Hanson UK launch Powercrete
New heat-conducting concrete provides more power in high-voltage underground cables
HANSON UK are launching a new high-performance concrete ideal for use by the power sector at this week’s Ecobuild event taking place at ExCeL London from 7–9 March.
Powercrete, developed by Hanson’s parent company HeidelbergCement in Europe, is a heat-conducting concrete that helps to dissipate the heat generated by high-voltage and ultra-high-voltage electrical cables.
Offering the same ease of placement as normal concrete, the product’s high thermal conductivity means it can be used as a bedding and infill material for underground cabling, helping to minimize transmission loss.
According to Hanson, Powercrete is the only product of its type available in the UK and its first application was at Iver, in Buckinghamshire, where 217 cubic metres were used to encase the 175kV cables that send power to Heathrow airport.
Concrete technical sales manager Jasen Gauld said: ‘Power cables are increasingly being run underground, generating energy savings and reducing the visual and environmental impact created by pylons. However, heat generation can be an issue with underground cable runs: as the cable temperature rises, so does the resistance, increasing transmission loss.
‘Using Powercrete allows you to increase power capacity, reduce conductor cross-sectioning or switch to aluminium conductors. It also serves to reduce magnetic field strength for alternating current and mitigate hotspots.’
Hanson say Powercrete is a sustainable and long-lasting solution and mixes can incorporate their Regen (ground granulated blast-furnace slag) product as a cement substitute to further improve the concrete’s sustainability credentials.
The consistency of Powercrete can be adjusted to suit the application and Hanson’s cement and concrete specialists will work with clients and specifiers to maximize the performance of the mix − an approach currently being taken at Hornsea Project One, the world’s first gigawatt offshore wind farm.
