Abstract: An apparatus includes a strength member including a core formed of a composite material, and having a first glass transition or melting temperature. An encapsulation layer is disposed around the core. An optical fiber assembly is disposed in the core and includes a fiber core and a fiber encapsulation layer disposed therearound that has a second glass transition or melting temperature that is greater than the first glass transition or melting temperature. A conductor layer is disposed around the strength member. A coupler may be coupled to an axial end of the apparatus. The coupler may define an aperture through a wall thereof and a portion of the optical fiber assembly is routed therethrough. A system may include a control unit configured to receive a sensing signal from the fiber assembly and transmit the signal or determine a value of the operating parameter and transmit the value to the receiver.

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.