On the performance of spacer dampers in bundled conductors

In bundled conductors of overhead transmission lines spacers are used to maintain the distance between the individual conductor cables. These spacers are often provided with elastic and damping properties with the intent to damp out the mechanical vibrations due to vortex shedding in the frequency range between 10 Hz and 60 Hz. The present paper deals with a simple mechanical model of spacer dampers, which permits the study of the influence of different mechanical parameters on their damping performance. The dynamical characteristics of industrial spacer dampers determined in laboratory experiments can thus be compared to the values which are optimal from the vibrations damping point of view.