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In order to cope with the rising prices and reduce future costs, solar technology manufacturers and PV system developers have been looking for ways to limit the use of copper in projects. Since PV inverters typically account for 9% of PV system costs and most require a significant amount of copper cables, it is a logical first place to start when trying to engineer a solution. Inverter design and technologies In order to cope with the rising costs many inverter manufacturers are looking at designs that limit the amount of copper used throughout a PV system, which in turn can help to drive down balance of system (BOS) costs for their customers.

Aluminium power cable technology for wind turbines took a giant leap forward today with the introduction of HELUKABEL’s HELUWIND WK POWERLINE ALU. This diesel locomotive (DLO)-like power cable is made of finely-stranded aluminium and is highly flexible, offering customers the performance capabilities of a standard copper cable, but at a fraction of the cost. “Since the POWERLINE ALU is made of aluminium its weight is reduced by nearly 50 percent, it is quicker and easier to install, as well as being less expensive than comparable copper power cables,” says Uwe Schenk, Global Segment Manager – Wind at HELUKABEL. “Given the uncertainty of the PTCs and the need for reducing turbine costs (manufacturing, installation and maintenance), the POWERLINE ALU is our attempt to further the development of the industry in the United States and Canada by making wind turbines more affordable.” 

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Superconductor cables, only recently available for utility applications, uniquely solve these issues. A single distribution voltage superconductor cable can carry amounts of power normally associated with transmission voltage levels, therefore eliminating the need for multiple cables and greatly simplifying placement issues.  Superconductor cables also have a unique dual-personality; under normal conditions they conduct power very efficiently, but during faults they actually limit the amount of current that can flow through them. This eliminates the risk of substation equipment damage from excessively high fault currents when paralleling substations. The installation of superconductor cable-powered bus ties between distribution substations serve as an efficient means to utilize more effectively and fully the existing power delivery infrastructure while simultaneously increasing reliability.

"The Mexico building construction market is an integral part of Alcan Cable's North American growth strategy for our STABILOY® cable products.  The expansion of the distribution warehouse in Mexico City demonstrates Alcan Cable's continued commitment to the Mexican and Latin American markets," said Jack Miller, President, Alcan Cable.At the open house, guests were able to tour the distribution center and meet Alcan Cable de México personnel and members of Alcan Cable's U.S. management team.  The facility features additional inventory capacity, redesigned cutting and packaging equipment, and a training center to host customer educational programs about STABILOY® cables.The company's STABILOY® brand of aluminum alloy cables have become the standard for commercial, institutional and industrial building applications in Mexico.  Alcan Cable de México utilizes a network of electrical distributors to sell its products throughout Mexico.

Prices fell $200 in March, near the same again over April and May and fell below the psychological $2,000 mark in early June to a low around $1,850 per tonne – well below the cost of production for most manufacturers. Already there have been a number of factory shutdowns. But premiums have been rising all year. Tight physical supply has been made tighter by the recent shutdowns, and uncertainty over downstream sales means that physical buying is being done on a hand-to-mouth basis, resulting in occasional buying flurries that push premiums higher still. Premiums in Europe, the USA and Asia are all at record highs, and the consensus view is that they will go higher still.

“Aluminium is a structurally challenged industry, in our view, with significant overcapacity driven by Chinese smelting output,” they said. “[It] is dominated by the smelting stage of the value chain, which has proven to have few barriers to entry, particularly for Chinese production with available coal.” They therefore expect the global aluminium market to stay in surplus in the coming years, as demand growth will be unable to keep up with growing supply.