The bundled conductors can be formed from two or more stranded conductors, bundled together to increase the _________.

The correct answer is option 3.

Bundling of conductors

• Single stranded conductors are used in transmission system usually up to 220 KV. But it is not possible to use single-stranded conductor for the voltage above 220 KV systems.
• For very high voltage system, hollow conductor can be used to optimize the flow of current through it. But erection and maintenance of hollow conductors in the HV system are not economical.
• The problem can be solved by using bundled conductors instead of hollow conductor in the electrical transmission system above 220 KV voltage level.
• Bundled conductors are those conductors which form from two or more stranded conductors, bundled together to get more current carrying capacity.

​Advantages of Bundled Conductors

• Bundling of conductors leads to reduction in line inductance. By reducing the inductance, power transfer capability of transmission line increases.
• The capacitance of the line increases. Now by decreasing inductance and increasing capacitance, the surge impedance loading of the line also increases.
• Bundling of conductors reduces corona loss.
• As the bundled conductors have more effective surface area exposed to air, it has better and efficient cooling and hence better performance compared to a single conductor.