Abstract: An apparatus comprises a strength member including a core formed of a composite material. A plurality of conductive elements are included in the composite material causing the core to be conductive. The strength member may optionally, also include an encapsulation layer disposed around the core. A conductor layer is disposed around the strength member. The plurality of conductive elements may include at least one of conductive fibers, conductive filaments, or conductive tows. The plurality of conductive fibers, conductive filaments, or conductive tows may include at least one of carbon nanotubes or graphene.

Abstract: A method includes providing an earth wire including a core formed of a composite material, and an encapsulation layer disposed around the core. The encapsulation layer includes a conducive material and may be optionally pretensioned. The earth wire is hung between a first pole and a second pole. A suspension member may be coupled to the earth wire, and a set of conductors may be coupled to the suspension member such that a weight of the set of conductors is supported by the earth wire. A strength to weight ratio of the earth wire may be in a range of about 70 to about 500.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a strength member including a core formed of a composite material, and an encapsulation layer disposed around the core. A conductor layer is disposed around the strength member. A coating is disposed on the conductor layer. The coating is formulated to have a solar absorptivity of less than 0.5 at a wavelength of less than 2.5 microns, and a radiative emissivity of greater than 0.5 at a wavelength in a range of 2.5 microns to 15 microns, at an operating temperature in a range of 60 degrees Celsius to 250 degrees Celsius. The coating may have an erosion resistance that is at least 5% greater than an erosion resistance of aluminum or aluminum alloys.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a strength member including a core formed of a composite material, and an encapsulation layer disposed around the core. A conductor layer is disposed around the strength member. A coating is disposed on the conductor layer. The coating is formulated to have a solar absorptivity of less than 0.5 at a wavelength of less than 2.5 microns, and a radiative emissivity of greater than 0.5 at a wavelength in a range of 2.5 microns to 15 microns, at an operating temperature in a range of 60 degrees Celsius to 250 degrees Celsius. The coating may have an erosion resistance that is at least 5% greater than an erosion resistance of aluminum or aluminum alloys.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a strength member including a core formed of a composite material, and an encapsulation layer disposed around the core. A conductor layer is disposed around the strength member. A coating is disposed on the conductor layer. The coating is formulated to have a solar absorptivity of less than 0.5 at a wavelength of less than 2.5 microns, and a radiative emissivity of greater than 0.5 at a wavelength in a range of 2.5 microns to 15 microns, at an operating temperature in a range of 60 degrees Celsius to 250 degrees Celsius. The coating may have an erosion resistance that is at least 5% greater than an erosion resistance of aluminum or aluminum alloys.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a strength member including a core formed of a composite material, and an encapsulation layer disposed around the core. A conductor layer is disposed around the strength member. A coating is disposed on the conductor layer. The coating is formulated to have a solar absorptivity of less than 0.5 at a wavelength of less than 2.5 microns, and a radiative emissivity of greater than 0.5 at a wavelength in a range of 2.5 microns to 15 microns, at an operating temperature in a range of 60 degrees Celsius to 250 degrees Celsius. The coating may have an erosion resistance that is at least 5% greater than an erosion resistance of aluminum or aluminum alloys.