Reasons Why European Countries Avoid Using Aluminum Alloy Cables

Aluminum alloy conductors, explored as an alternative conductor material in the 1960s and 1970s due to the rising cost of copper, have various series serving as conductors. The AA1000 series, pure aluminum, AA6000, and AA8000 series conductors are the main types. The AA1000 series is primarily used in high-voltage overhead lines, AA6000 Al-Mg-Si series is used in high-voltage overhead lines and aluminum busbars, both with a solid conductor, mainly connected by welding. The AA8000 Al-Mg-Cu-Fe series is a soft aluminum alloy used in distribution circuits.

In North America, the AA8000 Al-Mg-Cu-Fe series is only applied in low-voltage distribution networks, while in Europe, it is not widely used. European countries predominantly opt for copper core cables and pure aluminum cables, and several reasons contribute to this choice:

1. 1.Electrical Performance Comparison between Copper Core and Aluminum Alloy Cables: Aluminum and copper differ significantly in electrical and mechanical performance. Aluminum alloy conductors, despite being close to pure aluminum in conductivity and resistivity, require an increased cross-section by 1.6 times compared to copper cables to achieve similar electrical performance. Therefore, the lack of substantial improvement over pure aluminum is a primary reason why European countries do not choose aluminum alloy cables.

2. 2.Energy Consumption Comparison between Copper Core and Aluminum Alloy Cables: Extensive research by G.P. Hammond and C.I. Jones from the University of Bath compares the energy consumption of different materials used in the grid during production and usage. Aluminum's energy consumption is approximately three times that of copper. The higher energy consumption of aluminum and aluminum alloy cables during production and usage is a deterrent.

3. 3.Carbon Footprint and Environmental Impact of Aluminum Alloy Cables: According to the University of Bath's research on the carbon dioxide emissions of different materials used in the grid, aluminum's emissions are twice that of copper. Additionally, from a lifecycle perspective, Wim Boone from the Netherlands and Arnav Kacker from Germany highlight that the environmental impact (acidification potential) of aluminum alloy cables is higher than that of copper cables.

4. 4.Overall Lifecycle Costs: While aluminum's price is significantly lower than copper, providing a cost advantage and profit margin for aluminum alloy cables, European countries have conducted comprehensive studies comparing the overall lifecycle costs of aluminum alloy cables and copper cables. The conclusion is that aluminum alloy cables do not have a clear advantage over copper cables in terms of overall lifecycle costs.

In conclusion, European countries avoid adopting the technology of aluminum alloy cables due to thorough research and deliberation on the electrical performance, energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, environmental impact, and overall lifecycle costs of copper core cables and aluminum alloy cables. The consensus is that aluminum alloy cables are not suitable for European countries.