cavity axes can be parallel to each other. The flexible cable can be
formed from
flexible steel cable. The first and second clamps can be provided with two
clamp halves
which are secured together by a fastener. The elongate insulator can be formed
with an
elongate insulator rod with a series of sheds secured thereto in spaced apart
manner. The
antigalloping device can be a first antigalloping device in an antigalloping
system on the
span of cables. The method further includes securing the first antigalloping
device to upper
and middle cables at a 1/3 span distance, and securing a second antigalloping
device to
middle and lower cables at a 2/3 span distance, for reducing galloping of the
cables. The
upper, middle and lower cables can be positioned in respective upper, middle
and lower
bundles.
[0008] The present invention can also provide a method of reducing
galloping in a
conductor span having upper, middle and lower conductors. A first
antigalloping device
can be secured to the upper and middle conductors at a 1/3 span distance. A
second
antigalloping device can be secured to the middle and lower conductors at a
2/3 span
distance. The first and second antigalloping devices can each include upper
and lower
clamps, each having a respective jaw for clamping to respective upper, middle
and lower
conductors. A connecting assembly can be coupled between the upper and lower
clamps.
The connecting assembly can include an upper elongate insulator attached to a
lower length
of flexible cable. The length of flexible cable can be bent and maneuvered
during
installation. The lower clamp can be rotatably coupled to the connecting
assembly at an
end of the length of flexible cable. The lower clamps of the first and second
antigalloping
devices can be secured to respective middle and lower conductors in an
orientation that is
transverse to the longitudinal axis. In at least one of the first and second
antigalloping
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devices, the elongate insulator and the flexible cable can be straightened
along a
longitudinal axis, and the lower clamp rotated, between the position
transverse to the
longitudinal axis and a position inline with the longitudinal axis with
opposed tension
exerted on the jaws of the upper and lower clamps caused by movement of
associated
conductors away from each other, for twisting respective middle and lower
conductors for
reducing galloping of the conductors.
[0009] In particular embodiments, one of the first and second antigalloping
devices can
be straightened along the longitudinal axis under opposed tension caused by
movement of
associated conductors away from each other and limiting amount of movement of
such
conductors away from each other, and substantially at the same time, flexibly
collapsing the
length of flexible cable of the other antigalloping device under opposed
compression
caused by movement of associated conductors towards each other. The upper,
middle and
lower conductors can be positioned in respective upper, middle and lower
conductor
bundles.
[0010] The present invention can also provide an antigalloping device
including first
and second clamps, each having a respective jaw for clamping to respective
first and
second cables. A connecting assembly can be coupled between the first and
second clamps.
The connecting assembly can include an elongate insulator attached to a
flexible tether.
The flexible tether is capable of being bent and maneuvered during
installation. At least
one of the first and second clamps can be rotatably coupled to the connecting
assembly.
The elongate insulator and the flexible tether are capable of being
straightened along a
longitudinal axis. The at least one of the first and second clamps can be
orientatable in a
position transverse to the longitudinal axis for being rotatable between the
position
transverse to the longitudinal axis and a position inline with the
longitudinal axis, under
opposed tension exerted on the jaws of the first and second clamps, for
twisting at least one
of the first and second cables for reducing galloping.
[0011] In particular embodiments, the flexible tether can be a length of
flexible cable
that can be flexibly collapsible under opposed compression. The flexible cable
can be
flexible steel cable. The first and second clamps can be rotatably coupled to
opposite ends
of the connecting assembly about respective clamp joint axes. The elongate
insulator and
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the flexible cable can be rotatably coupled together about a connecting
assembly joint axis.
The connecting assembly can be coupled in a generally lateral orientation
between laterally
spaced first and second cables.
[0012] In one embodiment, the length of flexible cable can be a first
length of flexible
cable, and the connecting assembly joint axis can be a first connecting
assembly joint axis.
The connecting assembly can further include a second length of flexible cable.
The first
and second lengths of flexible cable can be rotatably coupled to opposite ends
of the
elongate insulator by the first connecting assembly joint axis and by a second
connecting
assembly joint axis, respectively. The first and second clamps can be
rotatably coupled to
respective terminal ends of the first and second lengths of flexible cable.
The connecting
assembly can be coupled in a generally lateral orientation between laterally
spaced first and
second cables.
[0013] In another embodiment, the elongate insulator can be a first
elongate insulator,
and the connecting assembly joint axis can be a first connecting assembly
joint axis. The
connecting assembly can further include a second elongate insulator. The first
and second
elongate insulators can be rotatably coupled to opposite ends of the length of
flexible cable
by the first connecting assembly joint axis and by a second connecting
assembly joint axis,
respectively. The first and second clamps can be rotatably coupled to
respective terminal
ends of the first and second elongate insulators. The connecting assembly can
be coupled
in a generally lateral orientation between laterally spaced first and second
cables.
[0014] In some embodiments, the antigalloping device can be a first
antigalloping
device in an antigalloping system on a span of cables having the first and
second cables,
and a third cable. The first antigalloping device can be secured to two of the
first, second
and third conductors at a 1/3 span distance. The system can further include a
second
antigalloping device for being secured to one of the two cables, and to
another of the first,
second and third cables not previously secured to, at a 2/3 span distance, for
reducing
galloping of the cables.
[0015] In other embodiments, the antigalloping device can be part of an
antigalloping
system on a span of cables and secured to the first and second cables at a 1/3
span distance.
The span of cables can include a third cable. A first spacer device can
include first and
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second spacer clamps rotatably coupled or connected to opposite ends of a
first rigid spacer
rod or member, and can be included in the antigalloping system. The clamps of
the first
spacer device can be clamped to the first cable and to the third cable, at a
1/2 span distance
for reducing galloping of the cables. The antigalloping device can twist the
first cable at
the 1/3 span distance during galloping, and twisting of the first cable can
cause the first
spacer device to twist the third cable at the 1/2 span distance.
[0016] In addition, the span of cables can include first and second twin
bundles laterally
spaced apart from each other. The first twin bundle can include the first and
third cables
laterally spaced apart from each other, and the second twin bundle can include
the second
cable and a fourth cable laterally spaced apart from each other. The
antigalloping device
can be coupled in a generally lateral orientation between the first cable of
the first twin
bundle and the second cable of the second twin bundle. The antigalloping
system can
further include a second spacer device having third and fourth spacer clamps
rotatably
coupled or connected to opposite ends of a second rigid spacer rod or member.
The clamps
of the second spacer device can be clamped to the second and fourth cables of
the second
twin bundle at the 1/2 span distance. The first and second spacer devices can
be coupled in a
generally lateral orientation. The antigalloping device can twist the first
and second cables
at the 1/3 span distance during galloping, which can cause the first and
second spacer
devices to twist respective third and fourth cables of the first and second
twin bundles at the
1/2 span distance.
[0017] The present invention can also provide an antigalloping conductor
span
including first, second and third conductors, each having a span length. A
first
antigalloping device can be secured to two of the first, second and third
conductors at a 1/3
span distance. A second antigalloping device can be secured to one of said two
conductors
and to another of the first, second and third conductors not previously
secured to, at a 2/3
span distance. The first and second antigalloping devices can each include
first and second
clamps, each having a respective jaw for clamping to respective first, second
and third
conductors. A connecting assembly can be coupled between the first and second
clamps.
The connecting assembly can include an elongate insulator attached to a
flexible tether.
The flexible tether can be bent and maneuvered during installation. At least
one of the first
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and second clamps can be rotatably coupled to the connecting assembly. The
elongate
insulator and the flexible tether are capable of straightening along a
longitudinal axis, and
the at least one of the first and second clamps can be orientable in a
position transverse to
the longitudinal axis, for rotating between the position transverse to the
longitudinal axis
and a position inline with the longitudinal axis with opposed tension exerted
on the jaws of
the first and second clamps, for twisting respective conductors for reducing
galloping of the
conductors.
[0018] In particular embodiments, the flexible tether of the first and
second
antigalloping devices can be flexibly collapsible under opposed compression.
During
antigalloping operation, one of the first and second antigalloping devices is
capable of
being straightened along the longitudinal axis under opposed tension, and
substantially at
the same time, the flexible tether of the other antigalloping device is
capable of flexibly
collapsing under opposed compression. The first, second and third conductors
can be
selected conductors in respective first, second and third conductor bundles.
[0019] The present invention can also provide a method of reducing
galloping in a span
of cables including securing an antigalloping device to first and second
cables. The
antigalloping device can have first and second clamps, each with a respective
jaw for
clamping to respective first and second cables. A connecting assembly can be
coupled
between the first and second clamps. The connecting assembly can include an
elongate
insulator attached to a flexible tether. The flexible tether can be bent and
maneuvered
during installation. At least one of the first and second clamps can be
rotatably coupled to
the connecting assembly. The at least one of the first and second clamps can
be oriented in
a position transverse to a longitudinal axis. The elongate insulator and the
flexible tether
can be straightened along the longitudinal axis and the at least one of the
first and second
clamps rotated between the position transverse to the longitudinal axis and a
position inline
with the longitudinal axis, under opposed tension exerted on the jaws of the
first and second
clamps caused by movement of the first and second cables away from each other,
for
twisting at least one of the first and second cables and reducing galloping.
[0020] In particular embodiments, the flexible tether can be a length of
flexible cable.
The method can include alternately limiting amount of movement of the first
and second
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cables away from each other when the elongate insulator and the flexible cable
are
straightened out, and flexibly collapsing the flexible cable under opposed
compression
caused by movement of the first and second cables towards each other. The
flexible cable
can be flexible steel cable. The first and second clamps can be rotatably
coupled to
opposite ends of the connecting assembly about respective clamp joint axes.
The elongate
insulator and the flexible cable can be rotatably coupled together about a
connecting
assembly joint axis. The connecting assembly can be coupled in a generally
lateral
orientation between laterally spaced first and second cables.
[0021] In one embodiment, the length of flexible cable can be a first
length of flexible
cable, and the connecting assembly joint axis can be a first connecting
assembly joint axis.
The connecting assembly can be provided with a second length of flexible
cable. The first
and second lengths of flexible cable can be rotatably coupled to opposite ends
of the
elongate insulator by the first connecting assembly joint axis and by a second
connecting
assembly joint axis, respectively. The first and second clamps can be
rotatably coupled to
respective terminal ends of the first and second lengths of flexible cable.
The connecting
assembly can be coupled in a generally lateral orientation between laterally
spaced first and
second cables.
[0022] In another embodiment, the elongate insulator can be a first
elongate insulator,
and the connecting assembly joint axis can be a first connecting assembly
joint axis. The
connecting assembly can be provided with a second elongate insulator. The
first and
second elongate insulators can be rotatably coupled to opposite ends of the
length of
flexible cable by the first connecting assembly joint axis and by a second
connecting
assembly joint axis, respectively. The first and second clamps can be
rotatably coupled to
respective terminal ends of the first and second elongate insulators. The
connecting
assembly can be coupled in a generally lateral orientation between laterally
spaced first and
second cables.
[0023] In some embodiments, the antigalloping device can be a first
antigalloping
device in an antigalloping system on a span of cables having the first and
second cables,
and a third cable. The first antigalloping device can be secured to two of the
first, second
and third conductors at a 1/3 span distance. A second antigalloping device can
be secured
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to one of the two cables, and to another of the first, second and third cables
not previously
secured to, at a 2/3 span distance, for reducing galloping of the cables.
[0024] In other embodiments, the antigalloping device can be part of an
antigalloping
system on a span of cables, and the span of cables can include a third cable.
The
antigalloping device can be secured to the first and second cables at a 1/3
span distance.
The antigalloping system can be provided with a first spacer device including
first and
second spacer clamps rotatably coupled or connected to opposite ends of a
first rigid spacer
rod or member. The clamps of the first spacer device can be clamped to the
first cable and
to the third cable, at a 1/2 span distance for reducing galloping of the
cables. The
antigalloping device can cause twisting of the first cable at the 1/3 span
distance during
galloping, thereby causing the first spacer device to twist the third cable at
the 1/2 span
distance.
[0025] In addition, the span of cables can include first and second twin
bundles laterally
spaced apart from each other. The first twin bundle can include the first and
third cables
laterally spaced apart from each other, and the second twin bundle can include
the second
cable and a fourth cable laterally spaced apart from each other. The
antigalloping device
can be coupled in a generally lateral orientation between the first cable of
the first twin
bundle and the second cable of the second twin bundle. The antigalloping
system can be
provided with a second spacer device having third and fourth spacer clamps
rotatably
coupled or connected to opposite ends of a second rigid spacer rod or member.
The clamps
of the second spacer device can be clamped to the second and fourth cables of
the second
twin bundle at the 1/2 span distance. The first and second spacer devices can
be coupled in a
generally lateral orientation. Twisting of the first and second cables at the
1/3 span distance
by the antigalloping device during galloping, can cause the first and second
spacer devices
to twist respective third and fourth cables of the first and second twin
bundles at the 1/2 span
distance.
[0026] The present invention can also provide a method of reducing
galloping in a
conductor span having first, second and third conductors. A first
antigalloping device can
be secured to two of the first, second and third conductors at a 1/3 span
distance. A second
antigalloping device can be secured one of the two conductors, and to another
of the first,
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second and third conductors not previously secured to, at a 2/3 span distance.
The first and
second antigalloping devices can each include first and second clamps, each
having a
respective jaw for clamping to respective first, second and third conductors.
A connecting
assembly can be coupled between the first and second clamps. The connecting
assembly
can include an elongate insulator attached to a flexible tether. The flexible
tether can be
bent and maneuvered during installation. At least one of the first and second
clamps can be
rotatably coupled to the connecting assembly. The at least one of the first
and second
clamps of the first and second antigalloping devices can be secured to
respective
conductors in an orientation that is transverse to a longitudinal axis. In at
least one of the
first and second antigalloping devices, the elongate insulator and the
flexible tether can be
straightened along the longitudinal axis, and the at least one of the first
and second clamps
rotated, between the position transverse to the longitudinal axis and a
position inline with
the longitudinal axis with opposed tension exerted on the jaws of the first
and second
clamps caused by movement of associated conductors away from each other, for
twisting
respective conductors for reducing galloping of the conductors.
[0027] In particular embodiments, one of the first and second antigalloping
devices can
be straightened along the longitudinal axis under opposed tension caused by
movement of
associated conductors away from each other and limiting amount of movement of
such
conductors away from each other, and substantially at the same time, flexibly
collapsing the
flexible tether of the other antigalloping device under opposed compression
caused by
movement of associated conductors towards each other. The first, second and
third
conductors can be positioned in respective first, second and third conductor
bundles.
100281 The present invention can also provide an antigalloping device
including first
and second securement fittings for securing to two spaced apart locations. The
first
securement fitting can include a clamp having a jaw for clamping to a
generally laterally
extending electrical conductor. A connecting assembly can be coupled between
the first
and second securement fittings. The connecting assembly can include an
elongate insulator
attached to a flexible tether. The flexible tether can be capable of being
bent and
maneuvered during installation. The clamp can be rotatably coupled to the
connecting
assembly. The elongate insulator and the flexible tether can be capable of
straightening
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along a longitudinal axis. The clamp can be orientatable in a position
transverse to the
longitudinal axis for being rotatable between the position transverse to
longitudinal axis and
a position inline with the longitudinal axis, under opposed tension exerted on
the first and
second securement fittings for twisting the electrical conductor for reducing
galloping.
[0029] In particular embodiments, an anchor member can be included to which
the
second securement fitting can be secured for securing and electrically
grounding the
antigalloping device to the ground. The second securement fitting can include
a ring
member for securing to the anchor member. The flexible tether can include a
length of
flexible cable and can be flexible steel cable. The clamp can be rotatably
coupled to the
connecting assembly about a clamp joint axis. The elongate insulator and the
flexible cable
can be rotatably coupled together about a connecting assembly joint axis. The
antigalloping device can be a first antigalloping device in an antigalloping
system on a span
of generally laterally extending electrical conductors having upper, middle
and lower
electrical conductors. The first antigalloping device can be secured to one of
the middle
and lower conductors at a 1/3 span distance. The system can further include a
second
antigalloping device for being secured to the other of the middle and lower
conductors at a
2/3 span distance, for reducing galloping of the span of conductors. The
upper, middle and
lower electrical conductors can each be a bundle of at least two electrical
conductors. The
first and second antigalloping devices can each be secured to one of the
conductors in
respective bundles of the middle and lower conductors. The span of electrical
conductors
can include a first circuit having bundles of upper, middle and lower
electrical conductors,
and a second circuit laterally spaced apart from the first circuit having
bundles of upper,
middle and lower electrical conductors. The first antigalloping device can
have twin
antigalloping units secured to at least one anchor member and to one conductor
in
respective bundles in both the first and second circuits at the 1/3 span
distance. The second
antigalloping device can have twin antigalloping units secured to the at least
one anchor
member and to one conductor in respective bundles in both the first and second
circuits at
the 2/3 span distance.
[0030] The present invention can also provide an antigalloping electrical
conductor
span including at least one generally laterally extending electrical
conductor. An
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antigalloping system can be included and can have at least one antigalloping
device. The at
least one antigalloping device can include a connecting assembly having an
electrically
insulated portion and a flexible tether. The flexible tether can be capable of
being bent and
maneuvered during installation. A clamp can be rotatably coupled to a first
end of the
connecting assembly and have a jaw clamping to the at least one electrical
conductor. A
securement fitting extending from the second end of the connecting assembly
can be
secured to an anchor member that is secured and electrically grounded to
ground for
anchoring the second end of the connecting assembly to the ground. The
connecting
assembly is capable of straightening along a longitudinal axis under tension.
The clamp
can be orientatable in a position transverse to the longitudinal axis for
being rotatable
between the position transverse to the longitudinal axis and a position inline
with the
longitudinal axis under up/down movement of the at least one electrical
conductor, for
twisting the at least one electrical conductor for reducing galloping.
100311 In particular embodiments, the at least one electrical conductor can
include a
span of upper, middle and lower generally laterally extending electrical
conductors. The at
least one antigalloping device can include a first antigalloping device
secured to one of the
middle and lower conductors at a 1/3 span distance. The system can further
include a
second antigalloping device secured to the other of the middle and lower
conductors at a
2/3 span distance, for reducing galloping in the span of conductors. The
upper, middle and
lower electrical conductors can each be a bundle of at least two electrical
conductors. The
first and second antigalloping devices can each be secured to one of the
conductors in
respective bundles of the middle and lower conductors. The span of electrical
conductors
can include a first circuit having bundles of upper, middle and lower
electrical conductors,
and a second circuit laterally spaced apart from the first circuit having
bundles of upper,
middle and lower electrical conductors. The first antigalloping device can
have twin
antigalloping units secured to at least one anchor member and to one conductor
in
respective bundles in both the first and second circuits at the 1/3 span
distance. The second
antigalloping device can have twin antigalloping units secured to the at least
one anchor
member and to one conductor in respective bundles in both the first and second
circuits at
the 2/3 span distance.
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[0032] The present invention can also provide a method of reducing
galloping in an
electrical conductor span including securing an antigalloping device to a
generally laterally
extending electrical conductor. The antigalloping device can have first and
second
securement fittings for securing to two spaced apart locations. The first
securement fitting
can include a clamp having a jaw for clamping to the electrical conductor. A
connecting
assembly can be coupled between the first and second securement fittings. The
connecting
assembly can include a elongate insulator attached to a flexible tether. The
flexible tether is
capable of being bent and maneuvered during installation. The clamp can be
rotatably
coupled to the connecting assembly. The clamp can be orientated in position
transverse to
a longitudinal axis of the connecting assembly. The elongate insulator and the
flexible
tether can be straightened along the longitudinal axis and rotated between the
position
transverse to the longitudinal axis and a position inline with the
longitudinal axis, under
opposed tension exerted on the first and second securement fittings caused by
movement of
the electrical conductor for twisting the electrical conductor and reducing
galloping.
[0033] In particular embodiments, the second securement fitting can be
secured to an
anchor member for securing and electrically grounding the antigalloping device
to ground.
A ring member can be provided as the second securement fitting for securing to
the anchor
member. A length of flexible cable can be provided as the flexible tether and
can be
flexible steel cable. The clamp can be rotatably coupled to the connecting
assembly about a
clamp joint axis. The elongate insulator and the flexible cable can be
rotatably coupled
together about a connecting assembly joint axis. The antigalloping device can
be a first
antigalloping device in an antigalloping system on a span of generally
laterally extending
electrical conductors having upper, middle and lower electrical conductors.
The first
antigalloping device can be secured to one of the middle and lower conductors
at a 1/3 span
distance. A second antigalloping device of the system can be secured to the
other of the
middle and lower conductors at a 2/3 span distance, for reducing galloping of
the span of
conductors. The upper, middle and lower electrical conductors can each be a
bundle of at
least two electrical conductors. The first and second antigalloping devices
can be secured
to one of the conductors in respective bundles of the middle and lower
conductors. The
span of electrical conductors can include a first circuit having bundles of
upper, middle and
CA 02883415 2015-02-26
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lower electrical conductors, and a second circuit laterally spaced apart from
the first circuit
having bundles of upper, middle and lower electrical conductors. The first
antigalloping
device can be configured with twin antigalloping units secured to at least one
anchor
member and to one conductor in respective bundles in both the first and second
circuits at
the 1/3 span distance. The second antigalloping device can be configured with
twin
antigalloping units secured to the at least one anchor member and to one
conductor in
respective bundles in both the first and second circuits at the 2/3 span
distance.
[0034] The present invention can also provide a method of reducing
galloping in a span
of at least one generally laterally extending electrical conductor. At least
one antigalloping
device of an antigalloping system can be secured to the at least one
electrical conductor.
The at least one antigalloping device can include a connecting assembly having
an
electrically insulated portion and a flexible tether. The flexible tether can
be capable of
being bent and maneuvered during installation. A clamp can be rotatably
coupled to a first
end of the connecting assembly and have a jaw clamped to the at least one
electrical
conductor. A securement fitting can extend from the second end of the
connecting
assembly and secure the second end of the connecting assembly to an anchor
member that
is secured and electrically grounded to ground. The clamp can be oriented in a
position
transverse to a longitudinal axis of the connecting assembly. The connecting
assembly can
be straightened along the longitudinal axis and the clamp can be rotated
between the
position transverse to the longitudinal axis and a position inline with the
longitudinal axis
under up/down movement of the at least one electrical conductor, for twisting
the at least
one electrical conductor for reducing galloping.
[0035] In particular embodiments, the at least one electrical conductor can
include a
span of upper, middle and lower generally laterally extending electrical
conductors. The at
least one antigalloping device can include a first antigalloping device. The
first
antigalloping device can be secured to one of the middle and lower conductors
at a 1/3 span
distance. A second antigalloping device of the system can be secured to the
other of the
middle and lower conductors at a 2/3 band distance, for reducing galloping in
the span of
conductors. The upper, middle and lower electrical conductors can each be a
bundle of at
least two electrical conductors. The first and second antigalloping devices
can be secured
CA 02883415 2015-02-26
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to one of the conductors in respective bundles of the middle and lower
conductors. The
span of electrical conductors can each include a first circuit having bundles
of upper,
middle and lower electrical conductors, and a second circuit laterally spaced
apart from the
first circuit having bundles of upper, middle and lower electrical conductors.
The first
antigalloping device can be configured with twin antigalloping units secured
to at least one
anchor member and to one conductor in respective bundles in both the first and
second
circuits at the 1/3 span distance. The second antigalloping device can be
configured with
twin antigalloping units secured to the at least one anchor member and to one
conductor in
respective bundles in both the first and second circuits at the 2/3 span
distance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular
description
of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings in
which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the
different views. The
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating
embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an antigalloping system or
antigalloping
span in the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a front view of the an embodiment of an antigalloping
device in the
present invention.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a side view of the antigalloping device of FIG. 2.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a side view of the antigalloping device shown in FIG. 3
with the
flexible cable straightened out and the lower clamp secured to a conductor in
a horizontal
orientation.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a side view of the antigalloping device shown in FIG. 4
subjected to
opposed compressive forces.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a side view of the antigalloping device shown in FIG. 4
subjected to
opposed tension forces for rotating or twisting the clamped conductor.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a side view of the antigalloping device shown in FIG. 6
with the lower
clamp rotated in line with the longitudinal axis of the device due to opposed
tension forces.
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[0044] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a conductor with an
aerodynamic ice
structure formed thereon, forming a lifting surface.
[0045] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the conductor of FIG. 8
rotated 90 to
be in a non aerodynamic lifting orientation.
[0046] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of an antigalloping system or
antigalloping
span in the present invention illustrating the upper conductor moving up, the
middle
conductor moving down, and the lower conductor moving up.
[0047] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of an antigalloping system or
antigalloping
span in the present invention illustrating the upper conductor moving down,
the middle
conductor moving up, and the lower conductor moving down.
[0048] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of an antigalloping device in the
present
invention connected to upper and middle bundles of conductors.
[0049] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of an antigalloping device in the
present
invention connected to middle and lower bundles of conductors.
[0050] FIG. 14 is a schematic front view of the device of FIG. 12 connected
to the
upper and middle bundles.
[0051] FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of the device of FIG. 13 connected
to the
middle and lower bundles.
[0052] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of another antigalloping
system or
antigalloping span in the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 17 is a schematic side or end view of the system or span of
FIG. 16.
[0054] FIG. 18 is a perspective drawing of an embodiment of a spacer
device.
[0055] FIG. 19 is a side or end view of another antigalloping system or
antigalloping
span in the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 20 is a schematic side or end view of the system or span of
FIG. 19.
[0057] FIG. 21 is an exploded side view of a portion of an antigalloping
device
depicting an initial clamp attachment position which can be for a lateral or
horizontal
positioned antigalloping device.
[0058] FIG. 22 is a schematic side or end view of another antigalloping
system or
antigalloping span in the present invention.
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[0059] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of the system or span of
FIG. 22.
[0060] FIG. 24 is a side view of an antigalloping device attached to
laterally spaced
conductors or cables and positioned in a lateral or horizontal position with
the clamps
positioned for providing an initial cable twist.
[0061] FIG. 25 is a top view of another antigalloping device in the present
invention
suitable for positioning in a lateral or horizontal orientation with the
clamps being in an
initial clamp attachment position.
[0062] FIG. 26 is a side view of the antigalloping device of FIG. 25
positioned in a
lateral or horizontal orientation with the clamps positioned for providing an
initial
conductor or cable twist.
[0063] FIG. 27 is a side view of another antigalloping device in the
present invention
suitable for positioning in a lateral or horizontal orientation with the
clamps being
positioned for providing an initial conductor or cable twist.
[0064] FIG. 28 is a schematic side or end view of an embodiment of another
antigalloping system or antigalloping span in the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 29 is a schematic front view of the system or span of FIG. 28
including a
side or end view portion.
[0066] FIGs. 30 and 31 are side views of an embodiment of an antigalloping
device in
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0067] A description of example embodiments of the invention follows.
[0068] Referring to Fig. 1, a span of electrical transmission phases,
lines, cables or
conductors 12, between two transmission poles or towers 14, can be for
example, about 700
to 1200 feet long and the distance D between phase conductors 12 can be, for
example,
about 24 to 33 feet. These dimensions can be greater or less, depending upon
the situation
at hand. For a typical span of around 700 to 1200 feet long, an antigalloping
system 9 or
antigalloping conductor span in the present invention can include two
antigalloping, spacer,
or cable twister devices, units or apparatuses 10, for preventing, limiting or
reducing
galloping of the conductors 12. A first, top or upper antigalloping device 10
can be
CA 02883415 2015-02-26
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coupled, connected or secured at the 1/3 span location to and between the
first, top or upper
phase, line, cable or conductor 12a and the second, intermediate or middle
phase, line cable
or conductor 12b, and a second, bottom or lower antigalloping device 10 can be
coupled,
connected or secured at the 2/3 span location to and between the second or
middle
conductor 12b and the third, bottom or lower phase, line, cable or conductor
12c.
[0069] Referring to FIGs. 2 and 3, each antigalloping device 10 can include
two clamps
16 with jaws 20 for securement to the conductors 12. The following provides
some
description for securement in relation to the upper 12a and middle conductors
12b, and it is
understood that securement relative to the middle 12b and lower 12c conductors
is similar.
The first, top or upper clamp 16a can be secured to and clamp the upper
conductor 12a in
fixed relationship thereto, and the second or lower clamp 16b can be secured
to and clamp
the middle conductor 12b in fixed relationship thereto. Each clamp 16 can
include two
opposed clamp halves 18 which can be secured or tightened together by a
fastener
arrangement, such as bolt 22, washer 24 and nut 26, extending through the
clamp halves 18
along a tightening axis 25 that is perpendicular or transverse to the jaw
cavity axis 17 of the
jaws 20 and the longitudinal axes 13 of conductors 12.
[0070] An elongate partially flexible restraining or connecting member or
assembly 15
can be coupled or connected between the two clamps 16. The clamps 16 can be
pivotably
or rotatably coupled or connected to opposite ends of the connecting assembly
15 about
clamp joint axes 28, where a tongue or pivot member or fitting 36 or 34 at the
opposite
ends of the connecting assembly 15 can be rotatably secured in the space or
gap between
two ears or extensions 32 of the clamp halves 18 of each clamp 16, by a bolt,
22, washers
30 and nut 26 positioned along axes 28. The washers 30 can be positioned
between the
tongues 34 and 36, ears 32, bolt 22 and nut 26. The washers 30 can be loose,
and can damp
Aeolian vibration. The axes 28 can be parallel to the longitudinal axes 13 of
the conductors
12, such as axis 13a of conductor 12a and axis 13b of conductor 12b.
[0071] The connecting assembly 15 can be electrically insulative and can
include an
elongate rigid electrical insulator 38 being at an upper portion, attached to
a length of
flexible cable 52, such as steel cable, being at a lower portion, which can be
generally
nonstretchable once straightened out. The insulator 38 can include a rigid
elongate
CA 02883415 2015-02-26
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insulator rod 38a extending along a longitudinal axis X, and a series of sheds
38b spaced
apart thereon. Tongue 36 can be at one end of rod 38a, such as an upper end,
and a clevis
joint member or fitting 40 can be at the other or opposite end, such as a
lower end. The
tongue 36 can be pivotably or rotatably coupled or connected to upper clamp
16a about axis
28 as described above. The cable 52 can be galvanized steel aircraft cable,
and often can be
3/16 to 3/8 inches in diameter. The cable 52 can be rotatably coupled or
connected to the
insulator 38 at the clevis fitting 40. The cable 52 can be secured to a pivot
member 34,
such as a spool, by a helical grip 50 at each opposite end of the cable. One
pivot member
34 secured to a first or upper end of cable 52 can be pivotably or rotatably
coupled or
connected to the clevis fitting 40 in the space or gap between two ears or
extensions 40a, by
a pin or rod 44 along a connecting assembly clevis joint axis 46. Axis 46 can
be parallel to
axes 28, axis 17, and the axes 13 of the conductors 12, axes 13a and 13b.
Washers 30 can
be positioned between these mating components. The other pivot member 34
secured at the
opposite, second or lower end of cable 52 can be pivotably or rotatably
coupled or
connected to lower clamp 16b about axis 28 as described above.
[0072] As seen in FIGs. 2 and 3, typically the antigalloping device 10 is
positioned so
that the insulator 38 is above the cable 52, and the cable 52 hangs
downwardly. The
flexible cable 52 is flexibly bendable which allows the cable 52 to be bent or
coiled in a
compact manner such as for storage, and then uncoiled, bent and maneuvered
from a
hanging orientation or configuration into position for easy installation. In
order to allow
such bending and maneuvering, other than possible coatings or protective
jacketing on the
cable 52, there are no supporting, stiffening or reinforcing members, springs,
tubes or rods,
added to the cable 52 to substantially stiffen or support the cable 52, to
keep it straight or
make it rigid. As a result, the cable 52 is flexibly collapsible when bent, or
when opposed
compression forces in the direction of arrows 54 (FIG. 5) are exerted on or
from the jaws
20 of clamps 16 to the connecting assembly 15, caused by conductors 12 moving
towards
each other in the direction of arrows 54. The insulator 38 can be one that is
commercially
available, and can be in some embodiments, about 12 feet long, so that for
distances D
between conductors 12 ranging from about 24 to 33 feet, the length of flexible
cable 52 can
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be about 12 to 21 feet long. The length of cable 52 can be varied to adjust to
different
distances between the conductors 12.
[0073] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 4, when installing the antigalloping
devices 10 in a
typical conductor span between about 700 to 1200 feet, the first device 10 can
be first
secured to upper conductor 12a at the 1/3 span distance by securing or
clamping the upper
or top clamp 16a to the upper conductor 12a by tightening bolt 22 along axis
25, so that
clamp 16a and its longitudinal axis C is fixed in a substantially vertically
downwardly
hanging orientation generally or substantially inline with the longitudinal
axis X of the
insulator 38 and the hanging straightened connecting assembly 15, that extends
or hangs
downwardly from clamp 16a. The upper clamp 16a can be installed in place by a
worker
on a helicopter, or alternately from a trolley. The flexible cable 52 hanging
below the
insulator 38 of the connecting assembly 15 can be bent and maneuvered easily
into position
and the lower or bottom clamp 16b connected to the lower end of cable 52 can
be secured
or clamped to the middle conductor 12b by tightening bolt 22 along axis 25, so
that clamp
16b and its longitudinal axis C is fixed in a horizontal orientation that is
transverse,
perpendicular, 90 or at a right angle to vertical or the longitudinal axis X.
The flexible
cable 52 can flexibly bend to allow lower clamp 16b to be easily rotated into
the desired
horizontal orientation and then can be pulled to be straight and aligned with
insulator 38
along longitudinal axis X if desired. The lower clamp 16b can be installed by
a worker on
a trolley.
[0074] The second device 10 can be secured at the 2/3 span distance, in a
similar
manner, but in which the upper clamp 16a is fixed or secured to the middle
conductor 12b
in a substantially vertically downwardly hanging orientation generally or
substantially
inline with the longitudinal axis X of the insulator 38 and the connecting
assembly 15, and
the lower clamp 16b can be secured to the lower conductor 12c in a horizontal
orientation
transverse, perpendicular, 90 or at a right angle to vertical or the
longitudinal axis X. The
clamps 16a and 16b of the second antigalloping device 10 can be installed by a
worker on a
trolley. Depending upon the relative positions of the conductors 12, the
longitudinal axis X
of the connecting assemblies 15 and the axis C of the upper clamp 16a can be
positioned
inline with vertical, or at an angle relative to vertical. If desired, in some
embodiments, the
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axis C of the lower clamps 16b can be oriented transverse to the longitudinal
axis X in a
manner that is not horizontal, but at an angle relative to horizontal. By
using a long flexible
cable 52 to form a large or substantial part of the connecting assembly 15,
the antigalloping
devices 10 in the present invention can cost about half the price of existing
devices and also
can be installed more easily, quickly and with less cost than devices in the
prior art.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 5, since the flexible cable 52 is not rigidly
supported,
reinforced or stiffened by additional members, if conductors 12, such as 12a
and 12b, move
towards each other in the direction of arrows 54, such as due to wind, during
galloping, an
opposed compressive force is exerted on antigalloping device 10, via the jaws
20 of clamps
16a and 16b, and can cause the ends of cable 52 to move towards each other in
the direction
of arrows 56, thereby collapsing, bending or buckling cable 52 to compensate
for the
movement of cables 12a and 12b towards each other. In addition, pivoting of
insulator 38
and cable 52 about axes 28 and 46 can also occur. The antigalloping operation
of device 10
does not occur during such movement of conductors 12a and 12b towards each
other. The
flexible nature of cable 52 attached to the middle conductor 12b or lower
conductor 12c
may provide some damping, however, this effect is typically minor and
secondary to the
normal antigalloping operation of system 9 and devices 10 as described below.
[0076] Referring to FIGs. 6 and 7, when conductors 12, such as 12a and 12b,
move
away from each other in the direction of arrows 55, such as due to wind,
during large
amplitude galloping, an opposed tension force in the direction of arrows 55 is
exerted on
antigalloping device 10, via the jaws 20 of clamps 16a and 16b. This can
straighten out or
stretch insulator 38 and cable 52 along longitudinal axis X, and exert an
opposed tension
force on cable 52, as indicated by arrows 57. Once cable 52 is pulled tight
and straightened
out along longitudinal axis X, the cable 52 does not stretch any further. When
cable 52 is
straightened out, large amplitude galloping motion of conductors 12a and 12b
away from
each other in the direction of arrows 55 can be restrained. With upper clamp
16a clamped
to upper conductor 12a with its longitudinal axis C inline with the
longitudinal axis X of
antigalloping device 10, upper clamp 16a usually does not exert any
significant twisting on
upper conductor 12a. Further movement of the upper 12a and middle conductors
12b away
from each other causes device 10 to pull and rotate the lower clamp 16a about
axis 28, and
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with it the clamped middle cable 12b, downwardly in the direction of arrow 58.
If the
movement of conductors 12a and 12b away from each other is large enough, the
lower
clamp 16b and the attached middle cable 12b can be pulled or rotated 900 until
the
longitudinal axis C of lower clamp 16b is inline with the longitudinal axis X
of device 10,
as seen in FIG. 7, where antigalloping device 10 is extended into a fully
straightened
elongate position.
[0077] When ice forms an aerodynamic lifting structure 70 (FIG. 8) on a
conductor 12,
horizontal wind 72 blowing across structure 70 causes upward lift of the
conductor 12 in
the direction of arrow 74. Twisting the conductor 12 (FIG. 9) in the direction
of arrow 58
can make the span of the conductor 12 stable by changing the position or angle
of the
aerodynamic lifting structure 70 up to 90 downward, so that the structure 70
is not in an
aerodynamic wind lifting position or orientation relative to the direction of
the wind 72,
thereby preventing or reducing lift and galloping of the conductor 12. As
little as a 10 and
15 change in angle can reduce enough lift to make the span of the conductor
12 stable.
The amount of rotation of conductor 12b caused by lower clamp 16b can vary
between 0
and 90 , or intermediate angles there between, depending upon the amount of
distance that
conductors 12a and 12b move apart from each other and the position or angle
that the lower
clamp 16b is initially oriented. As previously mentioned, operation of
antigalloping device
between the middle 12b and lower 12c conductors is similar. Consequently,
large
amplitude galloping movement of the conductors 12 away from each other can be
restrained by the length of the antigalloping devices 10 secured and extended
there
between, and aerodynamic lifting of the middle 12b and lower conductors 12c
can be
reduced or prevented by twisting or conductors 12b and 12c.
[0078] Referring to Figs. 10 and 11, the antigalloping system 9 or
antigalloping
conductor span in some embodiments, can reduce or prevent the two typical
modes of
gallop in a conductor span. The first mode is symmetrical about the mid-span,
in the shape
of a 'A sine wave, with maximum displacement at the mid-span. The second mode
is anti-
symmetrical about the mid-span in the shape of a full sine wave with maximum
displacement at the two 1/4 span points. The first and second modes have equal
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displacement at the 1/3 span and 2/3 span points, which is about 86% of the
maximum
displacement.
[0079] In one example, conductors 12 can have a diameter of about 1,162
inches, a
weight of about 1.159 lb/ft, a breaking strength of about 31,900 lbs., a
torsional stiffness of
about 9071 lb.ft2/Rad, a first natural frequency of .3 Hz and a second natural
frequency of
.6 Hz. The length of the span can be 700 ft, with the 1/3 span length or
distance being
about 233 ft., and the 2/3 span length or distance being about 466 ft., a
conductor 12
tension of about 3240 lb., a torque stiffness at the mid-span of about 5.2
ft.lb/Rad, a double
amplitude motion of about 5.2ft, a moment arm of the lower clamps 16b of about
3.5
inches, a maximum axial tension force in direction of arrows 55 of about 50
lb., and a
torque stiffness at the 1/3 span and 2/3 span locations of about 5.7 ft
lb./Rad. The
maximum axial tension force of 50 lb. in the direction of arrows 55 can exert
a torque of
about 15 ft.lb., which exceeds the torque required to rotate the conductors 12
nearly 90 .
[0080] Referring back to FIG. 10 when all three phase conductors 12a, 12b,
and 12c are
galloping in the first mode, at a particular moment when the upper conductor
or phase 12a
is at its maximum upward motion or position 12aU, the middle conductor or
phase 12b can
be at its maximum downward motion or position 12bD, and the lower conductor or
phase
12c can be at its maximum upward motion or position 12cU. In the embodiment
having the
dimensions or properties of the above example, the maximum up-down double
amplitude
motion can be about 6 ft, where the up-down double amplitude motion at the 1/3
space and
2/3 span locations can be about 5.2 feet. As a result, the antigalloping
device 10 secured to
the upper 12a and middle conductors 12b at the 1/3 span location, is subjected
to opposite
tension forces in the direction of arrows 55 due to the movement of conductors
12a and 12b
in opposite directions shown by arrows 55, straightening insulator 38 and
cable 52 along
longitudinal axes X and rotating lower clamp 16b about axis 28 to twist or
rotate middle
conductor 12b, thereby reducing large amplitude motion of conductors 12a and
12b, and
reducing or preventing lifting and galloping of middle conductor 12b. Although
upper
conductor 12a is not twisted by antigalloping device 10, with device 10 being
in tension,
large amplitude motion of upper conductor 12a and middle conductor 12b away
from each
other in the direction of arrows 55 can be restrained by the straightened
device 10 between
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the upper conductor 12a and the middle conductor 12b to reduce or prevent
galloping of the
upper conductor 12a as well as middle conductor 12b. The antigalloping device
10 secured
to the middle 12b and lower 12c conductors at the 2/3 span location is
subjected to opposed
compression forces in the direction of arrows 54 due to the movement of
conductors 12b
and 12c towards each other in the direction of arrows 54, and is under a slack
or collapsed
no load condition, and therefore, generally does not restrict motion of or
twist a conductor
12b or 12c.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 11, after 1/2 cycle of the gallop motion, the
upper conductor
12a is at its maximum downward motion or position 12aD, the middle conductor
12b is at
its maximum upward motion or position 12bU, and the lower conductor 12c is at
its
maximum downward motion or position 12cD. The antigalloping device 10 at the
1/3 span
location is now subjected to opposed compression forces in the direction of
arrows 54 due
to the movement of conductors 12a and 12b towards each other in the direction
of arrows
54, and therefore, generally does not restrict motion of or twist a conductor
12a or 12b. In
addition, the antigalloping device 10 at the 2/3 span location is now
subjected to opposed
tension forces in the direction of arrows 55 due to the movement of conductors
12b and 12c
away from each other in the direction of arrows 55, thereby straightening
insulator 38 and
cable 52 along longitudinal axis X and rotating lower clamp 16b about axis 28
to twist or
rotate lower conductor 12c, thereby reducing large amplitude motion of
conductors 12b and
12c, and reducing or preventing lifting and galloping of lower conductor 12c.
The large
amplitude galloping motion of the middle 12b and lower 12c conductors away
from each
other in the direction of arrows SS can be restrained by the straightened
device 10 secured
between the middle conductor 12b and the lower conductor 12c. The second
gallop mode
can be twice as fast as the first mode, while the maximum amplitudes at the
1/3 span and
2/3 span locations can be the same. Consequently, during galloping, one
antigalloping
device 10 can be under tension and stabilizing the entire span for 1/2 the
cycle of the gallop
motion while the other antigalloping device 10 is under no load or provides no
support, and
then in the other 1/2 of the cycle of the gallop motion, the antigalloping
device 10 that was
previously under tension is now under no load and the other antigalloping
device 10 that
was previously unloaded is now under tension and stabilizing the entire span.
As a result,
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the two antigalloping devices 10 can individually sequentially stabilize
galloping in the
span, each for V2 the cycle of the gallop motion. Each antigalloping device 10
does not
reduce or prevent galloping when opposed compression forces are exerted
thereon, but
sufficient reduction or prevention of galloping can be obtained only when the
antigalloping
devices 10 are subjected to opposed tension, by restricting movement of the
attached cables
or conductors 12 apart from each other, and reducing or preventing lift of the
conductor
attached to the lower clamp 16b. This can create a square wave of the force
waveform, and
these square wave time histories or highly non-linear motion time histories
can be easily
analyzed by fourier series methods by breaking the wave form down into
harmonic
components.
100821 The conductors 12 can act as linear springs to create the opposed
tension in the
antigalloping devices 10. Although the antigalloping system 9 or antigalloping
span is
shown in the drawings to have a device 10 at the 1/3 span on the left between
the upper 12a
and middle 12b conductors, and a device 10 at the 2/3 span at the right
between the middle
12b and lower 12c conductors, in other embodiments, the positions can be
reversed. Also,
the span could be measured from the right-hand side with the 1/3 span being at
the right
and the 2/3 span being at the left, or the span could be viewed while facing
the opposite
side of the span.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 12-15, in other embodiments, the antigalloping
system 9 or
antigalloping span can include bundles of conductors 12, where each phase can
have a
bundle. FIGs. 12 and 14 depict a first, top or upper triple bundle 60
containing 3 first, top
or upper phases, lines, cables or conductors 12a, and a second, intermediate
or middle triple
bundle 62 containing 3 second, intermediate or middle phases, lines, cables or
conductors
12b. The middle bundle 62 and the third, bottom or lower triple bundle 68 of 3
third,
bottom or lower phases, lines, cables or conductors 12c is shown in FIGs. 13
and 15. It is
understood that bundles of 2 conductors or bundles of more than 3 conductors
are also
envisioned. Each bundle 60, 62, and 68, can include bundle spacers, rings,
members or
devices 64 for spacing the conductors 12 in each bundle. Each spacer 64 can be
spaced
apart from each other by a length or distance L, for example in some
embodiments, about
200 ft. The antigalloping devices 10 can be secured to the 1/3 span and 2/3
span locations
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in a span of conductors 12, to upper 12a, middle 12b, and lower 12c
conductors, in the
upper 60, middle 62, and lower 68 bundles. Depending upon the relative
positions of the
conductors 12 and bundles 60, 62 and 68, the longitudinal axes X of the
connecting
assemblies 15 and axes C of the upper clamps 16a can be inline or at an angle
to vertical
[0084] Referring to FIGs. 12 and 14, the upper clamp 16a of the
antigalloping device
at the 1/3 span location can be secured to an upper conductor 12a in the upper
bundle 60
that is at the bottom of the upper bundle 60. The lower clamp 16b can be
secured to a
middle conductor 12b in the middle bundle 62 that is near the top of the
middle bundle 62.
The device 10 can be positioned halfway between two spacers 64, at the 1/2 L
location, for
example, 100 ft when L=200 ft. Consequently, when the antigalloping device 10
at the 1/3
span location is subjected to opposed tension forces by movement of conductors
12a and
12b within bundles 60 and 62 away from each other in the direction of arrows
55, and
straightened out along longitudinal axis X, large amplitude galloping motion
in the upper
conductors 12a of upper bundle 60 and the middle conductors 12b of the middle
bundle 62
away from each other in the direction of arrows 55 can be restrained by the
length of the
antigalloping device 10 secured to and extending therebetween, and the lower
clamp 16b
and with it the clamped middle conductor 12b, can rotate or twist about axis
28 in the
direction of arrow 58 to prevent or reduce aerodynamic lift in a similar
manner as
previously described. Since the middle conductors 12b in the middle bundle 62
are secured
to each other by the spacers 64, the middle bundle 62 can in some cases also
rotate in the
direction of arrow 66. In this manner, aerodynamic lift of the middle
conductors 12b in the
middle bundle 62 can be reduced or prevented.
[0085] Referring to FIGs. 13 and 15, the upper clamp 16a of the
antigalloping device
10 at the 2/3 span location can be secured to a middle conductor 12b in the
middle bundle
62 that is at the bottom of the middle bundle 62. The lower clamp 16b can be
secured to a
lower conductor 12c in the lower bundle 68 that is near the top of the lower
bundle 68. The
device 10 can be positioned halfway between two spacers 64, at the 1/2 L
location. When
the antigalloping device 10 at the 2/3 span location is subjected to opposed
tension forces
by movement of conductors 12b and 12c in the direction of arrows 55 and
straightened out
along longitudinal axis X, large amplitude galloping motion in the middle
conductors 12b
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of the middle bundle 62 and the lower conductors 12c of the lower bundle 68
away from
each other in the direction of arrows 55 can be restrained by the length of
the antigalloping
device 10 secured to and extending therebetween, and the lower clamp 16b and
with it the
clamped lower conductor 12c, can rotate or twist about axis 28 in the
direction of arrow 58
to prevent or reduce aerodynamic lift in a similar manner as previously
described. Since
the lower conductors, 12c in the lower bundle 68 are secured to each other by
the spacers
64, the lower bundle 68 in some cases can also rotate in the direction of
arrow 66. In this
manner, aerodynamic lift of the lower conductors 12c in the lower bundle 68
can be
reduced or prevented. Galloping over the span can be reduced or prevented by
sequential
operation of the two antigalloping devices 10 in a similar manner as
previously described
earlier with respect to FIGs. 10 and 11. In some embodiments, different
conductors 12 or
conductor series in the bundles 60, 62 and 68 can be clamped or connected to
than those
shown.
[0086] In some embodiments, the antigalloping system 9 or antigalloping
conductor
span (single or bundled conductors) can have a span of conductors 12 that is
less than 700
feet long, for example, 500 to 600 feet. In such a case, a single
antigalloping device 10 can
be positioned at the V2 span location (shown in FIG. 1 in phantom) between the
middle 12b
and lower 12c conductors (or middle and lower bundles 62 and 68), which can
sufficiently
reduce gallop. If the span is longer than 1200 feet, for example 1800 feet,
three
antigalloping devices 10 can be used, at the 1/3 span location between the
upper and middle
conductors 12a and 12b (or upper and middle bundles 60 and 62), and at the 1/2
and 2/3 span
locations between the middle and lower conductors 12b and 12c (or middle and
lower
bundles 62 and 68), for example, as seen in FIG. 1.
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, antigalloping system or antigalloping
span 104
can have bundles of lateral or horizontally spaced cables or conductors 12,
and can include
a first, top or upper twin bundle 60 containing 2 first, top or upper phases,
lines, cables or
conductors 12a, a second, intermediate or middle twin bundle 62 containing 2
second,
intermediate or middle phases, lines, cables or conductors 12b, and a third,
bottom or lower
twin bundle 68 of 2 third, bottom or lower phases, lines, cables or conductors
12c. The
conductors 12 in each bundle 60, 62 and 68 can be connected to and spaced by
spacers 64,
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and can be suspended from arms 14a of poles 14. A first, top or upper
antigalloping device
can be coupled, connected or secured at the 1/3 span location to and between
the upper
bundle 60 and the middle bundle 62, and to vertically aligned upper 12a and
middle 12b
conductors, such as on the right side as shown. A second, bottom or lower
antigalloping
device 10 can be coupled, connected or secured at the 2/3 span location to and
between the
middle bundle 62 and the lower bundle 68, and to vertically aligned middle 12b
and lower
12c conductors, on the opposite side of the bundles, such as on the left side
as shown. The
upper clamps 16 or 16a of the antigalloping devices 10 can be hung from
respective
conductors 12a and 12b with a rotationally upward initial position of 90 to
150 from
bottom vertical so that the weight of the antigalloping devices 10 can pull
the upper clamps
16a rotationally downwardly and provide an initial twist on cables 12a and
12b. Upper
clamps 16a and axes C are shown to be positioned about 90 to vertical, or
horizontal and
parallel to the ground. The lower clamps 16 or 16b of antigalloping devices 10
can be
secured to respective conductors 12b and 12c with axes C at 90 to vertical,
or horizontal or
parallel to the ground with or without a pretwist. Galloping in span 104 can
be reduced in a
similar manner as previously described. When the conductors 12 move away from
each
other, and exert an opposed tension force on the antigalloping devices 10, the
conductors 12
can be twisted to reduce lift and galloping caused by ice structures 70. In
addition, with an
initial twist of the upper 12a and middle 12b conductors caused by the weight
of the
antigalloping devices 10, at particular moments of galloping when the
galloping devices 10
are thrown or moved upwards and their weight is not exerted on conductors 12,
12a or 12b,
the conductors 12, 12a or 12b can also be twist back to their natural
untwisted resting
position or angular orientation which can also reduce lift and galloping
caused by ice
structures 70 by moving to a non aerodynamic lifting position. If conductor
12c is
pretwisted, conductor 12c can also twist back to a resting position.
[0088] A spacer device 100 (FIG. 18) having a rigid elongate spacer or
spacing rod or
member 102 rotatably coupled to and between two clamps 16 at opposite ends
about clamp
joint axes 28, can be secured at the 1/2 span location to middle bundle 62
generally laterally
or horizontally between laterally spaced conductors 12b. The clamps 16 of
spacer 100 can
hang vertically downward from conductors 12b and the spacing member 102 can be
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oriented generally horizontally between the clamps 16. The spacer 100 can
connect or
restrain the right and left sides of the span 104 together in a manner that
allows some
movement and rotation of conductors 12b. Twisting of one conductor 12b at
either the 1/3
or 2/3 span locations caused by an antigalloping device 10, can cause the
attached clamp 16
of the spacer device 100 at the V2 span location to rotate with the conductor
12b. Since the
spacing rod 102 is rotatably connected between two clamps 16, the rotation of
the initially
twisted conductor 12b and attached clamp 16 is transferred by the spacing rod
102 to cause
rotation of the other clamp 16 at the opposite end to cause twisting of the
other conductor
12b at the 1/2 span location. Referring to FIG. 18, twisting of one conductor
12 in the
direction of arrows 101 causes rotation of attached clamp 16 in the same
direction 101,
thereby moving or translating spacing rod 102 in the direction of arrows 103,
for example
laterally. This causes rotation of the clamp 16 at the other end of the
spacing rod 102 in the
same direction of arrows 101, thereby causing twisting of the other conductor
12 by the
respective attached clamp 16 in the same direction of arrows 101. The spacer
device 100
can be the same or similar to those shown and described in U.S. Application
No. 13/008,
112, filed 1/18/2011, entitled "Spacer Device," the entire contents of which
is incorporated
by herein reference.
[0089] In one embodiment, span 104 can be 1000 feet long, with the 1/3 span
location
being about 300 feet, the 2/3 span location being about 700 feet and the 1/2
span location
being about 500 feet. The lateral distance between the conductors 12 in the
twin bundles
60, 62 and 68 can be about 18 inches. The vertical distance between the
bundles 60, 62 and
68 can be about 25 feet. The bundle spacers 64 can be positioned within
bundles 60, 62
and 68 at about the 200 and 800 foot locations.
[0090] Referring to FIGs. 19 and 20, antigalloping system or antigalloping
span 106
can have cables or conductors 12 suspended by arms 14 from pole 14, two
laterally spaced
lower conductors 12 on opposite sides of the pole 14, and a third upper
conductor 12
positioned vertically above one of the lower conductors 12, at positions PA,
PB and Pc. A
first antigalloping device 10 can be secured to the conductors 12 at positions
PA and PB
along an inclined angle with a slight catenary curve at the 1/3 span location,
a second
antigalloping device 10 can be second to the conductors 12 at positions PA and
Pc generally
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horizontally with a slight catenary curve at the 2/3 span location, and a
third antigalloping
device 10 can be secured to the conductors 12 at positions PB and Pc generally
vertically at
the 1/2 span location. The clamps 16 of the antigalloping devices 10 can be
secured to the
conductors 12 in a manner such that the weight of the antigalloping devices 10
can exert an
initial twist on the conductors 12 as previously described and as shown.
Conductors 12 that
are laterally spaced apart, either horizontally or at an angle, PB relative to
PA, or Pc relative
to PA, generally do not gallop in unison, so that upward movement of one
lateral conductor
12 relative to the other can cause the conductors 12 to move apart relative to
each other,
rotating the clamps 16, and twisting the conductors 12, and reducing galloping
in similar
manner as previously described. In addition, moments at which the
antigalloping devices
are weightless relative to the conductors 12 can allow the conductors 12 to
twist back to
their normal untwisted rest positions, which can reduce galloping in a similar
manner as
previously described. In one embodiment, positions PA and Pc can be laterally
spaced
about 20 feet apart, and position PB can be vertically about 12-15 feet above
position Pc.
100911 FIG. 21 depicts one end of an antigalloping device 10 being secured
to a
conductor 12 for providing the conductor 12 with an initial or pretwist, where
the
connecting assembly 15 and the antigalloping device 10 can be positioned in a
generally
lateral or horizontal orientation with a slight generally catenary curve. The
clamps 16 at
each end of the connecting assembly 15 can be attached to laterally spaced
apart conductors
12 by first securing the clamps 16 to the conductors 12 with the longitudinal
axes C being
at an angle 0 rotationally upward from bottom vertical, such as 90 , or 150
as shown,
which can depend upon the weight of the antigalloping device 10. The clamps 16
are
typically initially on the inner sides of the conductors 12 that face each
other. Once the
clamps 16 are secured to the conductors 12, the weight of the antigalloping
device 10 can
rotatably pull the clamps 16 downwardly so that the clamps 16 and longitudinal
axes C are
close to or aligned with vertical , thereby forming an initial twist onto the
conductors 12.
100921 Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, antigalloping system or antigalloping
span 108
can have poles 14 with arms 14a on both sides for support two pairs or sets of
first, top or
upper twin bundles 60, 60a and 60b of cables or conductors 12a, second
intermediate or
middle twin bundles 62, 62a and 62b of cables or conductors 12b, and third,
bottom or
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lower twin bundles 68, 68a and 68b of cables or conductors 12c, one on each
side of the
pole 14. Bundles 60a, 62a and 68a can be on one side of the pole 14, and
bundles 60b, 62b
and 68b can be on the other or opposite side. Each bundle pair 60a and 60b,
62a and 62b,
and 68a and 68b, can be laterally coupled, connected or tied together at the
1/3 span
location by an antigalloping device 10 secured to and between respective
adjacent
conductors 12a/12a, 12b/12b, and 12c/12c. The antigalloping devices 10 and the
connecting assembly 15 can extend generally laterally or horizontally between
the
respective cables 12 and can have a slight generally catenary curve. At the
1/2 span location,
each bundle 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 68a and 68b, can include a spacer device 100
secured
generally laterally or horizontally to and between the conductors 12 in their
respective
bundles. As seen in FIGS. 18 and 22-24, the longitudinal axes C of the clamps
16 of
devices 10 and 100 can extend downwardly along a generally vertical
orientation, and can
impart a pretwist on the conductors 12. The antigalloping devices 10 can
reduce or dampen
galloping between pairs of attached bundles 60, 62 and 68, and the spacer
devices 100 can
reduce or dampen galloping between conductors 12 in each bundle. The
installation of the
spacer devices 100 at the 1/2 span point location can provide or allow the
snubbing or
twisting action of the conductors 12 twisted by the antigalloping devices 10
to drive or
rotate the clamps 16 of the spacer devices 100 through large angles when
galloping occurs.
This can, therefore, involve the other conductor 12 or subconductor that the
spacer device
100 is connected to. The other conductor 12 or subconductor in a twin bundle
60, 62 or 68
that is not connected to an antigalloping device 10 can be twisted by the
attached spacer
device 100 in a similar manner as previously discussed. When one conductor 12
or
subconductor in a twin bundle 60, 62 or 68 is twisted by an antigalloping
device 10 at the
1/3 span location, the spacer device 100 (or its clamps 16) at the 1/2 span
location
connecting the twin bundle 60, 62 or 68 together is also twisted or rotated by
the twisting
conductor 12, which then twists the other conductor 12 or subconductor that
the spacer
device 100 is connected to at the 1/2 span location, almost the same amount.
Analysis of the
lateral displacement of the conductors 12 or subconductors can be made easily
once the
tension and the torsional stiffness is known. The effectiveness of the
antigalloping devices
can be nearly doubled with the addition of spacer devices 100 when galloping
occurs,
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since the spacer devices 100 can twist an additional conductor 12. In one
embodiment, the
lateral distance Si between the conductors 12 in a bundle can be about 18
inches, and the
lateral distance S2 between two pairs of bundles can be 20-25 feet. Vertically
oriented
antigalloping devices 10 are not normally required for reducing galloping in
this span, but
can be included if desired.
[0093] With a single antigalloping device 10 per phase secured to and
between bundles
60a/60b, 62a/62b and 68a/68b, in a horizontal plane, there can be no voltage
difference
between the two connected conductors 12 of the phases, but at least a small
insulator 38 can
be included to protect against phase to ground faults. Clamps 16 that are
installed with an
initial angle can cause a twisting of attached conductors 12 or subconductors
with any up-
down gallop.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 24 a laterally or horizontally connected
antigalloping device
with longitudinal axes C of clamps 16 oriented generally vertically can reduce
or
dampen galloping between laterally spaced cables or conductors 12 when the
conductors 12
move up and down relative to each other in the direction of arrows 86. Since
connected
adjacent conductors 12 typically do not gallop in phase, one conductor 12 can
move up or
down relative to the other conductor 12, thereby causing the conductors 12 to
move further
apart from each other. This can straighten the connecting assembly 15 along
longitudinal
axis X and exert an opposed tension 57 on connecting assembly 15 and cable 52,
straightening and rotating the clamps 16 in the direction of arrows 82 in a
manner similar to
devices 10 oriented in a vertical orientation, as previously discussed. If
enough movement
of conductors 12 occurs, the axes C of clamps 16 can be straightened out and
extend along
longitudinal axis X, but often can be between a transverse position and a
position inline
with the longitudinal axis X, including intermediate positions therebetween.
This can rotate
the cables 12 in the direction of arrows 82 and orient any ice structures 70
into
nonaerodynamically lifting positions to reduce lift and galloping, as
previously described.
The clamps 16 can be applied to exert a pretwist on the conductors 12, such as
shown in
FIG. 21, where the weight of the antigalloping device 10 can rotate the clamps
16
rotationally downward in the direction of arrows 84. This can provide a
resilient force in
the direction of arrows 82 which can help rotate the clamps 16 in the
direction of arrows 82.
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In addition, if both conductors 12 happen to gallop upward in unison in the
direction of
arrows 86, at the point when the antigalloping device 10 is weightless
relative conductors
12, the conductors 12 can resiliently twist in the direction of arrows 82 to
reduce galloping.
[0095] Referring to FIGs. 25 and 26, antigalloping device 80 is an
embodiment in the
present invention which differs from antigalloping device 10 in that
connecting assembly
85 can have first and second lengths of flexible cable 52 rotatably coupled to
opposite ends
of an elongate insulator 38. The insulator 38 can have two clevis joint
members or fittings
40 at opposite ends for pivotably or rotatably coupling to respective pivot
members 34
secured to cables 52, along first and second parallel connecting assembly
clevis joint axes
46. Each cable 52 can be secured to the insulator 38 in a similar manner as
previously
described for antigalloping device 10. First and second clamps 16 can be
pivotably or
rotatably coupled to opposite ends of the connecting assembly 85 to respective
terminal
ends of the two cables 52, about respective clamp joint axes 28. Each cable 52
can have a
pivot member or fitting 34 secured thereto, which is rotatably coupled to a
clamp 16 in a
similar manner as previously described for antigalloping device 10. Axes 17,
28 and 46
can be parallel to each other. FIG. 25 depicts antigalloping device 80 when
first laterally
secured between and to two laterally spaced cables or conductors 12 for
providing a
pretwist to the conductors 12. FIG. 26 depicts antigalloping device 80 once
the weight of
the antigalloping device 80 has rotated the clamps 16 downwardly in the
direction of
arrows 84 so that the longitudinal axes C of the clamps 16 are oriented
generally vertically.
The clamps 16 can hang downwardly from the conductors 12 and the connecting
assembly
85 can be oriented generally laterally or horizontally in a slight generally
catenary curve.
Opposed tension 57 exerted on the connecting assembly 85 and cables 52 by
movement of
conductors 12 away from each other can tighten and straighten the cables 52
and insulator
38 along longitudinal axis X. Operation of antigalloping device 80 for
reducing galloping
is similar to that described above with respect to antigalloping device 10, as
well as for
FIG. 24, and can be substituted for antigalloping device 10.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 27, antigalloping device 90 is an embodiment in
the present
invention which differs from antigalloping device 10 in that connecting
assembly 95 can
have first and second elongate insulators 38 pivotably or rotatably coupled to
opposite ends
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of a length of cable 52. Each insulator 38 can have a clevis joint member or
fitting 40 for
pivotably or rotatably coupling to pivot members 34 secured to opposite ends
of the cable
52 along connecting assembly clevis joint axes 46. Each insulator 38 can be
secured to the
cable 52 in a similar manner as previously described for antigalloping in
device 10. First
and second clamps 16 can be pivotably or rotatably coupled to opposite ends of
the
connecting assembly 95 to respective terminal ends of the two insulators 38,
about
respective clamp joint axes 28. Each insulator 38 can have a pivot member or
fitting 36
which is rotatably coupled to a clamp 16 in a similar manner as previously
described for
antigalloping device 10. Axes 17, 28 and 46 can be parallel to each other.
FIG. 27 depicts
antigalloping device 90 after securement to two laterally spaced conductors 12
and the
weight of the antigalloping device 90 has rotated the clamps 16 downwardly in
the
direction of arrows 84 so that the conductors 12 have a pretwist and the
longitudinal axes C
of the clamps 16 are oriented generally vertically. The clamps 16 can hang
vertically from
the conductors 12 and the connecting assembly 95 can be oriented generally
laterally or
horizontally in a slight generally catenary curve. Opposed tension 57 exerted
on the
connecting assembly 95 and cable 52 by movement of conductors 12 away from
each other
can tighten and straighten the cable 52 and insulators 38 along longitudinal
axis X.
Operation of antigalloping device 90 for reducing galloping is similar to that
described
above with respect to antigalloping device 10 and for FIG. 24, and can be
substituted for
antigalloping devices 10 and 80. In one example, if antigalloping device 90 is
used in the
antigalloping system or span 108 seen in FIGs. 22 and 23, insulators 38 can be
located at
each end of the tether cable 52 of antigalloping device 90 and to conductors
12 nearest to
the 1/3 span point location. Graded insulators 38 can be used to eliminate
corona rings.
Clamps 16 can be installed with an initial angle to cause twisting of the
attached conductors
12 or subconductors with any up-down gallop. The insulators 38 in some
embodiments of
the antigalloping devices, can be 3 to 5 feet long. Antigalloping devices 80
and 90 can be
used in vertical, horizontal or inclined orientations, and can replace or
supplement
antigalloping device 10, including in antigalloping systems or spans.
[0097] Referring to FIGs. 28 and 29, antigalloping system or antigalloping
span 110
can have laterally spaced apart first 115a and second 115b circuits, having
respective first,
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top or upper phase twin bundles 60, 60a and 60b of lines, cables, or
conductors 12 and 12a,
second, intermediate or middle phase twin bundles 62, 62a and 62b of lines,
cables or
conductors 12 and 12b, and third, bottom or lower phase twin bundles 68, 68a,
and 68b of
lines, cables or conductors 12 and 12c, which in some embodiments, can be of
similar
arrangement to that seen in FIGs. 22 and 23. The antigalloping span 110 can
include an
antigalloping system, arrangement or assembly 112 that can be simpler and/or
less
expensive than systems that require connections between phases.
[0098] The antigalloping system 112 can include first 112a and second 112b
antigalloping devices secured to the lower 68 and middle 62 bundles of
conductors 12 and
to the ground 118 at respective 1/3 span and 2/3 span distances. The first
antigalloping
device 112a can be a twin antigalloping device having two antigalloping
subassemblies or
units 114 secured to an anchor member 116, which can be a first anchor member
116a, at
the 1/3 span location, and to the two inner or adjacent lower conductors 12c
of the two
lower bundles 68a and 68b of the spaced apart first 115a and second 115b
circuits. The two
antigalloping units 114 of the first antigalloping device 112a can angle
downwardly from
bundles 68a and 68b towards the ground 118 to the center or center line 122,
and towards
each other, for securement to the anchor member 116, such as in a Vee
configuration. The
second antigalloping device 112b can be a twin antigalloping device having two
antigalloping subassemblies or units 114 secured to an anchor member 116,
which can be a
second anchor member 116b, at the 2/3 span location, and to the two inner or
adjacent
middle conductors 12b of the two middle bundles 62a and 62b of the spaced
apart first 115a
and second 115b circuits. The two antigalloping units 114 of the second
antigalloping
device 112b can angle downwardly from bundles 62a and 62b towards the ground
118 to
the center 122, and towards each other, for securement to the anchor member
116, such as
in a Vee configuration. Each anchor member 116 or anchor members 116a and
116b, can
be surrounded by or enclosed within an enclosure 120, such as a wall or fence
to prevent
unauthorized access to the antigalloping system 112 around the anchor member
116 or
anchor members 116a and 116b. The two upper bundles 60a and 60b can remain
free of
connections to antigalloping system 112.
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[0099] Referring to FIGs. 30 and 31, the first antigalloping device 112a is
described,
with the understanding that the second antigalloping device 112b can have
similar
construction. Antigalloping device 112a can have an elongate partially
flexible restraining
or connecting assembly 15 that is similar to the connecting assembly in
antigalloping
device 10, and can include an elongate electrical insulator or portion 38
which can be rigid
and at an upper portion, rotatably attached to a flexible tether or cable 52
about axis 46,
which can be at a lower portion. The cable 52 can be steel cable and can be
generally
unstretchable once straightened out along the longitudinal axis X of the
insulator 38. A
first securement fitting, such as a clamp 16 similar to that in antigalloping
device 10, can be
rotatably secured to one end or the upper end of connecting assembly 15 and
insulator 38,
about axis 28. The clamp 16 can be clamped to a conductor 12, such as an inner
conductor
12c in the bundle 68a of the first circuit 115a, for securing the upper
portion of the
antigalloping device 112a and unit 114 to conductor 12c. The lower portion of
the
connecting assembly 15 and cable 52 can be connected to a second securement
fitting 126,
for securing the lower portion of the connecting assembly 15 and unit 114 to
an anchor
member 116. The securement fitting 126 can have a ring member 126a secured to
the
lower portion of cable 52 on the opposite end of the connecting assembly 15
from clamp
16, and an openable ring member or shackle 126b securing the ring member 126a
to an
anchor attachment point or ring member 130 for securing unit 114 to the anchor
member
116 and to the ground 118. The ring members 126a, 126b and 130 can be shaped,
configured and positioned to allow multi axis movement, including pivoting and
sliding of
the lower portion of connecting assembly 15 relative to the anchor member 116
to adjust to
motions or movement of the unit 114. In some embodiments, the ring member 126a
can be
configured for securing to anchor member 116, and ring member 126b can be
omitted. The
anchor member 116 can be physically secured to, embedded, or buried into the
ground 118,
and can include grounding material or wires 122 electrically connecting the
ring member
130 and/or anchor member 116 to electrical ground 124, for electrically
grounding the
anchor member 116 and the antigalloping device 112a. In some embodiments, the
anchor
member 116 can be a steel grounding pole secured to the ground 118. In other
embodiments, the anchor member 116 can be a concrete pillar or block with
grounding
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material 122 extending into the ground 118. It is understood that securement
fitting 126
can have other suitable configurations and connections to anchor 116 as known
in the art.
[00100] The first antigalloping device 112a can include a second antigalloping
unit 114
of similar construction, that can be secured to an anchor member 116, and to a
conductor
12, such as an inner or adjacent conductor 12c of bundle 68b in the second
circuit 115b, in
a similar manner as described with respect to bundle 68a. The securement
fittings 126 of
the two antigalloping units 114 can be attached to the same ring member 130 of
the anchor
116 adjacent to each other, and form a generally Vee shape configuration
relative to each
other extending upwardly from the anchor member 116.
[00101] The second antigalloping device 112b at the 2/3 span distance can have
a similar
construction as the first antigalloping device 112a, but can have a longer
connecting
assembly 15 and cable 52, and can be secured to the inner conductors 12b in
the middle
bundles 62a and 62b. Although, FIG. 29 shows two anchor members 116a and 116b,
at the
1/3 and 2/3 span locations, in some embodiments, a single anchor member 116
can be
positioned for example at the V2 span location, for attachment to all the
antigalloping units
114 of the first 112a and second 112b antigalloping devices. In other
embodiments, each
antigalloping unit 114 can have its own anchor member 116 which can be
positioned
vertically below the respective attached clamps 16, so that the antigalloping
units 114 can
be generally vertically oriented rather than being angled.
[00102] In operation, when antigalloping span 110 is subjected to wind, the
antigalloping system 112 can prevent or reduce galloping of desired conductors
12 to
prevent damage to the conductors 12 and towers or poles 14. The first
antigalloping device
112a secured to the inner or adjacent lower conductors 12c of the two lower
twin bundles
68a and 68b at the 1/3 span location can prevent or reduce galloping of the
two attached
inner lower conductors 12c. The second antigalloping device 112b secured to
the inner or
adjacent middle conductors 12b of the two middle twin bundles 62a and 62b at
the 2/3 span
location can prevent or reduce galloping of the two attached inner middle
conductors 12b.
In each of the middle 62a and 62b and lower 68a and 68b twin bundles, only one
of the
conductors 12 in a bundle 62 and 68 is secured to the antigalloping devices
112a and 112b.
Reducing or preventing galloping in only one of the two conductors 12 in each
twin bundle
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62 and 68 is sufficient to prevent excessive galloping, clashing and damage of
the middle
12b and lower 12c conductors with each other, with poles 14 and with the
unrestricted
upper conductors 12a of the upper twin bundles 60a and 60b. Refering to FIGs.
29-31,
when an attached conductor 12 of an antigalloping unit 114 gallops up and down
in the
direction of arrows 132, the movement of the conductor 12 alternately
cyclically tightens
the attached clamp 16, and insulator 38 and cable 52 of connecting assembly 15
along
longitudinal axis X under opposed tension indicated by arrows 57, and relaxes
or collapses
the clamp 16 and the connecting assembly 15 when tension 57 is released or
lessened. This
can cyclically rotate the clamp 16 attached to the conductor 12 about axis 28
in the
direction of arrows 134 and 136, between a position where axis C of the clamp
16 is
transverse to longitudinal axis X, and a position inline with longitudinal
axis X, thereby
twisting the attached conductor 12, and reducing aerodynamic lift and
galloping, such as
previously discussed. The pulling and relaxing of the attached clamp 16,
connecting
assembly 15 and antigalloping unit 114 by the conductor 12 is caused by the up
and down
movement of the conductor 12, since the other end of the antigalloping unit
114 is secured
or anchored to the ground 118 by anchor member 116.
[00103] Since there are no structures or conductors above the upper conductors
12a, an
antigalloping device does not need to be secured to the upper twin bundles 60.
As a result,
the upper conductors 12a are allowed to gallop, and their maximum downward
motion is
limited to 40% of sag. By securing an antigalloping device to only one
conductor 12 in
each twin middle 62 and lower 68 bundle and to an anchor member 116 on the
ground 18,
and not securing any antigalloping devices to the upper conductors 12a, a
minimal amount
of antigalloping devices, equipment and components can be employed for
reducing
galloping, for example, as compared with the antigalloping span 108 in FIG.
23. This can
greatly reduce the cost for antigalloping span 110, which can use at least 1/3
less
antigalloping units 114. Further cost is reduced by having the antigalloping
devices 112a
and 112b securing between the conductors 12 and the ground 118, rather than
between
phases or bundles. In one example, for a 345 kV line voltage, an insulator
connected
between two phases in prior systems must be configured to withstand a voltage
difference
of more than 1050 kV, while in the present invention for the same line
voltage, the
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insulators 38 of antigalloping devices 112a and 112b connected between
conductors 12b
and 12c and the ground 118, need only be configured to withstand a voltage
difference of
less than 500 kV, which is a much lower voltage. Consequently, the insulators
38 in
antigalloping system 112 can be about 50% smaller or shorter in length or
size, and in
weight and cost. For voltage differences of over 1000 kV, insulators 15-20 ft.
long may be
required, while an insulator for 500 kV can be about 7 to 10 feet long, and
can provide a
substantial savings in cost. In some embodiments, the difference in length can
be a factor
of about 1.7 smaller. Additional cost savings can be achieved by having only
one clamp
116 for each antigalloping until 114, and corona rings are not required at the
anchor
member 116 location.
[00104] In some embodiments, the anchor member or members 116 can be steel
poles
extending from the ground 118 anywhere from ground level to about 20 ft. high.
The cable
52 in the connecting assembly 15 can be 1/4 inch diameter steel cable, and can
have a length
dependent upon the location of the conductor 12 attached to, and the height
and location of
the associated anchor member 116. In some embodiments, the vertical spacing
between the
upper 60, middle 62 and lower 68 phase bundles can be about 25 feet, and the
lateral
spacing between the laterally adjacent bundles 60, 62, and 68 in the first
115a and second
115b circuits can range from about 27 to 35 feet. The lower bundles 68 can be
above the
ground 118 about __ feet, so that the antigalloping units 114 can be about
feet long
to extend to the lower bundles 68, and about ___________________________ feet
long to extend to the middle bundles
62. Although the antigalloping system 112 is shown connected to the inner or
adjacent
conductors 12 of two adjacent spaced apart twin bundles 62 and 68, securement
can also be
made to one or both outer conductors 12. In addition, the antigalloping system
112 or units
114 can be attached to single conductors or single conductor bundles, or to
bundles
containing more than two conductors, such as in triple bundles. In some
embodiments, if
desired, antigalloping units 114 can be secured to the upper bundles 60,
and/or
antigalloping devices can be conntected between phases. In some embodiments,
antigalloping units 114 can include other suitable connecting assemblies,
which can include
the connecting assemblies 85 and 95 shown in FIGs. 25-27.
CA 02883415 2015-02-26
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1001051 While this invention has been particularly shown and described with
references
to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that
various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from
the scope
of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
[00106] For example, although various dimensions have been provided, it is
apparent
that dimensions and sizes can vary, depending upon the situation at hand. In
some
embodiments that show the upper clamp 16a positioned vertically, the upper
clamp 16a can
be also positioned in a horizontal orientation for twisting conductors at both
ends of device
10. Flexible cable 52 can be replaced with flexible rope, synthetic or natural
materials, or
chain. Although a particular clamp 16 has been shown, other suitable clamps
can be used.
The connecting assembly 15 can be positioned with the insulator 38 at the
bottom and the
flexible cable 52 at the top. In some cases, pivots at axes 28 and/or 46 can
be omitted, and
the flexibility of cable 52 being used to provide the ability for lower clamp
16b to rotate. In
some embodiments, the insulator 38 can have flexibility. If a span contains
more than three
spaced conductors or bundles, additional antigalloping devices can be secured.
The number
and configuration of conductors in a bundle can vary as desired. Although the
present
invention has been shown for electrical transmission spans, in other
embodiments, the
present invention can be used for preventing or reducing galloping in cables
in other fields,
such as cables supporting structures, including towers. In addition,
directional terms,
including terms such as upper, lower, top, bottom, horizontal or vertical have
been used to
describe the antigalloping devices, systems or spans when oriented in place on
a certain
span of cables or conductors, and it is understood that the antigalloping
devices and cables
can be positioned in other orientations. Also, it is understood that
dimensions can vary,
depending upon the situation at hand. The 1/3, V2 and 2/3 span locations or
distances, can
be approximate locations, and do not have to be numerically exact.
