Analyses of the overhead-line cable stringing and sagging on hilly terrain with an absolute nodal coordinate formulation

The method of absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is used to solve the problem of determining the cable sags and the forces during the cable stringing and sagging process for overhead lines. The problem of calculating the sagging tables due to the temporary supporting cable sheave deflection during the construction phase is emphasized on hilly terrain. Two different models for the contact point between the cable and the sheave are analyzed. The most important advantage of this newly proposed approach is that it opens up the possibilities for analyzing more complex overhead-line structures that are a consequence of the line compaction, e.g., using unconventional insulating applications. The paper describes the basic steps of an ANCF algorithm to solve the presented problem. It also provides numerical examples in order to verify the ANCF method by comparing it with the results of other known approaches based on catenary equations.