Photo: ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images
A worker at Lianyungang Zhongfu Lianzhong Composites Group Co. monitors the production of aluminum conductor composite core wire. The composite core is lighter than the aluminum that surrounds it but is stronger than steel. The resulting electric transmission lines carry more current than all-aluminum cables and are less likely to sag when overheated.











If you are viewing this page with an iPad or iPhone, click here to launch the slideshow:
Willie Jones
Willie Jones is an associate editor at IEEE Spectrum. In addition to editing and planning daily coverage, he manages several of Spectrum's newsletters and contributes regularly to the monthly Big Picture section that appears in the print edition.
The Conversation (0)